Mr Andrej Salibi explains Rhinoplasty (or nose job, nose reshaping)
This month we discuss rhinoplasty with Mr Andrej Salibi, a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Kat & Co.
Mr Salibi has a special interest in breast aesthetic surgery and body-contouring techniques. His other interests include prominent ear correction, rhinoplasty and surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
We asked Mr Salibi to share his advice on rhinoplasty including the different types available to patients.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes. This procedure is not always cosmetic. It can also be commonly performed for congenital defects, nose trauma as well as breathing problems. The nose can be reshaped by altering the bone and cartilage to create an aesthetic, functional and proportional nose.
What to expect during Rhinoplasty Consultation?
Your consultation will include the following:
Discuss your aims and expectations
Questions about your general health and past medical history
Clinical examination of the inside of the nose and a number of measurements
Clinical photography
Discuss what can be achieved with surgery. Sometimes digital simulation is used to simulate potential results.
What to expect after surgery and recovery
Types of rhinoplasty
Surgical
Open approach:
An open rhinoplasty involves a small cut(s) made to the outside of the nose, usually at the end of the nasal septum and inside the nostrils.
Advantages
Better visualisation of the nasal structures
Greater precision in the reshaping of the cartilages
Better control for difficult cases
Potentially lower rate of revision (i.e. late corrective surgery)
Disadvantages
Visible scar: in the vast majority of patients this is not an issue
Closed approach: A closed rhinoplasty involves surgical cuts that are entirely inside the nostril and the nasal septum.
Advantages
No scar on the outside
Gives enough access to reshaping the bony part of the nose if this is the only issue.
Disadvantages
Less precision in reshaping the tip of the nose
Less control in difficult cases
Higher rate of revision surgery
Alar base reduction (reduction of tip base)
Sometimes the nostrils are too wide, and they need to be narrowed to bring the nasal tip to harmony. This will mean two additional small scars on either side of the nostrils€™ bases near the cheek skin. This is an additional procedure that can be done at the same time as a surgical rhinoplasty (either open or closed approaches).
Non-Surgical
Liquid Rhinoplasty: This is achieved by using filler injections.
Advantages
No anaesthetic required
Can be done in a clinic room
Immediate transformation of shape with minimal or no swelling
No downtime
Reversible if the shape is not satisfactory
Could be done before surgical rhinoplasty if the patient is not sure about the shape they desire.
Disadvantages
It is limited to correcting humps, tip projection/droopiness and some asymmetries of the back of the nose.
Not a permanent solution and top-ups may be required after 12 months.
High risk of vascular occlusion which may require emergency treatment to prevent skin necrosis (injury to the skin)
