Patients who see me in consultation for nasal surgery in my offices in Winnetka and Chicago are often referred by friends on whom I have previously performed rhinoplasty.
All plastic surgery requires careful planning, but in rhinoplasty this is particularly important. I have found that with every patient considering nasal surgery there are issues of artistic balance and function. This blog will concern itself with some of the common artistic issues that I encounter.
From an artistic standpoint the key to success is realizing that if you change one aspect of the nose, it may have effects on other aspects that must be anticpated. Elements of a successful rhinoplasty include the following considerations:
If you narrow the width of the tip on frontal view, this will make the base of the nostrils look broader and it may be necessary to adjust this dimension to maintain proper harmony.
If you lower the bridge of the nose in order to adjust the profile of the nose on side view, this will make the upper portions look broader, so it may be necessary to bring in the side walls of the nose to keep proper balance.
In a strongly projecting nose, if the profile is lowered, the tip may maintain too much projection, which gives the nose a “ski slope” or “Pinnochio” appearance. This can be avoided if a tip setback procedure is carried out along with the profile reduction.
I perform three exams of the nose when a patient comes to me for consultation. The first occurs when the patient is sitting in my office talking to me. The second is in the exam room. The third is when I take pictures. Each of these provides a different insight into the fascinating puzzle which each nose presents.
Although technique in rhinoplasty is important, the key issue that leads to a successful outcome is a detailed artistic analysis that allows for a balanced result in all dimensions.
For more information or if you would like to schedule a consulation please call our office at 312/751-2112 or 847/446-7562. You can also email us at info@www.johnqcookmd.com .