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Will Rhinoplasty Change My Smile?

When performed by a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty offers an enhanced appearance, improved respiratory abilities, and higher self-esteem. But you may still have concerns, including how the procedure might affect the balance between your nose and mouth – particularly your smile.

Our skilled surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg balance aesthetic improvement to preserve your natural expressions. Here’s some information about how your nose job and its recovery may relate to your smile.

Swelling After Rhinoplasty

Any changes rhinoplasty imposes on your smile typically resolve as your nose heals and swelling resolves. It will take a few months for your skin, bones, and cartilage to settle into their new shape after surgery.

There are two forms of swelling after rhinoplasty.

Immediately following your rhinoplasty surgery, your nose may be swollen and bruised from the surgical trauma. Though every patient heals differently, your PSSF surgeon’s techniques and meticulous soft tissue dissection will help limit these effects.
Long-term swelling after surgery often takes several weeks to resolve. Rhinoplasty requires reshaping nasal cartilage and bone and redraping skin over the improved contour. Due to this process, fluid remains beneath the skin. If the long-term swelling does not resolve within several months, you may require revision rhinoplasty to correct the problem.

How to Reduce Swelling After Rhinoplasty

Post-surgery swelling is unavoidable, but you can take steps to help reduce it before surgery and manage it during your recovery.

Choose an experienced plastic surgeon who uses advanced techniques to minimize swelling and ensure a successful outcome.
Icing can help with initial swelling and your overall comfort. Follow PSSF’s directions for applying cold compresses to avoid ice burns.
We recommend sleeping with your head elevated after rhinoplasty. Propping your head with extra pillows or sleeping in a recliner during the days following surgery will help keep swelling to a minimum.
You can minimize fluid retention by reducing the salt in your diet. Drink plenty of water to allow you body to flush the sodium away.
Avoid exercise and other strenuous activities to keep your blood pressure low and reduce swelling, bruising, and bleeding.

Rhinoplasty for a Dynamic Nasal Tip

You may have a dynamic tip if your nose droops when you smile. If this is something you’d like to change with rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon may recommend cutting the depressor septi muscle located between the upper lip muscle and nose.

Many patients worry that releasing this muscle could permanently affect their smile. Still, the depressor septi is not part of the group of muscles that allow you to smile, so an incision here typically won’t impede upper lip movement. So, your smile should be safe in the hands of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

If you and your surgeon determine releasing the depressor septi is necessary to create the desired results, the incision will be tiny, and the muscle will reconnect during the healing process. During this time, your upper lip may have decreased functionality and sensation, but will resume typical function within one to three weeks.

The Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons in Fredericksburg

If you’ve had rhinoplasty and are worried it has altered your naturally beautiful smile, don’t worry – the chances it will return to normal are high.

With a skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, many of our patients find their smiles more prominent after aesethetic nose surgery improves their facial proportions. To learn more about the life-changing benefits of rhinoplasty in Fredericksburg, VA, contact PSSF to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation today.

Ask These 5 Questions at Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

Better known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a nasal reconstruction surgery performed to enhance appearances and correct functional issues like obstructed breathing passages. Despite this procedure’s popularity and long track record of safety, you should carefully consider who you trust to complete your nose surgery.

The best way to learn about the procedure and the surgeon who performs it is to ask plenty of questions during your consultation. Here are five that we feel will give you the best information to move forward with your decision.

1. Are You Board-Certified?

A board-certified plastic surgeon has the necessary training and ethical standards to perform successful nose surgery. However, though many surgeons are board-certified, it doesn’t mean they have obtained their certification from the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which is the organization that holds plastic surgeons to the most stringent criteria

Also, in a related question, ask which procedures they specialize in, as rhinoplasty is the most complex surgery in all cosmetic medicine. In other words, a plastic surgeon who exclusively focuses on performing breast augmentations is not your best choice to perform your nose job, even if they are board-certified.

