• The Nose – 80% Of The Midface Beauty
• Rhinoplasty – The Art & Science Of Nasal Improvement
• Types Of Rhinoplasty
• Incision Approaches
• Computer Imaging to Enhance Post-Operative Result
• Benefits Of Rhinoplasty
• Possible Complications

The Nose – 80% Of The Midface Beauty

The nose is the most central structure of the face and is actually eighty percent of the mid-face beauty. It effectively dictates and affects the overall look of the face. This is why it is the first thing that people notice when they look at us. This is especially true when our nose is too large, too small, too wide and flat, deviated, or not proportionate to the rest of our facial features.

A large droopy nose dominates the face and attracts unfavorable attention. The same unfavorable attention is caught with a wide flat nose which is very common among Asians. On the other hand, an attractive and proportionate nose to the entire facial features is aesthetically pleasing and draws the observers’ attention to other structures such as eyes, cheeks and lips. There is no known set rule as to how the nose should look; it varies from one person to another. But there is one thing certain about this – the nose should be in harmony with the rest of the face.

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Rhinoplasty – The Art & Science Of Nasal Improvement

Changes in the appearance of the nose have a profound effect on overall facial aesthetics. Minimal alterations can dramatically improve one’s appearance.

RHINOPLASTY is the medical term for the surgical alteration and reshaping of the nose. Rhino means “nose”, and plasty means “to shape”. This is commonly called as “nose job”.

There is both science and art in rhinoplasty. It incorporates all the skills as well as the artistic prowess that a plastic surgeon develops over the course of his training. Just like artists, athletes, and virtually all kinds of professions, some surgeons are simply better at rhinoplasty than others.

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Types Of Rhinoplasty

Reduction rhinoplasty is very popular among Caucasians since they generally have very high and too pointed noses which are sometimes droopy, with hump or deviated. The opposite is true among Asians whose noses are generally wide, flat, bulbous, and with flaring nostrils, thus making augmentation rhinoplasty the most popular cosmetic enhancement procedure for them.

Reduction Rhinoplasty is the procedure that reduces the over excessive development of the nasal part through the use of a bone burr or a Rubin osteotome. 90% of the cases it just involved the cartilaginous portion of the nasal vault which could easily be corrected with the use of cold knife. Sometimes if there is severe hump development a medial and lateral osteotomy might be needed.

Augmentation rhinoplasty involves the insertion of an implant to increase the height of the nasal bridge. There are different kinds of implants the patients can choose from. He may opt to have a silicone, a gore-tex or a cartilage implant.

Silicone remains to be the most popular implant in most of the third world countries. However, after more than 20 years of usage, many cases of material rejection, nasal contraction and other complications have been continuously encountered. Cartilage implant is the best option because it is safe, rejection- and worry-free but extremely expensive. The next best option offering the same safety level is the GORE-TEX implant.

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Incision Approaches

There are two (2) most common approaches to perform rhinoplasty. The first one is a closed (endonasal) technique and the other one is an open (external) technique.

In reconstructive rhinoplasty, the open technique is used. This provides excellent exposure of the nasal anatomy and allows for a more precise rhinoplasty. This requires a very small incision along the thinnest part of the skin (columella) between the nostrils. The incision which is only 3-4mm long normally heals without any visible scar.

Since every nose is different and has unique surgical requirements, Dr. Lansangan discusses the options with each patient and describes the surgical plan in detail. The choice of approach is dependent on what he thinks is the best outcome for the patient and the technical aspects of the procedure.

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Computer Imaging to Enhance Post-Operative Result

SHIMMIAN MANILA conducts computer imaging with most patients to improve communication and clarify aesthetic goal for undergoing surgery.

Dr. Lansangan recognizes the importance of understanding what the patient wants. During the course of the initial consultation, he translates into a computer image the improvements that the patient desires while incorporating his surgical and artistic skills as a plastic surgeon. The imaging result is shown to the patient for approval. It is made clear that though this is not a guarantee, it certainly brings post-operative outcome very close to the shared imaging goal.

Some rhinoplasty patients don’t know in particular the changes they really want to do. The only thing they are certain of is they dislike their nose. Dr. Lansangan understands this and takes time to help the patient identify the things she dislikes about her nose. After the discussion and thorough assessment, he presents the aesthetic plan, and ensures that it is a shared goal for surgery.

During a consultation, bringing a picture of someone with a particular nasal characteristic that the patient like can help convey her wishes. However, that look cannot be exactly duplicated. Much of the considerations shall be given on her existing nasal anatomy and facial features. The surgeon’s main task for aesthetic nasal enhancement is to create a nose that is proportionate and in harmony with the rest of the face.

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Benefits Of Rhinoplasty

A great majority of rhinoplasty patients benefit from the procedure not only aesthetically, but psychologically as well. The most significant is the dramatic enhancement of self confidence. Feelings of inferiority, awkwardness and anxiety are often replaced by pleasure and boost on self-esteem.

The positive psychological benefits derived from the procedure can be attributed to the popular saying, “LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD”. While it is true that beauty lies within, we cannot underrate the importance of outer look especially nowadays when professional and personal competitions are very stiff.

Apart from aesthetic and psychological benefits, rhinoplasty also improves breathing for those who have nasal obstructions.

Below is a short list of aesthetic and medical benefits of rhinoplasty:

• Contours the nose and makes it proportionate with the rest of the face
• Augments flat nose
• Narrows nostrils that flares
• Corrects droopy nasal tips, bumps or irregularities
• Defines and sharpens the nasal tip
• Corrects a deviated or crooked nose Makes long and wide noses smaller and thinner
• Corrects nasal length (if too long or too short)
• Improves breathing

Details of nasal improvement are thoroughly discussed to the patient during a consultation.

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Possible Complication

Countless cosmetic surgical procedures have been done successfully by skillful experienced surgeons. However, all surgeries carry some uncertainty and risk. Since it is a combination of art and science, possible complications may sometimes occur despite careful pre-operative analysis and meticulous attention to surgical details. Most complications are relatively minor and can be corrected by minimal touch ups. In very rare cases, more serious and uncorrectable complications occur.

It is important to have a candid discussion with your surgeon regarding your goals, expectations and potential complications. Clarify the possible risks of a complication prior to undergoing the procedure.

Possible complications are infection, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularities, wound healing problems, and fluid or blood collection.

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