PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Sorry, nose simple answers
Posted on Tue, May. 13, 2008
By DR. CARLOS WOLF
Q: What exactly is septo-rhinoplasty?
A: We often hear medical terms and never really know what they are. Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the external part of the nose. It may be a closed or open rhinoplasty.
A closed approach means all the incisions are made inside the nose. This approach is used for patients who need minimal tip work and do not require cartilage grafts, which can still be done using the closed technique.
An open rhinoplasty is an approach where an incision is made under the tip of the nose, which exposes the cartilage so that more tip work can be done and symmetry can be achieved. This technique is often used for revision surgeries, noses that have thick skin or by surgeons who feel comfortable with the procedure. The use of either procedure does not indicate the experience of a nasal surgeon. The approach is merely a tool to do an operation.
A septoplasty is an operation to correct a deviated septum that is obstructing breathing. Ergo, a septo-rhinoplasty is an operation that corrects both the internal and external part of the nose. This operation is often done in patients who not only want a better-looking nose, but also one that works. And you thought you were going to get a simple answer!
Dr. Carlos Wolf is a board certified facial plastic surgeon practicing in Miami. E-mail:
carloswolfmd@aol.com.
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