Rhinoplasty is the most customized surgery in all of facial plastic surgery. There is no universal size nor shape with rhinoplasty. This article will go over various factors of nose aesthetics and Dr. Walker is an absolute expert in rhinoplasty helping you achieve the nose you are looking for and if not achievable, he will discuss that with you during your VIP consultation to set realistic expectations and goals. If somehow your goals cannot be met, he will tell you so and discuss possible alternatives with you.
Characteristics to Account For
The first step in setting goals for rhinoplasty is understanding your nose’s structure. Consider these major nose characteristics.
- Skin thickness. Most people with thick skin with it were thinner to get more definition and refinement.
- Width. Most patients invested in rhinoplasty want to narrow this.
- Nasal Tip. Some people have thick skin here, making their nose rounder; others prefer a pointier tip. Some people want more tip projection, others less.
- Lines. Humps and bumps along the nose concern many, which is why straightening is common. Some want a subtle scoop, others want to maintain or achieve a higher bridge.
- Nostril Size. Nostril size, width, and flare is a major factor in appearance and changing that is an important factor.
- Angle between the Lip and Tip. The rotation of the nose is an important factor and not just is the angle looked at by itself but also in context of your body height. Someone who is 6’5” probably wants the tip less rotated as most people look up at such a tall person so the last thing you’d want is a rotated nose with more nostril show. Similarly, a very short person may want the nose more rotated to have more nostril show.
The Appropriate Nose
While the perfect nose does not exist, Dr. Walker will use computer imaging to illustrate what your nose could look like and is realistically achievable. It needs to me in balance with your other features and respectful of you gender and ethnic heritage. This computer imaging sets the baseline for your surgery and some deviations from that are usually possible. You will complete a rhinoplasty questionnaire (wishlist) prior to surgery and be asked to express your wishes and goals relative to the proposed computer imaging, which is an excellent communication tool, not a guarantee for results. Consider these five points when assessing whether or not you are interested in rhinoplasty.
Upper Third (Nasal Bones)
This consists of rock solid bone and is the foundation of the nose. Dr. Walker mostly alters the nose’s height and width to be in better proportion with the rest of the nose and face.
Middle Third (Bendy Soft Cartilage)
This consists of cartilage connecting the nasal bones up top and the nasal tip at the bottom of your nose. Oftentimes, a crooked nose is deviated due to this section and straightening this portion of the nose will straighten the entire nose. Cartilage grafts are typically necessary to accomplish this, best obtained from within your nose (septum), but in revision surgery often from secondary donor sites or tissue banks.
Nasal Tip
Your nasal tip contains a pair of C-shaped cartilages and their position, orientation, and projection influence the look of your nasal tip and nostrils. Plus this is a critical portion that majorly impacts your nasal breathing.
Skin Thickness
Thick skin is protective against showing minor irregularities but limiting when it comes to nasal refinement. The thicker the skin, the larger a nose needs to be to give it a refined look. Similar to closing: a thick winter coat does not nearly show the underlying contour as much as a thin tight spandex shirt.
Nasal Airway
Proper nasal breathing is critical to comfort and vitality. Oftentimes, airways become blocked by cartilage or enlarged turbinates. Although a rhinoplasty should also maintain or improve nasal breathing, it is unfortunately very common that a rhinoplasty, when performed poorly, creates nasal obstruction requiring revision surgery.
Reaching Equilibrium Between Nose and Face
While you may become envious of someone’s nose, you may not realize that their nose would not suit your face. Ethnicity and facial structure influence what best complements your features. Dr. Walker is a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon and can help you refine your nose to meet your aesthetic goal.
In Conclusion
If you are considering rhinoplasty, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Thomas Walker’s Atlanta-based practice. He is an absolute expert in rhinoplasty and is excited to meet you and discuss your goals. It may not be possible to achieve what you want and Dr. Walker will tell you so. Not everyone is a candidate for rhinoplasty, nor does everyone need one. During your concierge consultation with Dr. Walker, Dr. Walker will present your best options for a better nose.
