Preservation Rhinoplasty

Although being born with a dorsal hump is both natural and common, people who are dissatisfied with the shape of their nose often seek out rhinoplasty to achieve a smoother nasal bridge. Based on centuries-old surgical principles, but recently re-emerged with better results, preservation rhinoplasty is the latest bridge-flattening technique to emerge in the field of nose reshaping. World-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Min Ahn is one of the first surgeons in New England to offer this advanced technique, which can reshape the nose without having to remove much cartilage or bone.

What Makes Preservation Rhinoplasty Different from Traditional Rhinoplasty

Many patients seek rhinoplasty because they have a hump on their nose. With traditional rhinoplasty, a plastic surgeon must shave down the bone and cartilage to smooth the bridge. In removing structural elements of the nose, this approach can disturb the framework of the nose. This then requires the surgeon to make additional surgical alterations to reinforce the bridge.

Preservation rhinoplasty is a technique that flattens a hump without necessitating so many changes to the structure of the nose. With this approach, Dr. Ahn can lower the nasal bridge while leaving all or most of the bony and cartilaginous structures on the bridge intact. Specifically, he makes precise surgical cuts in the bone and septal cartilage to create space so that the bridge and hump can be pushed down to achieve a smooth surface.

Preservation Rhinoplasty Recovery

Because preservation rhinoplasty disrupts fewer blood vessels and tissue, swelling and bruising is less significant than it is for traditional rhinoplasty patients. The discomfort also tends to be lowered and can be easily managed with prescribed pain medication. Overall, the entire recovery period is shorter for preservation rhinoplasty, but it is still important to follow Dr. Ahn’s aftercare instructions (which include hydrating, icing and resting) while also protecting your healing nose from potential injury. Just because the patient’s nose looks fully recovered within a few weeks does not mean it is invulnerable. 

Preservation Rhinoplasty Results

The primary appeal of preservation rhinoplasty is its natural-looking results. Whereas traditional rhinoplasty can sometimes make the nose heal in an unnatural or undesired way due to all the surgical alterations, preservation rhinoplasty does not inadvertently change the dorsal lines.

Even though preservation rhinoplasty takes a gentler approach than traditional rhinoplasty, the results are just as long-lasting. Patients can enjoy their new nose contours for the rest of their lives.

Choose Dr. Ahn for This Special Surgery

While there is no doubt that preservation rhinoplasty is an easier surgery for the patient to undergo, it requires more advanced skills and precision on the part of the surgeon than does traditional rhinoplasty. Fortunately, Dr. Ahn has an in-depth knowledge of nasal anatomy and has studied the procedure extensively.

Although the world’s best facial plastic surgeons have begun favoring preservation rhinoplasty to flatten a bump on the bridge, so far most plastic surgeons have not taken the time to learn or master this technique. That makes Dr. Ahn one of the best choices for this surgery in Boston. To meet with Dr. Ahn and discuss whether preservation rhinoplasty—or another nose reshaping technique—is the right choice for your unique nose, please call (508) 366-2020.