History is full of famous people that either adored their noses or abhorred their noses. Early silver screen star, John Barrymore was worshiped for his prominent profile. Nefertiti on the other hand tweaked her nose for posterity.
There is a great deal of attention focused on the nose and rightly so. This small organ makes a big impact on a face. It is the most noticeable feature from a frontal view and a side view. While many people are comfortable with their noses, many people are not. For people who would prefer a smaller, upturned or aquiline nose with a narrow tip, there is help. In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon you can change the shape of your nose.
A cosmetic nose job is often referred to as a cosmetic rhinoplasty. When the underlying structure of the nose is being repaired it is referred to as a functional rhinoplasty. Of course, well-trained surgeons often consider the aesthetics and the function of the nose regardless of whether they’re performing cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty.
The Truth About Your Nose
While people may have noses with similar shapes, no two noses are alike. People often bring pictures to Dr. Sajjadian to illustrate the type of nose they would like. Although this is helpful for Dr. Sajjadian to gain insight into what kind of nose appeals to you, it is not possible to replicate someone else’s nose 100%. There are differences in skin types and the underlying structure of the nose. Even if plastic surgeons could create a perfect nose template it would still look different on our patients due to their unique bone structure, face shape, and eye color. Therefore, patients should have reasonable expectations.
Fix My Nose!
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sajjadian often hears, “I want to fix my nose,” quite a bit from his patients. Of course, it is his great privilege to assist patients on their journey to looking good and discovering the confidence that comes from an improved appearance. It is important for his patients to understand what can be corrected with a rhinoplasty. He takes the time to ensure patients understand that much of the outcome depends on how their skin drapes and their underlying bone structure.
If you are interested in other facial procedures such as a face or brow lift, these two can be performed together with a rhinoplasty.
Candidate for Rhinoplasty
Before recommending rhinoplasty to patients, Dr. Sajjadian checks that the patient meets the qualifications for the procedure:
- In relatively good health, no major untreated diseases
- Wants to refine the shape of their nose
- Has realistic expectations for what a rhinoplasty can do
- Has a support network that can help them after surgery
What Can a Rhinoplasty Fix?
The Dorsal Hump
A dorsal hump sits on the bridge of the nose and once it is removed there is a dramatic change in the appearance of the nose. There are several ways to remove a dorsal hump. If the hump is small, it may be removed through rasping and shaving. If the hump is larger, an osteotomy may be the method of choice. An osteotomy involves gently breaking the nose. Large humps may require spreader grafts to prevent any obstruction of breathing. A small hump may be removed through a closed rhinoplasty, meaning no incisions will be made on the outside of the nose. An open rhinoplasty involves a small incision at the base of the nose called the columella.
Tip of Your Nose
Some people are displeased with the tip of their nose. It may lack definition, droop or have a boxy shape. These issues can be repaired for a more proportional appearance.
A hanging columella is an issue for some people. The columella is the link of skin that splits the nostrils at the base of the nose. At the most, the columella should measure 4mm. A hanging columella can be caused by an overly long septum, which also can be corrected.
Some people present with a bulbous nose caused by rosacea. This condition is called rhiophyma and mostly affects 50-70-year-old men. It is an inflammatory disease and can be treated with medication, lasers, cryotherapy, or surgery. A bulbous nose looks ill-formed and has a round, bulky tip. A classical has a triangular shape. A bulbous nose occurs when the dorsal cartilage is excessively wide. Your plastic surgeon can fix this by bringing the cartilage closer together.
A ptotic tip occurs when the tip of the nose droops. This is most obvious from a side view. Again, your plastic surgeon can repair the tip allowing it to elegantly project in proportion with your upper lip and chin. Your plastic surgeon can also assist you if the tip of your nose is too long or too short. The nasal tip’s projection should be approximately 60% of the nasal length. To augment the nose your surgeon will select the correct material to lengthen the nose. Surgical techniques such as shaving down cartilage will be used to shorten the tip to position it correctly.
A boxy tip or trapezoid differs from a bulbous tip in that it is more of a rectangular shape. In a boxy nose, the lower lateral cartilage is wider apart. Your plastic surgeon will carefully and conservatively trim the cartilage to fix this.