2. How Many Rhinoplasties Have You Performed?

You wouldn’t go to an oral surgeon for heart surgery, and you should use the same logic for rhinoplasty. Some surgeons specialize in specific procedures, so make sure your surgeon has plenty of experience doing nose surgeries. A good number is at least 80 per year. If they have completed fewer or haven’t done one for some time, you should consider finding a surgeon with more skill and familiarity.

3. Can You Show Me Before-and-After Photos?

Talented plastic surgeons should take pride in their work and provide a gallery of before-and-after photos for their patients to review. These images can help you understand your surgeon’s skill and how they have delivered a natural nasal contour to bring balance to previous patients’ facial appearance. Except for reconstruction surgeries, look for detailed intricacies in their work instead of drastic changes.

4. What Are the Risks?

No matter what surgical procedure you have, there will be associated risks. You must take the time to discuss these with your surgeon to make an informed decision about your health. If someone tries to tell you there are no hazards involved, it’s better to seek another surgeon. An ethical surgeon should be upfront about any potential complications, how they may affect you, and how to mitigate them from occurring.

5. Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Your rhinoplasty consultation is an opportunity to discuss your desired outcome with your surgeon. Having realistic expectations about your procedure is crucial to a successful result. Ask your surgeon if they think your goals are attainable and whether a nose job is your best option.

Schedule Your Fredericksburg Rhinoplasty Consultation

Your rhinoplasty consultation is critical to your surgery’s success, and it’s essential to make sure you ask the right questions. Make sure these five are on your list and pay close attention to the answers to help you make the best possible choices.

To find out how rhinoplasty can give you a new look or relieve functional issues, call Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg today for a consultation at (540) 371-7730, or contact us online.

What to Expect with Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty recovery is critical to ensure successful results. This healing period depends on multiple factors to deliver the desired facial appearance and nasal function. These include which surgical technique your surgeon employed and the extent of correction needed.

Downtime will vary, but typically we suggest taking 1 to 2 weeks off from work. After the first couple of weeks, the recovery will become more manageable. However, you can expect up to 1 year before you experience the total benefits from a nose job.

Here is a schedule of what to expect during your rhinoplasty recovery from one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Fredericksburg.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week One

The first few days after rhinoplasty are the most difficult. You may experience discomfort, an inability to breathe through your nose, and the inconvenience of an external splint. Also, an internal splint or a packing in the nostrils may be implemented as well. Significant swelling and bruising are expected during this stage.

At the end of week one, you’ll start to feel much better, notably when your facial plastic surgeon removes any splints and packing.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week Two

By the second week, nasal bruising and swelling will begin to fade. Your nose job won’t be as noticeable to the casual observer.

You should be ready to return to work after week 2. Still, you will have to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Also, after a nose job, it’s normal for your skin to be extra sensitive, so you’ll have to limit time in the sun.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: Month 1

Most patients look and feel normal about a month into the rhinoplasty recovery period. Of course, you’ll still experience some swelling, most notably at the nose tip. But you will see the initial surgical results more clearly.

Moderate physical activity should be possible at this point and patients can wear glasses like readers, prescription, or sunglasses.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: Months 2 and 3

Every day, you’ll notice your nose evolving into a more refined feature as the swelling continues to subside. Now, you’re nearly healed, so you’ll return more and more to your daily routine before surgery. You will, however, still need to avoid contact sports.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: Months 6 through 12

After about 6 months, you’ll return to most if not all activities, including contact sports. For most patients, their nasal swelling is close to if not totally gone. By the 1-year mark, your nose will have healed inside and out, and you’ll experience optimal rhinoplasty benefits.

A nose job offers you the chance to enhance nasal size and contours, bringing your face into balance and improving your overall appearance. However, rhinoplasty is a complex surgical procedure that requires the skill and experience of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Heppe, Dr. Bautista, and Dr. Aflaki, specialize in rhinoplasty for patients who want to improve nasal contours and experience facial symmetry and harmony. Contact or call us at (540) 371-7730 to schedule your consultation today!

