What types of rhinoplasty surgery are available?

Tip Augmentation
If you believe the tip of your nose is too bulbous or flat, the fullness can be reduced by removing cartilage from the inside of the nose. Projection can be extended by using cartilage from the ear or nasal septum grafted to the nose tip. Nasal tip surgery allows you to have a narrower nose with a better defined tip.

Columellar Reduction or Augmentation
The Columella is the area on the under of the nose between the nostrils. On some people, the Columella sticks out from the underside of the nose. This can be resolved by making a small incision inside the nose and lifting the Columella so it is less visible and protrusive. Columellar augmentation procedures are performed most frequently on Asian noses.

Dorsal Reduction or Augmentation
Dorsal surgery involves manipulating the nose to either give a bridge or reduce a lump. Some people tend to have a significant amount of cartilage on the bridge, which gives the nose a hump-like appearance. This can be easily remedied with dorsal reduction. An incision is made inside the nose and the cartilage on the bridge and bone of the nose is reduced. The result is a smoother natural slope to the nose. Dorsal augmentation is commonly performed to enhance the bridge of Asian noses.

Minimizing Nostril Flair
Another common concern people share about their nose pertains to the flair or width of their nostrils. A narrow nose can be obtained with a procedure that removes tissues at the corners of the nostrils. This procedure decreases the flare of the nostrils and creates a narrower looking nose. This procedure is often referred to as minimizing wedges.

Rhinoplasty Surgery for Breathing Problems
Your ability to breathe depends in part on the anatomical configuration inside your nose--including the condition of the nasal septum (cartilage that divides your internal nose into two chambers, a left and a right) as well as the nasal turbinates (tissue along the sides of the nasal wall that function as baffles). Your surgeon will examine the inside of your nose to determine the condition of your septum and turbinates. If your breathing may be improved by straightening your septum or reducing the size of your turbinates, your surgeon will let you know. Previous injuries, allergies, heredity, emotions and seasonal changes also influence your ability to breathe. If you have a breathing problem, your surgeon will evaluate these and other factors at the time of consultation.

Where are the incisions placed?
In most cases, all of the incisions will be placed inside your nose, where they will not be visible. If the base of the nose is narrowed or the nostrils reduced, small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils will be removed. Incisions are hidden in the natural crease where the nostril joins the cheek. Your surgeon may choose an "open" approach which requires a small incision in the skin between the nostrils if he needs to use certain techniques.