You want a nose job but want it to look natural. Here’s what to know
Q. I want to do my nose. Can I have part of my nose remain natural and change things I don’t like?
A. It is possible to get the results you want. Many of the people who’ve had rhinoplasties have been able to retain much of their natural looks.
Rhinoplasty can be done in two techniques: Open and closed. The open rhinoplasty is used to do significant work on the tip and reconstruct the nose. An open rhinoplasty has an external incision in the medial columella, which is the skin just below the tip of your nose. The skin is then elevated over the cartilage.
The open technique is best used when people want a significant change in their tip, need reconstruction after primary rhinoplasty or need significant reconstruction from trauma. In most cases when patients have complete changes of their nose, it’s because they have had a significant amount of cartilage grafting and/or tip work during an open rhinoplasty.
When you consult with doctors, ask them what technique they use and what is the expectation that the tip of the nose will change dramatically. Often, because a significant amount of grafting material is placed on the normal structure, the nose appears to be bigger.
The closed rhinoplasty is when all the incisions are made inside the nose. The nasal tip position can be raised but the change is not so obvious as in the open rhinoplasty operation.
A surgeon should be able to perform both techniques, although there are many excellent rhinoplasty surgeons who perform only one technique. You should pick a board-certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery.
In addition you should look at before and after pictures so your physician will match up to your aesthetic wishes. It would be helpful if your surgeon has an imaging program to show you what they might be able do for you. The single most important part of your consult should be communicating your wishes and seeing whether your physician can perform what you want.
Dr. Carlos Wolf is a partner in Miami Plastic Surgery and is board certified. Email questions to him at Cwolf@miamiplasticsurgery.com
This story was originally published March 2, 2023 at 2:07 PM.