Finesse Rhinoplasty

There are two major procedures for nose surgery and a host of techniques within these procedures. This gives the surgeon the ability to contour the right shaped nose for each individual face. The two major procedures are open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty

With the open technique most incisions are made inside the nose. However one is made across the cartilage that separates the nostrils - the columella. The skin is then lifted over the nose to allow the cartilage structure of the nose to be revealed. Dr Hodgkinson tries to avoid this technique as he feels it requires a little more surgery time and can produce more swelling post-operatively. A visible scar may also result. However he said: “If it’s a very complicated procedure then it’s necessary to use the open procedure.”

Closed Rhinoplasty

The closed technique consists of all incisions being made inside the nose. The cartilage is then able to be shaped. With this technique there are no visible scars and less swelling during the recovery.

Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson explains that rhinoplasty is not about just nose reduction but achieving the most suitable shape. This may mean building, refining, narrowing, shortening, or lengthening. He said there is no one nose that suits every face and an understanding of facial balance is vital. “You have to understand every racial mix and what kind of result they are looking for,” said Dr Hodgkinson. “I get them to bring in photos of what they like and then see what is attainable.”

Most people opt for a narrowing in some way. However the tip is where the final finesse of rhinoplasty comes into play. If the tip needs to be changed this may require rebuilding with cartilage taken from other areas such as the ears. “It’s not just taking bits and pieces away; finesse means stylising small tissues inside the nose,” explained Dr Hodgkinson.

It is up to the surgeon to utilise the best technique to gain the desired result. Rhinoplasty can look natural and add an aesthetic balance to the face if performed by the right hands.