Rhinoplasty 101: What Are The Different Types of Rhinoplasties?

Rhinoplasty 101: What Are The Different Types of Rhinoplasties?

A rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is not one size fits all. The main goal for a facial plastic surgeon performing a rhinoplasty is for the nose to appear natural and in harmony to the rest of the patient’s face. A rhinoplasty typically straightens a crooked nose or reduces a high profile or Dorsal Hump. It can define a bulbous or rounded nasal tip or narrow the size of nostrils. Beyond aesthetic needs, a rhinoplasty can restore a broken nose or correct a deviated septum for healthier breathing function. Since humans prefer to breathe through their noses, a rhinoplasty may improve sleep and reduce snoring.
 
With more than 200,000 rhinoplasties performed annually, it is the MOST COMMON FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY procedure! With greater technological advancement and changing aesthetic trends, here’s a brief primer to some types of rhinoplasties you may see offered.

ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY

The NYTimes recently wrote on the increasing trend of patients choosing to preserve classical ethnic features when undergoing facial procedures such as a rhinoplasty.  Often this means more conservative aesthetic changes to preserve a more natural look.  For example, Black- and Asian noses typically show a very wide and bulbous nasal tip with slight definition and shallow nasal dorsums. There are three things we look for when we perform a rhinoplasty on an ethnic individual. These are to increase the dorsal height, refine the tip, and reduce the nostril size. But nowadays, patients look to keep the little bumps and seek modifications that reflect the characteristics of their ethnicity in all their glory.

 

 

REVISION RHINOPLASTY

Sometimes a patient might not be happy with an initial rhinoplasty procedure. Maybe there are still asymmetries or irregularities. That’s where revision rhinoplasty comes in. Usually I advise the patient to return to the original surgeon to explain your position before seeking a second opinion or surgery. A patient should not consider revision surgery until at least 6 months from the initial surgery. Ideally, a patient should wait a full year from surgery, as it takes about a year for swelling to completely resolve.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Patient sought a revision rhinoplasty because was unhappy with original rhinoplasty performed during her senior year of high school.

 

ULTRASONIC RHINOPLASTY

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a new technique that employs a device called a piezotome. A piezotome can cut bone without breaking it, using high-frequency sound waves, to allow sculpting of the nasal bones. This technique allows for a reduction of trauma to surrounding tissue, such as muscle, mucosa and vessels. Because of the precision of the instrument, you can expect a reduction in the amount of bleeding, bruising and swelling. This can hopefully reduce the patient’s amount of healing time.

Whether you’re interested in an ethnic rhinoplasty, a revision rhinoplasty, or an ultrasonic rhinoplasty, you are in great hands with Dr. Diana Ponsky. As a top Cleveland plastic surgeon specializing solely on the face, Dr. Diana Chuong Ponsky is one of a handful of female plastic surgeons double board-certified in facial plastic AND head and neck surgery. She carries certifications from both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Ponsky has performed over 1500 rhinoplasties, emphasizing the importance of form as well as function! Her patients come from the northeast Ohio area, as well as from other states. 

Click here to view some of the before and after photos of Dr. Diana Ponsky’s rhinoplasty patients and click here to get in touch with the office or schedule a consultation!

What Our Patients Say

  • The office was nice. Receptionist was very polite. Dr. Ponsky was great. The experience was comfortable and she explained everything to me before doing anything. She made sure I understood. Thank you Dr. Ponsky!

    - YM( Cleveland Facial Plastic Surgery )
  • I have always been apprehensive of ANY cosmetic procedures. Not any more! Dr Ponsky and her entire staff are friendly, professional and reassuring. Dr Ponsky is gentle, thorough, professional, talented, knows medicine and her craft. I can’t recommend this entire practice more. It is a gift that we have her in Cleveland.

    - SA( Cosmetic Surgery, Cleveland )
  • I can’t be happier with the results of my Rhinoplasty on both aspects functionally and aesthetically, Dr. Ponsky did such a great job, before, during, and after surgery, she is on top of everything and follow her patients very carefully after surgery to ensure complete healing and great results. Thank you Dr. Ponsky and her staff from the bottom of my heart🙏🙏

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    - A( Rhinoplasty, Cleveland )
  • I have nothing but positive to say about Dr. Ponsky and her entire staff! The first time I came in for a appointment I felt a welcoming and warm energy from the entire group . Dr. Ponsky’s assistant Jaime is fabulous and I love how she can answer all my questions if I don’t understand all!!
    Thank you everyone !!!

    - DB( )
  • Dr Ponsky’s staff are full of energy and very friendly. They are extremely personable, and worked to ensure that I felt comfortable and had everything I needed (down to a blanket during the procedure). Dr Ponsky is thorough, sweet, and gentle in her explanations. She made sure to explain the answers to each of my questions and I never felt rushed/forced to make a decision. I love the fact that we could do the entire procedure under local anesthesia.

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    - EE( Blepharoplasty, Cleveland )