Surgical reshaping of the nose is generally called rhinoplasty. This procedure can usually be done anytime after the age of fifteen. It is possible to:

1. Reduce the overall size of the nose
2. Augment a flat nose with a bio-compatible implant, or one's own bone or cartilage
3. Reshape the nasal tip
4. Remove a hump
5. Improve a poor angle between the nose and upper lip
6. Restore symmetry with the face

Surgery is done through an incision within the nostrils or through a small, inconspicuous external incision. The external approach is usually reserved for difficult noses or noses with a crooked nasal tip. If nasal breathing is to be improved at the same time, the procedure is then call a septorhinoplasty.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

It is very common among Asians and non-Caucasians to correct a flat nose with a round bulbous tip and flaring nostrils. The aim is to build an aesthetically pleasing nasal bridge with an elegant projection and well defined nasal tip, and at the same time narrow the flaring nostril base. An implant is usually used. The implanted material is biocompatible and extremely safe. It is common for Asians to have a Bimaxillary Dental Protusion, i.e. a prominent overbite and an underdeveloped chin. Augmentation rhinoplasty with a chin augmentation therefore gives tremendous aesthetic results.

Reduction Rhinoplasty

For patients who have prominent large noses with oversized bridges and depressed nasal tips, reduction rhinoplasty is the treatment of choice. It aims to create a well balanced nose by reducing the dorsal hump, narrowing the bridge, improving the nasal tip projection and definition. For patients with underdeveloped chins, it is important to recognize that part of the visual effect of an oversized nose is from an underdeveloped chin. Chin augmentation is therefore an integral part of a successful reduction rhinoplasty in such cases.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, nasal packing may or may not be necessary. A nasal pack to prevent bleeding blocks off breathing through the nose. This pack is usually removed after two or three days. A splint may be applied to maintain the shape of the new nose and this is usually removed within a week. Swelling and bruises around the eyes fade within a few days and disappear within two to three weeks. It is not uncommon to feel that the nose is congested after surgery. Oral decongestants may be prescribed. Swelling of the nose subsides quickly and continues over the next six months. During the healing process, avoid wearing glasses - prescription or sunglasses - that exert pressure on the nose.

Combined Procedures

It is pivotal to understand the importance of facial proportion in facial aesthetic analysis. The nose, cheek and chin form a golden triangle in the middle of the face. A balanced proportion of the nose, cheek and chin will create a very photogenic appearance. For instance, the result of a rhinoplasty for an individual with an underdeveloped chin will be improved if chin augmentation is done at the same time. Likewise, patients who worry about oversized cheek bones, will find that the cheekbone will appear to be less prominent after an augmentation rhinoplasty. For more detailed information, please refer to the Facial Contour section.