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Question: When using ear cartilage for a graft in a revision rhinoplasty procedure, how is the ear affected? Answer: Usually, an incision is made either behind the ear or in front of the ear within the bowl. This allows access to the curved cartilage in this region. Once the cartilage is removed and the incision […]

Question: I’m of Asian descent. My facial features are very delicate looking except for my nose which is wide and somewhat bulbous. What can you do to make my nose better fit my facial features? Answer: The nasal tip is made up of several different cartilaginous structures. There are many variations in the anatomy of these […]

Question: I’m African American and I think I have a somewhat typical African American nose. What sort of changes do you often make to the nose for African American patients? Answer: It really depends on your specific nasal anatomy and what you desire. Many times the width of the base of the nose can be […]

Question: How soon after my rhinoplasty surgery will I look healed enough to go out in public? Answer: Patients are usually ready to go out in public 7-10 days after surgery, however, bruising can last longer, sometimes 2-3 weeks. Also, some swelling can be present for several months although it will continue to decrease over […]

Question: When removing a hump or bump on the nose, what are the instances when it would be filed down versus broken? Answer: If the hump is small and there is no associated deviation to the bone, then rasping (filing) may be all that is needed. However, if the hump is significant, both rasping and […]

Question: If you have a deviated septum, will fixing it also improve a crooked appearance? Answer: Not necessarily. Both bone and cartilage can be responsible for a crooked appearance to the nose. The part of the nasal septum that contributes to the outer appearance of the nose is made of cartilage and is located from […]

Question: Can you explain what a turbinectomy is? Answer: The nasal turbinates are structures within the nasal cavity that help to heat and humidify air as it passes through the nose. Sometimes these structures are abnormally enlarged or shaped and can cause nasal obstruction. A turbinectomy is a procedure in which a portion of the […]

Question: Are x-rays taken before a nose job? Answer: X-rays are not typically performed prior to rhinoplasty, however they may be helpful in certain circumstances such as fractures due to facial trauma.

Question: Can cartilage grafts be inserted during rhinoplasty using a closed technique or is an open technique necessary? Answer: Cartilage grafts can be placed through either a closed or open technique. It depends on a combination of your surgeon’s preference as well as your nasal anatomy which will dictate what, if any, types of grafts […]

Question: What is an adenoidectomy and can it be performed during rhinoplasty? Answer: An adenoidectomy is a procedure in which the adenoid tissue, similar to tonsil tissue, at the back of the nose is removed to improve breathing through the nose. This procedure is most commonly performed in children due to adenoid enlargement or recurrent […]