RHINOPLASTY DIAGNOSTIC GUIDELINES
A SIMULATED PREVIEW OF THE PROPOSED RESULT
During the pre-operative consultation we create a simulated preview of the proposed result. On the left, the patient’s nose as it presented itself during the pre-operative consultation. On the right, the simulated preview of the proposed result.
The Nose Clinic offers 30 years of specialized expertise, technical knowledge and experience – all the elements for a thoroughly professional diagnosis.
Your 7-point diagnostic checklist
- Devote time and energy to finding the best qualified surgeon. The results of nasal surgery last a lifetime.
- Check whether your nasal problem requires a two-fold solution. You may require diverse surgical skills – functional and cosmetic – combined into a single procedure.
- Check whether your surgeon has advanced training in functional and plastic (cosmetic) surgery.
- Remember that functional surgery could distort the shape of your nose. Can the surgeon safeguard the familiar shape of your nose while restoring your breathing?
- Be certain that the surgeon understands your problem, needs and expectations.
- Don’t proceed with surgery unless you are happy with the diagnosis and recommendation. You can’t hide post-operative flaws.
- If you have doubts, ask for a second opinion.
For a good result, prepare carefully
RHINOPLASTY SURGERY – ACTUAL RESULT
After surgery we take a set of before and after images. On the left, the patient’s nose as it presented itself during the pre-operative consultation. On the right, the actual post-operative result.
Obtain a thorough and accurate diagnosis
Successful surgery begins at the first consultation with an expert diagnosis by a surgeon who understands the complexities of nasal anatomy. Does the surgeon respect and understand your expectations? Does the surgeon appreciate that your problem may require more than one technique? Functional surgery to restore normal breathing could, for example, subtly alter the shape of your nose; one form of surgery may invariably influence the other.
Take it from an expert
If you’re wondering why we are so insistent on a detailed and accurate diagnosis, here’s the answer from eminent American surgeon, Eugene Tardy (MD, FACS and Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, University of Illinois Medical Centre): ‘It is my view that excellence in Rhinoplasty is the result of exacting and detailed analysis and diagnosis of the existing nasal deformities and anatomic variants, with diagnosis being distinctly more important than technical dexterity. If an incomplete or inaccurate appreciation of nasal abnormalities exists, a natural, non-operated appearance cannot be achieved, in even the best surgical hand.’ (Tardy, Eugene Jr. 1997. Rhinoplasty: the art and the science, Volume 1 M. WB Saunders.)
Ask about the procedure
You are entitled to comprehensive information about any medical procedure. Ensure that you are given all the facts and details pertaining to the procedure, hospitalization, anesthetics and recovery time.
THE SURGICAL PLAN
The surgeon’s ‘Rhinoplasty worksheet’ illustrates the surgical plan – the steps taken by the surgeon during surgery to achieve a good result. The worksheet remains in the patient’s file as a permanent reference.
Think carefully
Check your surgeon’s credentials. Has the surgeon specialized in nasal surgery, and kept abreast of the latest medical and technological developments. Is this surgeon someone you can trust? Don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion.
Make sure you’re in expert hands
Reconstructive and functional surgery to fix a congenital flaw or restore a damaged nose often includes a cosmetic refinement. Similarly, revision surgery to correct the disappointing results of earlier surgery performed elsewhere by another surgeon frequently requires a combination of specialized techniques. Entrust yourself to an experienced surgeon who’s undergone advanced training in rhinoplasty.
What can I expect at the first consultation ?
Diagnosis starts with a comprehensive internal examination of the nose through the nostrils. A good surgeon visualizes and analyses the concealed planes of the nose, noting skin and tissue factors that may influence or complicate surgery. One of the most important factors, among many, for a successful cosmetic result, addresses the proportional balance between your nose and face, particularly the chin. We use computer-imaging to create a simulated preview of the proposed result.
Balancing form and function
Diagnosing a functional breathing problem entails an analysis of nostril symmetry, nasal structure, and internal air channels. We offer an unusual combination of skills— we combine functional surgery with cosmetic enhancements (if required).
Side View: Notice how the dorsum and the tip of this nose overlap the sides of the triangular shape. This requires re-shaping to achieve the desired aesthetic shape
Front View: In this diagram the bony bridge and base of the nose are too broad. The surgeon will sculpt the nose to fit into the triangle.
Base View: Here you can see that the tip and base of the nostrils are broader than the triangle. Sculpting will change this.
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