Reduction Rhinoplasty vs. Augmentation Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can improve both the airflow and the appearance of your nose. When you are considering getting a rhinoplasty, you will want to find out if you are getting an augmentation rhinoplasty or a reduction rhinoplasty. Knowing the differences between these two procedures will help you make sure that the experience meets your needs.
Reduction Rhinoplasty
This type of rhinoplasty means that your nasal structure will be reduced. That will give it an enhanced shape. Enhancing its current shape may seem like the opposite of what you want to do, but it actually makes sense. If your nose is too large, there is usually a lot of cartilage or thick skin in the area. This can cause a bulbous or drooping nose. This causes your actual nose structure to be less defined.
Removing or sculpting the existing tissue gives your nose a better definition. Usually, a reduction rhinoplasty does not use implants or grafts. Your existing bone and cartilage can be shaped by itself to produce an aesthetic result.
Getting a Reduction Rhinoplasty
If you need a graft for your procedure, the cosmetic surgeon can often use extra cartilage from your own nose. If there is not enough cartilage, a synthetic graft might be used. Your cosmetic surgeon might narrow your nasal bones or reduce your alar base to narrow nostrils that are too wide. The projection of the tip of the nose might also be reduced.
Persian or European individuals are more likely to have a reduction rhinoplasty. Persians often have excess tissue at the tip of the nose, which creates a hooked or drooping appearance. These patients also tend to have a dorsal hump, which can easily be reduced during the procedure.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
With an augmentation rhinoplasty, your nasal bridge or the tip will be built up. This will give your nose a stronger profile so it will not droop. The goal of this procedure is to build up your nose if it does not already have enough structure. That means that the cosmetic surgeon might use synthetic implants or grafts for this procedure.
People who are Asian or African American are more likely to have an augmentation rhinoplasty to change the nose shape. An African American patient usually has weaker cartilage at the tip and a lower bridge. To support the new structures, a graft is often needed. An Asian patient will usually have a lower amount of cartilage and smaller bones in the nose.
Combined Procedures
Because of how complex the nose is, you might also have a combination of the two procedures. For example, your bridge might be raised while a bulbous tip is reduced. This provides a more pleasing result.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, nose job, and want to know more about the different types, our skilled team of professionals at Aesthetic Surgical Associates would love to talk to you. Please feel free to contact our Metairie, LA office today at 504-226-8200 to schedule your consultation or talk with us more.
