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What is Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Rolando Braza
Rolando Braza

Augmentation rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to increase the size of specific parts of a person’s nose to give it a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The procedure, among others, can add height to the nose bridge or alter the shape of the nasal tip to increase its projection. The cosmetic surgeon has two options in performing augmentation rhinoplasty — open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty. The choice of procedure will be based by the cosmetic surgeon on the nose job that a patient wants.

Open rhinoplasty entails incisions on the external part of the nose. This procedure gives a cosmetic surgeon better access to the bone of the nose and its cartilage. It takes a longer time to perform and leaves a small scar upon healing. In closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon does the incisions inside the nostril, providing him or her with less liberty to access the nose parts targeted for augmentation. This procedure, however, spares a person from having a visible scar.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty increases the size of the nose.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty increases the size of the nose.

The implant materials used in augmentation rhinoplasty can either be autologous grafts or nonautologous grafts. Autologous grafts are implant materials harvested from the person’s body. They are cartilage grafts from the ear, ribs, or septum and bone grafts coming from a rib, leg, or hip. Nonautologous are synthetic forms of implant materials. Medical-grade silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and porous polyethylene are among the artificial sources of implant materials.

A surgeon may choose to perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty procedure.
A surgeon may choose to perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty procedure.

There are some contraindications in augmentation rhinoplasty. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and anticoagulants as well as herbal supplements must be avoided prior to the implant procedure. Nonautologous graft materials that will cause allergies to the person undergoing the implant procedure should likewise be avoided. A medical condition that will compromise the person’s safety during the surgery is considered a contraindication of augmentation rhinoplasty; thus he or she should not be allowed to undergo the procedure.

Aspirin should be avoided prior to augmentation rhinoplasty.
Aspirin should be avoided prior to augmentation rhinoplasty.

Post-operative discomforts will be felt after augmentation rhinoplasty due to swelling in the face. The swelling will be gone in a few weeks, but stiffness and numbness on the nose will begin to be felt. The numbness will be gone after a few months but the stiffness will probably be permanent. The person is likely to shy away from other people because of the swelling and particularly if a splint is put on the nose as a protective cover during the healing period.

Those considering rhinoplasty should consult with a plastic surgeon.
Those considering rhinoplasty should consult with a plastic surgeon.

A person planning to go through augmentation rhinoplasty must bear in mind that the procedure has technical limitations that preclude a perfect change to the desired appearance after surgery. He or she must consult his or her cosmetic surgeon for proper guidance before deciding to continue with the procedure. The surgeon will be able to give professional advice on the nose alteration options.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

I agree Rundocuri that more people are having this type of surgery than they use to. I think it has something to do with people wanting more natural looks, not just the same turned up looking noses that use to be the result of surgery. The down side is that augmentation rhinoplasty is usually even more detailed and tedious than traditional rhinoplasty, because implant materials are used.

Rundocuri

When most people think of rhinoplasty or the "nose job," they usually think of people who want to make a large nose smaller. However, this type of rhinoplasty is becoming more popular. Rhinoplasty before and after photos of people who have had material implanted into their nose often show very dramatic and pleasing results.

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    • Augmentation Rhinoplasty increases the size of the nose.
      By: rufar
      Augmentation Rhinoplasty increases the size of the nose.
    • A surgeon may choose to perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty procedure.
      By: Kot63
      A surgeon may choose to perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty procedure.
    • Aspirin should be avoided prior to augmentation rhinoplasty.
      By: bahrialtay
      Aspirin should be avoided prior to augmentation rhinoplasty.
    • Those considering rhinoplasty should consult with a plastic surgeon.
      By: Edyta Pawlowska
      Those considering rhinoplasty should consult with a plastic surgeon.
    • Open rhinoplasty entails incisions on the external part of the nose.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Open rhinoplasty entails incisions on the external part of the nose.
    • Individuals who experience excessive nasal swelling may require a rhinoscopy.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Individuals who experience excessive nasal swelling may require a rhinoscopy.
    • Some bleeding is expected for several days after any nasal procedure.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Some bleeding is expected for several days after any nasal procedure.