There are many reasons that people choose to undergo rhinoplasty. For instance, people consider nose jobs to reshape their nose – whether reducing the size, or adding size to it – and to repair damage caused by trauma. Yet, in general, there are four common types of rhinoplasty: Reduction, augmentation, ethnic and post-traumatic rhinoplasties.
Do you know which type you’re considering? You likely have a general idea of what you would like to accomplish with nasal surgery. But understanding the different types will help you weigh your options. Here’s a quick look at the four most common types:
1. Reduction Rhinoplasty
The majority of patients seeking rhinoplasty want to decrease the size of their nose, whether the length of the bridge, the size of the tip, or the width of the bridge. Most commonly reduction rhinoplasty addresses bumps on the bridge of the nose, as well as decreasing the width of the nasal bridge. When your goal is to reduce specific areas of the nose, you will first meet with your rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss your options. Then, your surgeon will develop a surgical plan that’s designed to meet your expectations.
2. Augmentation Rhinoplasty
Another common reason patients seek a nose job is to increase dimensions of the nose. For example, a patient may opt for this type of procedure to widen the bridge of the nose, or to increase the projection of the tip. Augmentation is usually required when the nose has underdeveloped congenitally, or when injury has caused underdevelopment. Typically, cartilage from the nose can be used to build up the nasal structure, yet sometimes cartilage must be grafted.
3. Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a term that’s widely used to describe a nose job that specific population groups undergo to revise their natural nasal profile. For example, some Far Eastern and Afro-Cuban populations seek a nose job to adjust a softer nasal contour, a wider bridge, or a narrower bridge of the nose, which may be a common genetic trait shared by the population. This requires precision and skill to properly balance the nose to achieve natural-looking facial symmetry, and it’s best to find a surgeon with advanced training and specialization in ethnic rhinoplasty.
4. Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty
The nose is one of the most commonly broken bones, and following an injury to the nose, the resulting damage to the cartilage and bones can alter one’s appearance. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed to repair damage caused by traumatic injury. In many cases, a nose job isn’t required, as the nose can be set non-surgically up to a week following the injury. Yet, if the nose isn’t set quickly enough, surgery is often the only option for reversing the damage. One reason: Bleeding caused by trauma can cause clotting within the nose, which can kill the cartilage. This loss of cartilage can cause deformation – a condition that’s sometimes called “boxer nose,” which requires surgery to repair.