The Nostrils
As we have discussed before, nearly every area of the nose can be corrected. Flared nostrils can be fixed by delicately removing tissue. If Dr. Sajjadian needs to excise tissue from the nostrils, he will make an incision where the nostrils meet the cheek. Any scarring that comes from this incision should be hidden nicely. In less severe cases, sutures can be placed to pull the nostrils closer to midline. On the flip side, narrow nostrils can be widened by placing a straight strut that can be rotated.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty – The Scoop
Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate options. Your plastic surgeon will create a diagram of your new nose so you can get an idea of what you will look like. You may think you just need your dorsum corrected, but you may want to narrow your nostrils as well. A skilled, experience plastic surgeon is the key to a successful surgery. Dr. Ali Sajjadian is a triple board-certified surgeon that can help you decide what path to take.
Dr. Sajjadian is also known for his ethnic rhinoplasty, a specific rhinoplasty procedure that refines the nose. Dr. Sajjadian knows that there is no one nose that’s considered beautiful, but that there are certain characteristics within each ethnic group that patients would like to preserve. It takes great skill to perform rhinoplasty with that level of detail and with so many considerations, so many patients seek rhinoplasty specialists to ensure their rhinoplasty is tailored to their heritage.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Other common procedures include ethnic rhinoplasty. The world is composed of many types of people with many distinct features. An ethnic rhinoplasty comes into play when someone wants to improve the appearance of their nose while maintaining their ethnic heritage. A skilled surgeon is required to perform this procedure as certain skin types have the propensity to scar. The angle of the nose can also be repositioned for a more pleasing appearance.
Obstruction – Functional Rhinoplasty
So many times, we have seen celebrities on the red carpet sporting a nose that looks quite different from the one they had just a few weeks ago. Speculation about surgical intervention is met with the disclaimer, “I corrected my deviated septum.” Turns out there really is such a thing – it’s called a septoplasty and it doesn’t necessarily change the shape of the nose. It can be done in conjunction with a rhinoplasty.
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between the nasal passages becomes twisted. When this occurs, it can reduce airflow and impair breathing. If you have a deviated septum you may experience crusting or bleeding. If your plastic surgeon determines that you have only nasal obstruction you may be able to correct this condition with medication. Otherwise, surgery will correct the issue.
There are several symptoms for a deviated septum that you should pay attention to. Dr. Sajjadian will add that some people are totally unaware that they have a deviated septum. You can be born with one. Trauma to the nose can also cause a deviated septum so if your nose is displaced, your septum may be displaced as well. If you are experiencing the following, your body is signaling to you that you should be examined for a deviated septum:
- Preference for sleeping on one side
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Blocked nostrils
- Frequent sinus infections.
Of course, skilled plastic surgeons like Dr. Sajjadian will always fix structural problems along with aesthetic problems. He always ensures that the nose’s function is either preserved or improved.
Preparing for a Septoplasty
Preparing for a septoplasty is identical to preparing for a rhinoplasty. The first step as always is to stop smoking. Smoking interferes with the healing process. You should also discontinue ibuprofen and aspirin to control bleeding. Refrain from taking vitamin E. Always consult with your doctor prior to discontinuing any medications.
Before your surgery, confirm that you have someone to drive you home. Stock up on soft food as it is sometimes difficult to eat the first few days after your surgery. Following surgery, you should keep your head elevated. But you should try not to blow your nose, pull clothes over your head, or shower until the bandages are removed. Talk to your surgeon about when you can return to your fitness program.
Rhinoplasty is a very delicate surgery requiring expertise, confidence, and an artistic perspective. To ensure optimal results, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon. Interview each surgeon about their experience and be sure to look at their pictures. Expect your surgeon to draw out a plan and to thoroughly explain how they anticipate handling your surgery.
The nose is front center of your face and mistakes are hard to camouflage. But with the right surgeon, you can rest assured that your rhinoplasty is being done correctly. A well-trained surgeon can help you achieve subtle, yet stunning results. More importantly, they can ensure that complications are far and few in between. In general, the majority of rhinoplasties are successful, and patients are delighted with the outcome. They see an increase in their self-esteem and feel great about themselves. Once their nose becomes harmonious with the rest of their facial features, people feel more confident, as if they finally look how they feel.
If you’re thinking of getting rhinoplasty you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a rhinoplasty expert like Dr. Sajjadian. Dr. Sajjadian is one of the few plastic surgeons in the United States who holds triple board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology, as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; that matters because you want a physician that can improve your nose both structurally and functionally, someone who won’t compromise between aesthetics and your ability to breathe.
In addition to his incredible training, Dr. Sajjadian emphasizes using only the most advanced techniques and technology when performing rhinoplasty. The combination of modern techniques and experience allows Dr. Sajjadian to create natural-looking, balanced results that can stand the tests of time.
Are you ready to work with a true expert in open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and ethnic rhinoplasty? We invite you to contact the offices of Dr. Sajjadian at (949)-515-0550.