How to Choose the Best Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon

It’s a shocking statistic, but every year in the U.S., upwards of 30,000 people require revision rhinoplasty to fix a botched nose job.

Primary rhinoplasty, or your first rhinoplasty, is a tricky enough procedure. Revision rhinoplasty, on the other hand, poses an entirely different set of challenges to your surgeon.

In this blog, we explain why revision rhinoplasty is such a complicated procedure. Because of this, it is critical to your rhinoplasty success that you choose your revision rhinoplasty surgeon very carefully.

Here, the team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg gives you a step-by-step checklist you should follow when deciding on your revision rhinoplasty surgeon.

First, let us re-cap why revision rhinoplasty requires extensive expertise in facial anatomy and superior surgical skill.

Modified Structure, Scarring, and Tissue Strength

When performing a primary rhinoplasty, surgeons know what to expect because they know the structure of a typical human nose. In revision rhinoplasty surgery, this is no longer the case, as the bone structure, nasal cavities, soft tissues and cartilage of the nose have been modified in the initial rhinoplasty procedure. This could present challenges to rhinoplasty surgeons, who must react quickly and correctly when presented with unforeseen complications arising during a revision rhinoplasty procedure.

The modified structure of a previously rhinoplasty-d nose also means the tissue and bones are weaker, making it more difficult for a surgeon to produce safe, effective results when performing a revision rhinoplasty.

Surgeons will also need to harvest cartilage from other parts of the body during revision rhinoplasty, as the preferred donor site of the septum is used in the initial rhinoplasty procedure.

For these reasons, it takes a highly experienced, confident, and specialized plastic surgeon to take on any revision rhinoplasty jobs successfully. To adequately prepare yourself to have a successful revision rhinoplasty procedure, you should follow the following advice.

Prepare Yourself

Do Your Own Research

By equipping yourself with knowledge about the procedure, you give yourself the best opportunity at finding an excellent surgeon.

It is essential that you understand the complications and difficulties associated with revision rhinoplasty so that you can take choosing your surgeon seriously. Look through our blog, and also look at other credible websites such as The American Society of Plastic Surgeons to fully understand what occurs during your revision rhinoplasty.

Set Realistic Expectations

Identifying the aesthetic you wish for, and aiming for a realistic goal are other important parts of successful revision rhinoplasty. Once you do this, you can approach specialized surgeons and seek their guidance and services in helping you achieve the nose that you want.

Have a List of Questions Ready for Your Consultation

Before you go into any consultation room, you should prepare a list of questions to ask your surgeon. Important questions include;

How many years have you been a practicing surgeon?
How many revision rhinoplasty procedures have you performed?
Do you have a gallery of patient photos I can examine?
Do you have any testimonials of past patients?

These four questions are straight forward, and help you directly assess the aptitude of the surgeon you are vetting for your procedure.

Vet the Surgeon

Ultimately, the choice of who does your revision rhinoplasty rests in your hands. As such, you will want to properly screen every surgeon you consult to do your rhinoplasty.

Ensure they are Board Certified

Many practicing surgeons do not meet the high standards required to achieved certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. YOU MUST INSIST THAT YOUR REVISION RHINOPLASTY IS CERTIFIED BY THIS BODY.

While this doesn’t guarantee specialized experience, this certification guarantees a high level of proficiency and practicing standards.

Make Sure Revision Rhinoplasty is one of their Top Three Surgeries

When you demand that revision surgery is a top-three of your surgeons’ procedures, it gives you an excellent chance of finding a revision rhinoplasty specialist.

Closely Examines the Surgeon’s Gallery

Perusing photos of the surgeons’ past results can give you an excellent idea of what to expect. You can find patients of your own ethnicity and similar facial structure and get a good idea of how the surgeon works with a canvas such as the one you present.

Choosing a revision rhinoplasty surgeon should not be rushed. You should at least discuss the procedure and look to find a surgeon who instills you with confidence regarding the procedure.

The expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg encourages you to contact them and ask these exact questions and look at our rhinoplasty gallery. Call 540 371 7730 or fill out our online form to arrange your consultation.

Why Revision Rhinoplasty is More Difficult than Primary Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty accounts for over 210,000 surgeries every year. Though most rhinoplasty surgeries provide satisfactory results, about 15% of these patients end up getting revision rhinoplasty. That means that every year, more than 30,000 people choose a second rhinoplasty because the first one wasn’t done to their liking.

A significant procedure in itself, rhinoplasty involves the modification of nasal cartilage and bones, with tissue being added or taken away. This is tricky the first time – but once the original nasal structure has been modified, it becomes more difficult to safely and accurately provide outstanding aesthetic and functional results.

Here, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg explains the importance of getting rhinoplasty done correctly the first time, and why revision rhinoplasty is more complicated than primary rhinoplasty.

Why Might Patients want revision Rhinoplasty?

Patients who seek revision rhinoplasty often do so on the basis of being unhappy with the results from the first operation. This can be because of aesthetic or functional problems.

Their new nose looks unnatural
Their new nose is not in balance and harmony with their other facial features
The results of their new nose are not as pronounced as they would have liked
It is difficult to inhale and exhale through their new nose
Their new nose either didn’t adequately address their snoring or has caused them to snore

In some cases, accidents such as falls or motor vehicle collisions can damage a rhinoplasty-d nose, which necessitates revision rhinoplasty.

In any case, regardless of the motivation driving the revision rhinoplasty, it is a more laborious surgery than the initial procedure for several reasons.

Compromised Structural Integrity

Once the cartilage and bones of the nose have been modified in a primary rhinoplasty (the first rhinoplasty procedure), their relative strength and integrity can become weakened. Surgeons usually require extra cartilage from other parts of the body to reinforce the region during revision surgery.

In primary rhinoplasties, surgeons use cartilage from the septum to reinforce the structure of the nose. Septal cartilage is ideal for this purpose due to its pliability and relative strength.

In revision rhinoplasty, the septal cartilage is no longer available, requiring the surgeon to harvest cartilage from other parts of the body, such as the ear or ribs. Recently, we have used MTF cartilage grafts (cadaver cartilage) with great success. This eliminates morbidity from having a secondary donor site. While effective in providing structural support, cartilage from the ear and rib is far harder to manipulate than septal cartilage, and it takes more skill and experience for your surgeon to use this cartilage successfully in revision rhinoplasty.

Scar Tissue

Scarring from the initial rhinoplasty procedure is one of the biggest challenges faced by revision rhinoplasty surgeons. How this impacts the second procedure depends on the extent of scarring, but there is always internal scar tissue from primary rhinoplasty.

The more scar tissue there is surrounding the nasal passage and bones, the longer and harder the revision rhinoplasty procedure becomes. The revision rhinoplasty surgeon must make very precise incisions to change the aesthetic of the nose, without further contributing to additional scarring.

Scarring dramatically impacts the way in which the nose heals and settles after the procedure, and patterns can be unpredictable if the surgeon performing the revision rhinoplasty is not experienced or careful enough during the procedure.

Unforeseen Complications

When performing primary rhinoplasty, surgeons know what to expect – they know the structure of a human nose and can plan their operation accordingly.

In the case of revision rhinoplasty, surgeons might have a rough idea of what their patients’ internal nasal structure and cavities will look like, but because they are operating on a modified body part, they can’t be 100% sure what to expect. This requires split-second decision making and experience to provide the best possible results from revision rhinoplasty.

Because of these complications, the vast majority of board-certified surgeons don’t offer revision rhinoplasty. It’s not worth their reputation – the procedure is complicated, and many surgeons can’t get it right. This is why it is so important to choose the right surgeon for your primary rhinoplasty.

