Alternatives to Rhinoplasty

Subtlety is the key to successful rhinoplasty surgery. Dramatic changes can take your appearance to extremes, and the result can be a nose that seems less natural or even believable, and less at home among your facial features.

The subtle approach extends to a patient’s choice of procedures, as well. Sometimes surgery is not the answer; for example a few targeted non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques are usually the better choice for moderate changes in the volume, profile and appearance of the nose. Experienced Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Min S. Ahn of The Aesthetic Wellness Center offers a range of effective solutions that can fine-tune the look of your nose without changing your essential facial character.

Disqualifying Characteristics

Rhinoplasty may not be appropriate for some patients based on age and other factors. Very thin skin is not well suited to hiding the underlying structure of the nose; grafts and changes to the bone may be visible. Conversely, thick skin may not be sufficiently elastic to conform to the sleeker profile of a smaller nose.

Age is also a factor. Younger patients generally achieve better outcomes. By middle age, with less skin elasticity and a slower healing response, results can become less predictable. If you have had a rhinoplasty before, the earlier reshaping of cartilage and bone, along with the accumulation of scar tissue, will make the surgery more challenging.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a proven way to make incremental changes to the appearance of the nose. These convenient injectables are popular not simply for their ability to build volume and fill in lines, furrows and depressions, but also for their effectiveness in stimulating the production of naturally revitalizing collagen. Although temporary, lasting from six months to a year, dermal fillers require only a brief office visit for each injection session, and downtime ranges from nonexistent to minimal. Recommended choices include Restylane and Juvederm.

Optical Illusions

Sometimes the appearance of the nose can be modified by changing the structure of surrounding tissue. This is the case with lip lift. With age, the skin above the lips and below the nose loses integrity and begins to stretch. Upper lip lift tightens skin in this area, providing a new foundation or frame for your nose.

With an eye to the aesthetic appeal and balance of the final result, Dr. Ahn begins by making an incision where it will be least noticed: in the crease formed where the nose meets the skin above the lip. By removing some of this skin, the upper lip is drawn slightly upward.

To learn more about rhinoplasty and available alternatives, or to schedule an appointment, call or email Dr. Min S. Ahn of The Aesthetic Wellness Center today.