Natural-Looking Rhinoplasty: Techniques Surgeons Use Today

Cosmetic surgery has evolved from enhancing or modifying an individual’s features to improving the natural look of an individual’s features. Many patients desire a few characteristics or flaws to be improved, while still being true to their own natural beauty.

There have been many advances in rhinoplasty (nose surgery) since it first started, with a greater focus on harmony and balance between features, as well as the face.

In addition, surgical methods now enable the surgeon to create an individual's own "ideal" nose, based on the patient’s personal measurements and characteristics (e.g., ethnic background) rather than creating an ideal nose for everyone. Each surgical case is treated on an individual basis, allowing for a refined surgical result that will medially reflect an individual’s original nose.

What Defines a Natural-Looking Rhinoplasty?

A natural-looking rhinoplasty is one that does not add emphasis to the nose and integrates into the overall facial features to enhance balance. The following factors contribute to achieving natural-looking results:

Proportional Analysis

Enhanced proportions between the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead are measured by the surgeon prior to surgery. When the nose is proportional to the other features of the face, balance is achieved.

Preservation

A modern approach to rhinoplasty respects the patient's ethnic identity. Rather than change their nose to meet the expectations of a Westernized beauty standard, the surgeon seeks to refine their existing nose while retaining their ethnicity.

Breathing Function

A patient's breathing function, like their aesthetics, is a consideration in modern rhinoplasty. Both aesthetic enhancement and improvement in air flow through the nose are key factors in many of the new techniques being utilized in modern rhinoplasty.

Advanced Techniques Used in Today’s Rhinoplasty

Modern surgeons are utilizing current imaging technology and improved surgical techniques to create a natural appearing, well-shaped nose.

Structural Rhinoplasty

This technique is used to build upon or add support to the nasal framework rather than remove tissue from the nose. The addition of cartilage grafts is common in order to provide long-term support.

Preservation Rhinoplasty

Rather than removing the hump or bridge of the nose, surgeons reshape the bony structure under the surface. This technique retains the natural contour of the bridge and greatly reduces the chances of an artificial-looking nose.

Tip Refinement Methods

The appearance of the natural tip is a critical factor in the way that the remainder of the nose looks. Surgeons now have more precise methods available, such as surgical suturing rather than cutting large amounts of tissue to refine the tip.

Digital Imaging and Surgical Planning

3D imaging techniques allow patients to see how they might look after surgery before making surgery arrangements. Surgeons will use these images as a guideline for their surgical technique, which will provide an outcome that is consistent with the patient’s expectation and maintains realistic proportions.

Personalizing the Experience is the Ticket to Successful Surgery

Not all noses are created equal; rhinoplasty surgery is therefore uniquely based upon the anatomy of each patient's nose and their desired outcome from the surgery. The surgeon learns about each of these factors by discussing things such as: skin thickness, cartilage strength, facial symmetry, and personal factors at a consult.

Surgeons performing Rhinoplasty in Cape Town, as an example, find that most patients would prefer their final result to be elegantly shaped yet appear to have never been "worked on". Therefore, proper surgical consultation and just as importantly, proper surgical customization, are critical to achieving this result by utilizing the surgeon's technical expertise and artistic vision.

Surgical Recovery and Expected Results Long Term

Rhinoplasty that looks "natural" is more than just surgical technique; by providing the patient with proper healing methods, the surgeon will ensure that; swelling reduction; scar management (not allowing any scars to prevent the nose from settling); post-operative follow-up care; all affect how the nose turns into its final "natural" shape.

The majority of patients that have rhinoplasty surgery will notice improvements in their nose(s) within only a few weeks after surgery; however, during the next several months subtle refinements will happen. Since new surgical techniques are designed to allow for maximum preservation of the nasal structure; the results of every rhinoplasty surgery will age much more naturally than in the past.

In order to provide for the best possible outcomes, most patients are provided with the following recommendations:

• No strenuous activity (exercise or work) for the first part of recovery.

• Protect the nose from being injured by hitting or pressure.

• Attend all post-operative appointments with the surgeon.

• Be patient with the gradual reduction in swelling until they see their final result.

  
  

Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

In achieving a naturally-looking result after surgery, the surgeon's skill and experience will be the two most important factors. A qualified surgeon has a knowledge of both the science and artistry of facial surgery and will create a nose that is in harmony with the rest of the face.

Patients can gather information about their surgeon by reviewing before and after pictures, reading previous patient testimonials and by attending consultations.

Final Thoughts

Having a naturally-looking rhinoplasty is about improving one's self-esteem whilst remaining true to one's self. Through modern surgical techniques, custom-designed procedures and timely and sufficient recovery, patients are able to achieve subtle yet significant improvements that will last for many years.

If you are considering having a nose reshaped, calling experienced professionals, like Plastic Surgery SA, will help you obtain safe, cutting-edge options that are designed specifically for your features and expectations.