If, however, you are seeking revision rhinoplasty, the expert board of doctors at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, composed of Dr. Howard Heppe, MD, Harold Bautista, MD and Pejman Aflaki, MD, have each handled a wide range of rhinoplasty challenges on patients of all ages and ethnicities. Call 540 371 7730 or fill out our online form to arrange your consultation and fix your nose properly.

The Most Common Aesthetic Nose Concerns

Though rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery can be used to correct medical issues that inhibit breathing, this procedure is most often performed for cosmetic reasons. Modern rhinoplasty methods are less invasive than ever before, making it easier for patients to pursue a more flattering profile. Plastic surgeons have also diversified their rhinoplasty techniques, pioneering rhinoplasty methods that embrace ethnic differences in nose shape while creating more balanced features. Today, patients can choose the nose shape that’s right for them, rather than trying to conform to unrealistic “one size fits all” beauty ideals.

Naturally, the reasons why people seek cosmetic nose surgery have also become more varied. Nose job surgery is no longer used almost exclusively to create a smaller, thinner nose; instead, patients can use this procedure to address any of the following aesthetic concerns:

5 Common Reasons why People have a Nose Job

Correct a Misshapen Nasal Tip

If the tip of your nose is long, bulbous, or sits at an unflattering angle (i.e., it tilts downward or upward), rhinoplasty can help. Nose job surgery is frequently used to slim and straighten the tip of the nose, creating a more even and proportional profile.

Raise a Flat Profile

Increasingly, patients are using rhinoplasty surgery to make their noses larger rather than smaller. Rhinoplasty can be adapted to raise the bridge of the nose slightly and extend the nasal tip, creating a more striking profile.

If you have sharp cheekbones and a prominent forehead, raising your nasal bridge could help you achieve better facial balance. This type of rhinoplasty often pairs well with chin augmentation surgery, which improves the projection of the chin, bringing it into harmony with the nose.

Adjust the Width of the Nostrils

Different people have different preferences when it comes to nostril width. Some individuals decide to use rhinoplasty to narrow their nostrils, while others pursue this procedure hoping to broaden a thin nose. Whatever your personal goals are, our caring team of doctors can personalize your nose job accordingly.

Remove a Nasal “Hump”

Though prominent noses can be very beautiful—especially on strong faces—having a distracting bump or “hump” on the bridge of the nose is rarely flattering. For this reason, reduction rhinoplasty has long been used to straighten the nasal bridge. Reduction rhinoplasty won’t transform a strong nose into a tiny “button” nose, but it will give your nasal bridge an aesthetically pleasing slope that allows your other features to shine.

Correct a Crooked Nose

A crooked nose can arise as a result of injury or genetic factors, and in extreme cases, this condition can throw off the harmony of the entire face. No matter what caused your nasal asymmetry, rhinoplasty can help you achieve a straight, attractive, and functional nose.

Learn More About Rhinoplasty

Today, rhinoplasty is performed with specialized instruments that gently manipulate the nasal bones without damaging the soft tissue around them. This approach has greatly reduced recovery time, postoperative swelling, and discomfort. If you would like to learn more about modern rhinoplasty methods or discuss your aesthetic concerns, contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730 to arrange a personal consultation.

The Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most transformative elective surgery procedures in the world! It can boost a patient’s self-esteem and allow them to focus on the facial features they love. If you are wondering what this procedure can do for your life, we’ve outlined some of our favorites rhinoplasty benefits below:

Provides flattering facial contours.
Corrects any bumps or lumps.
Refines the tip of the nose.
Changes the width of the nostrils.
Produces a balanced nasal profile.
Corrects any breathing obstructions.

Schedule your consultation to learn more about rhinoplasty and the benefits it can provide you.

