Definition
Surgery to enhance the features of the nose and can include 3 procedures(can be done at the same time): Nasal Dorsum Augmentation, Alar Base Trimming or Tip Enhancement. The number of procedures to be done will depend on the patient's nose. The procedure/s are done under local anesthesia, the nose and the surrounding area is numbed. The patient will usually be lightly sedated but awake during the surgery, and relaxed and insensitive to pain.
Description
Nasal Dorsum Augmentation, also called dorsal augmentation, augmentation rhinoplasty, Oriental rhinoplasty, or noselift. It is a technique to increase the height of the dorsum of the nose, especially the bridge. This improves upon the feature of a low nose bridge seen in some patients. An incision is made just inside the nostril, and a space is created between the skin of the nose and the nasal bone and cartilages. A biocompatible material is placed in this space to elevate the nasal profile. The most commonly used material is silicone elastomer, (also called silicone rubber), which is a firm, rubbery substance, but is well tolerated by the body. The incision is sutured closed.
NOTE: Other materials aside from silicone rubber may be placed, such as Alloderm, Goretex, MedPor, SMAS, Scalp tissue, cartilage. However, our society cautions the public regarding the use of any injectable substance to augment the nasal dorsum. There are reports of the use of silicone and "collagen" for noselift, injected by individuals who are not plastic surgeons, and done outside surgical operating rooms. The results of this injections are very disappointing, and are difficult for plastic surgeons to correct.
Alar Base Trimming/Alar Plasty, is done to change the shape of the nostrils - from a flattened oval shape to a round or triangular one. This is done under local anesthesia, and can be performed on its own, or with a Nasal Dorsal Augmentation. Wedge-shaped pieces of tissue are removed from the alar side wall, near its junction with the cheek. The remaining pieces are sutured together, and this results in a change in shape of the nostril. A secondary benefit is that it also lifts the nasal tip up a bit.
Nasal Tip Enhancement, In the same operation, the surgeon can also modify the nasal tip by working on the tip cartilages(removing some cartilages that cause bulkiness at the tip area), and if needed, adding the cartilage grafts to the area.
RECOVERY: Expect some bruising and swelling during first few days and will subside in about 1 week.
LENGTH OF SURGERY: About 1-2 hours.
This information is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. It should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor to guarantee the result. The best method of determining your options would be to consult surgeons who are accessible to you to answer all your questions. If you have any questions or clarification from the above literature or would like to know more about this clinical procedure, click here to find ways to contact Dr. Abraham. Please read our disclaimer for your guidance.
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