The Anatomy of the Nose for Rhinoplasties
If you’re unhappy with the aesthetics or function of your nose, you’re not alone. Nose recontouring and rhinoplasties are some of the topmost requested cosmetic plastic procedures. A well-performed rhinoplasty has the potential to dramatically improve the facial balance that an aesthetically pleasing nose provides. Board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar has successfully performed numerous rhinoplasties and continues to help new patients attain their desired results every day.
The nose is a very intricate facial feature that helps maintain an individual’s facial harmony while functioning as an important vessel for healthy breathing. Every patient will have a different shaped nose, requiring different techniques and skills to achieve the desired results. For this reason, we want to stress that patients should always choose an extremely experienced board-certified plastic surgeon with an eye for aesthetics and a strong successful history of performing numerous rhinoplasties. While many patients are simply interested in the outward appearance of their noses, the procedure does involve delicate techniques to ensure the best results possible and to ensure the functionality of the nose is kept intact and won’t require further revisions.
Your plastic surgeon must understand the anatomy of the nose and all its variables to guarantee the best and most realistic results possible. Many factors come into play during surgery which will require tailored techniques. On the surface (or exterior) of the nose, are the radix, dorsum, and columella. These important features start from the top of the nose (between your eyes), down to the column right below the nostrils. Below the skin’s surface, your surgeon will need to access your cartilage which is responsible for your nose’s outward appearance.
Generally speaking, the nose can be analyzed in sections starting with the nose’s bones, followed by cartilage as you move lower. Your nasal bones are delicate and can be skimmed for a more delicate structure. These bones give the nose a defined shape and projection. Your nasal cartilage is soft and malleable, allowing your nostrils to take in air and hold their shape. The cartilage can also be recontoured for a nose tip requiring a slightly different shape.
Many of our patients opt for a rhinoplasty to correct their nose tip. Some of these problems include having a boxy or droopy tip, and a tip that over-or under-projects. Other patients complain of functional issues leading to breathing problems and require special attention to the nose’s underlying structures as well as aesthetics. It is very common for patients to come in with obstructed nasal airways, a deviated septum, or other malfunctions.
For these reasons and countless others, patients choose to have a rhinoplasty performed. In this article we’ve touched upon some major aspects of the nose, however, we’d like to stress that the degree of success achieved from your rhinoplasty will certainly rely on the skill and artistry of your board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Adibfar’s extensive knowledge and experience — as well as his keen eye for detail and advanced techniques — will be able to best guide you in the right direction to assure the best possible results for you on your rhinoplasty journey.
If you have any questions regarding rhinoplasties or your unique circumstances, please feel free to call us as we would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.
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