Unhappy with Your Rhinoplasty? Revision Rhinoplasty Explained

In an ideal world, every surgery would turn out exactly as expected. Unfortunately, when it comes to rhinoplasty, a number of variables exist that are beyond even the most skilled surgeon’s control. Most notably, the way scar tissue contracts can differ substantially from person to person, and this can make it difficult to predict the results of rhinoplasty with 100 percent accuracy. Fortunately, if you’re not happy with your rhinoplasty (or you develop breathing problems after having a rhinoplasty), you can have what is known as a “revision rhinoplasty.” During this procedure, structural and/or cosmetic issues created by your prior rhinoplasty will be corrected. Here’s what you need to know before you book a consultation:

5 Things to Consider Before Having a Revision Rhinoplasty

1. You will need to let your initial rhinoplasty heal completely before having revision surgery.

Before you decide to have revision rhinoplasty surgery, you should be aware that it takes a long time for the results of rhinoplasty surgery to “settle.” It can take up to one full year for your nose cartilage to completely heal, and before that occurs, your rhinoplasty may not look as good as you hoped it would. Waiting until your nose surgery has healed will help you determine whether or not you actually need revision surgery.

Furthermore, operating on the nose too soon after rhinoplasty can cause damage to the delicate structural tissues within the nose. You must wait until your nose is strong enough to handle a second round of surgery before proceeding with a revision rhinoplasty.

2. You should choose the most experienced and skilled surgeon you can find when having this procedure.

Revision rhinoplasty is much more complicated than initial rhinoplasty surgery. Revision rhinoplasties often need to be performed as “open” surgeries. This means that the surgeon will need to make additional incisions around the nose and lift some of the nasal tissue in order to make the desired alterations. As such, finding a highly skilled surgeon who is deeply familiar with advanced surgical techniques is of paramount importance. Take the time to verify your chosen surgeon’s credentials and make sure he or she has performed successful revision rhinoplasties in the past.

3. You’ll probably need to take more time off work in order to recover from revision rhinoplasty surgery.

Many patients feel better about one week after having revision rhinoplasty surgery. However, the initial stages of recovery from this procedure sometimes last as long as two weeks because of the more invasive nature of this operation. It’s therefore a good idea to err on the side of caution and plan to take at least two weeks off work.

4. There’s a limit to how many revision rhinoplasties you can have.

The tissue of the nose gets progressively more fragile with each subsequent rhinoplasty operation, so you won’t be able to have a succession of revisions until you are 100 percent satisfied with the appearance of your nose. It usually is not possible to have more than two revision rhinoplasties without risking serious damage to the nose.

The best way to make sure that you will be satisfied with the results of your surgery is to choose a skilled surgeon and develop realistic expectations. It’s important to realize that while rhinoplasty surgery can make your nose much more photogenic and proportional, it cannot give you a nose that is completely different to the one you were born with. Plastic surgeons cannot, for example, make a very large hooked nose into a tiny button nose. They must work with the structural tissues that are already in place while making changes to the shape of your nose.

5. You will need to budget for the additional cost of this surgery.

The complex nature of revision rhinoplasty surgery adds substantially to its price tag. As such, you will probably need to research what kind of financing options are offered by your chosen plastic surgery practice before proceeding with this operation. (Note that we can arrange financing through Care Credit in order to help you afford complicated surgeries like revision rhinoplasty.) You may also be eligible for assistance from your insurance company if you are having trouble breathing due to your initial rhinoplasty.

Having revision rhinoplasty surgery can improve the functionality and appearance of your nose, but only if you choose your surgeon carefully. Selecting a surgeon with decades of experience, such as PSSF’s board-certified surgeons, is strongly advised when considering this type of procedure.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most versatile facial surgeries in use today. In addition to being capable of meeting diverse aesthetic objectives, this procedure can correct a number of different functional problems with the nose. Some of the most popular forms of rhinoplasty are discussed below:

Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty is used to correct structural problems with the nose, though it is usually possible to combine cosmetic alterations with this type of procedure. Functional rhinoplasty is often necessary when a patient has breathing problems as a result of a congenital abnormality, such as a deviated septum or an unusually flat nasal bridge. By altering the nasal passageways, a surgeon can help the patient achieve better air flow through the nose, thereby allowing him or her to breathe more easily. This has a range of secondary benefits for the patient; it can, for example, cure sleep apnea and make it much easier for the patient to exercise. Functional rhinoplasty can also be used to remove nasal polyps (growths that sometimes form within the nasal passages and interfere with breathing).

