Rhinoplasty

As previously mentioned, the nose is both a defining element of our unique outward appearance and serves several functions. Patients typically seek consultation for cosmetic concerns or breathing issues, only to find that both may be issues. Many cosmetic nasal surgeries do not need to improve nasal breathing, but they certainly must maintain it when a nose is already functioning well.

Similarly, improving the nasal airway in certain patients may also translate into an improved outward appearance. Even small structural corrections can improve breathing, and a 2mm correction has been shown to increase airflow by 62%. Your surgeon needs to evaluate all of these factors at your consultation and educate you on the steps needed to reach your goals.

Traditional rhinoplasty techniques often involve removing portions of the nasal bridge and reconstructing the nose afterward. Preservation rhinoplasty approaches the procedure differently. Rather than removing and rebuilding large portions of the nose, the goal is to preserve as much of the patient’s natural anatomy as possible for natural results while reshaping the nasal framework more conservatively.

This technique can be particularly beneficial for patients seeking to correct a dorsal hump while maintaining the nose’s natural lines and structure. By preserving key anatomical structures, surgeons may reduce surgical trauma, maintain natural support mechanisms, and create exceptionally smooth nasal contours that enhance natural beauty.

Revision rhinoplasty is performed to address cosmetic or functional concerns that remain after a previous nasal surgery. Patients may seek revision surgery because of persistent breathing difficulties, asymmetry, contour irregularities, overcorrection, undercorrection, or changes that developed during healing. Because prior surgery can alter nasal anatomy and lead to scar tissue, revision rhinoplasty is often more complex than primary rhinoplasty and requires advanced planning and surgical expertise. The goal is to improve both the appearance and function of the nose while creating results that look natural and harmonious with the rest of the face.

Studies from UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2025 showed that 74% of rhinoplasty patients are white.2 But what about the over 26% who aren’t looking for a “Westernized” rhinoplasty and instead want something that fits their cultural identity?

Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to nasal reshaping procedures that take into account the unique anatomical characteristics, cultural identity, and aesthetic goals of patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Historically, some rhinoplasty techniques focused on creating a more uniform appearance rather than respecting natural ethnic features. Modern ethnic rhinoplasty takes a very different approach.

The objective is not to erase ethnic identity or create a nose that looks disconnected from the patient’s heritage. Instead, the goal is to improve balance, proportion, and function while preserving the features that contribute to an individual’s unique appearance. Different ethnic groups often have distinct anatomical considerations involving skin thickness, cartilage strength, bridge height, nostril shape, and tip definition.

The nasal septum is the wall that divides the nose into two halves. It is made of cartilage anteriorly and is composed of bone further back into the nasal cavity. Not only does it provide a partition between the two nasal passages originating at the nostrils, but it also provides support for the nose. The septum can be thought of as a load-bearing wall in a building. Superiorly, it provides support to the roof of the nose and the nasal cavity. Anteriorly, it supports nasal length, nasal tip projection, and tip rotation. In these ways, the septum is truly the foundation of the nose.

A septum that deflects to the right or left can dramatically reduce airflow on that side of the nose.  This deflection may be inherited, may be the result of nasal trauma, or may arise over time due to extrinsic forces that influence the growth and shape of the septal cartilage. Irrespective of the cause, septal deviation is a common cause of nasal obstruction.

Septoplasty, or septal straightening surgery, is traditionally performed through an incision on the inside of the nasal cavity just inside the nostril. The lining of the septum is elevated, and the deflected cartilage and/or bone are removed or reshaped to fall within the nasal midline. The incision is then closed with dissolving sutures. The procedure can be performed alone or in concert with additional nasal procedures.

Not every concern involving the nose requires surgery. Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical procedure that uses dermal fillers to temporarily improve certain contour irregularities and create the appearance of a more balanced nasal profile. Strategic filler placement can camouflage small humps, smooth contour transitions, improve symmetry, and enhance tip definition in select patients.

The eyes and nose naturally draw attention during face-to-face interactions. Patients who are bothered by both nasal concerns and signs of aging around the eyes may benefit from combining rhinoplasty with eyelid surgery. This approach can create a brighter, more refreshed appearance while maintaining harmony between the upper and central portions of the face.

The relationship between the nose and upper lip is particularly important in facial aesthetics. A lip lift can shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, improve tooth show, and create a more youthful appearance. When performed alongside rhinoplasty, the two procedures can complement one another beautifully and contribute to overall facial balance.

Patients interested in greater facial definition sometimes combine rhinoplasty with buccal fat removal. While rhinoplasty refines the central feature of the face, buccal fat removal can enhance contour along the cheeks and jawline. Together, these procedures can improve facial proportions and create a more sculpted appearance.