This month we discuss rhinoplasty with Mr Andrej Salibi, a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Kat & Co.

Mr Salibi has a special interest in breast aesthetic surgery and body-contouring techniques. His other interests include prominent ear correction, rhinoplasty and surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. 

We asked Mr Salibi to share his advice on rhinoplasty including the different types available to patients.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes. This procedure is not always cosmetic. It can also be commonly performed for congenital defects, nose trauma as well as breathing problems. The nose can be reshaped by altering the bone and cartilage to create an aesthetic, functional and proportional nose.

What to expect during Rhinoplasty Consultation?

Your consultation will include the following:

• Discuss your aims and expectations 
• Questions about your general health and past medical history 
• Clinical examination of the inside of the nose and a number of measurements
• Clinical photography 
• Discuss what can be achieved with surgery. Sometimes digital simulation is used to simulate potential results.
• What to expect after surgery and recovery 

Types of rhinoplasty

Surgical

Open approach: An open rhinoplasty involves a small cut(s) made to the outside of the nose, usually at the end of the nasal septum and inside the nostrils. 

Advantages

• Better visualisation of the nasal structures
• Greater precision in the reshaping of the cartilages 
• Better control for difficult cases
• Potentially lower rate of revision (i.e. late corrective surgery)

Disadvantages

• Visible scar: in the vast majority of patients this is not an issue

Closed approach: A closed rhinoplasty involves surgical cuts that are entirely inside the nostril and the nasal septum.

Advantages

• No scar on the outside
• Gives enough access to reshaping the bony part of the nose if this is the only issue. 

Disadvantages

• Less precision in reshaping the tip of the nose 
• Less control in difficult cases 
• Higher rate of revision surgery 

Alar base reduction (reduction of tip base): Sometimes the nostrils are too wide, and they need to be narrowed to bring the nasal tip to harmony. This will mean two additional small scars on either side of the nostrils’ bases near the cheek skin. This is an additional procedure that can be done at the same time as a surgical rhinoplasty (either open or closed approaches).

Non-Surgical

Liquid Rhinoplasty: This is achieved by using filler injections. 

Advantages

• No anaesthetic required
• Can be done in a clinic room 
• Immediate transformation of shape with minimal or no swelling 
• No downtime 
• Reversible if the shape is not satisfactory 
• Could be done before surgical rhinoplasty if the patient is not sure about the shape they desire. 

Disadvantages

• It is limited to correcting humps, tip projection/droopiness and some asymmetries of the back of the nose.
• Not a permanent solution and top-ups may be required after 12 months. 
• High risk of vascular occlusion which may require emergency treatment to prevent skin necrosis (injury to the skin)

You can find out more about Rhinoplasty on our treatments page here

Interested in rhinoplasty? Simply book your consultation with Mr Salibi by calling 0121 456 7930 or emailing enquiry@cckat.com.