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a type of nose surgery that is performed with the specific intention of altering the appearance, rather than the functionality, of the patient’s nose. There are several “sub types” of cosmetic rhinoplasty that serve different aesthetic goals:

The reduction rhinoplasty. As the name suggests, reduction rhinoplasties are used to reduce the overall size of the patient’s nose. When a person has a nose where either the bridge or the tip is too prominent (or both of these features are too prominent), he or she can choose to have these features reduced in size via rhinoplasty surgery. Reduction rhinoplasty is also used to correct an overly “bulbous” nasal tip by making it thinner and more refined. These alterations will ensure that the patient’s nose no longer distracts observers from his or her other features. They also help the patient to look better in photographs (as camera lenses tend to accentuate the nose). This is why reduction rhinoplasties are popular with those in the entertainment industry.
The augmentation rhinoplasty. While most people think of rhinoplasty surgery as being used exclusively for the purpose of nose size reduction, this operation can actually be used to make the nose larger as well. When a person has a broad face and a narrow nose, for example, rhinoplasty can be used to build up the bridge of the nose so that it’s more proportional with the rest of the face.
The ethnic rhinoplasty. The ethnic rhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty procedure that is optimized for a particular ethnicity, e.g., African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, or Middle Eastern. It’s important to make sure your rhinoplasty surgeon takes your ethnicity into account because people from different ethnic groups have very different nasal structures. People of African-American descent, for example, have thick, strong nasal skin and cartilage, whereas people of European descent have thin, delicate nasal skin and cartilage. These differing tissue compositions pose unique challenges for rhinoplasty surgeons. As such, it’s strongly recommended that you make sure the surgeon you choose has prior experience performing rhinoplasty surgery on people of your ethnicity.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty refers to rhinoplasty surgery that is conducted in order to correct the unfavorable results of a previous nose operation. Revision rhinoplasty may be used to achieve either functional or cosmetic goals. For example, if the patient has had a reduction rhinoplasty and ended up with a nose that is too small for his or her tastes, revision rhinoplasty can be used to make the nose slightly larger. Likewise, if a patient has had a cosmetic rhinoplasty and experienced complications (such as impaired breathing), revision rhinoplasty can restore the functionality of the nose.

Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty

Post-traumatic rhinoplasty is used to rebuild the noses of patients who have been severely injured. If a patient has had his or her nose badly broken in an automobile accident, for example, he or she can turn to post-traumatic rhinoplasty in order to have both the appearance and functionality of his or her nose repaired. Note that if you have been in a bad accident and need to have your nose repaired, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your surgeon to make your nose more attractive than it was before, if you wish to. In this way, you can make the best of a bad situation and hopefully emerge from your accident with improved confidence.

If you have any further questions about rhinoplasty surgery or wish to book a consultation, feel free to contact us for more information.

4 Fantastic Facial Procedures

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg created this helpful infographic that includes four fantastic facial procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, and rhinoplasty. For more information on any of the procedures, please contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg.

Facelift

A facelift minimizes visible signs of aging in the lower portion of the face by reducing sagging facial skin, tightening the jaw line, and diminishing wrinkles around the mouth. A facelift has a 95% RealSelf.com Worth It Rating.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can fix droopy eyelids with excess sagging skin or bags. It has an impact on the entire face and can make patients look years younger. Blepharoplasty has a 93% RealSelf.com Worth It Rating.

Brow Lift

A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a plastic surgery procedure that can bring your eyes out of hiding if your eyebrows have begun to sag and hang over your eyelids. A brow lift has an 85% RealSelf.com Worth It Rating.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose in order to improve its appearance. It can reduce the size of the nose, refine the tip, decrease the width, and correct nose asymmetry. Rhinoplasty has an 89% RealSelf.com Worth It Rating.