Overview
Whether motivated by aesthetic goals or functional issues like breathing difficulties, rhinoplasty offers a tailored solution. This surgical procedure can refine the nose’s shape or size to enhance facial symmetry and address structural concerns that impede breathing.
However, as everyone has their own unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, no two nose surgeries are the same. To improve the outcome of the procedure, it helps to understand the various types of rhinoplasty techniques and how they address specific concerns.
What Are the Different Types of Rhinoplasty?
There are two main techniques used for rhinoplasty procedures, including:
Open Rhinoplasty
The surgeon creates a 4-5 mm incision across the columella—the narrow strip of skin separating the nostrils—to access the underlying nasal structures and sculpt the nose accordingly. Open rhinoplasty is typically recommended for more complex cases of nasal reshaping or correction of structural deformities.
Closed Rhinoplasty
With a closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made within the nostrils, leaving no visible scarring. This approach is typically suitable for patients requiring minor modifications to the nasal structure.
In addition to these two main techniques, there are other specialised types of rhinoplasty commonly performed in Singapore. These include:
Nose Tip Rhinoplasty (Tip Plasty)
A tip plasty reshapes the nasal tip through rotation, elevation, and deprojection to achieve better facial harmony. This procedure addresses various concerns, such as a bulbous tip, droopy tip, over- or under-projected tip, and wide asymmetrical nostrils. A tip plasty can be a standalone procedure or performed together with nasal bridge augmentation and nasal width narrowing.
Septorhinoplasty
Septorhinoplasty involves straightening the nasal septum—the thin strip of cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages—and repositioning it in the middle of the nose to improve breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum or crooked nose (septoplasty), while simultaneously sculpting the nose into its desired shape (rhinoplasty).
Revision/Secondary Rhinoplasty
Patients dissatisfied with their initial rhinoplasty results may opt for a revision or secondary rhinoplasty. A surgeon can rectify any cosmetic issues or complications from the previous surgery, such as an infection. Often more intricate than the first operation, revision rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed approach, depending on the patient's requirements.
Filler/Liquid Rhinoplasty
Also known as non-surgical rhinoplasty, this procedure involves injecting dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, into specific areas of the nose to reshape and contour its appearance, fill in depressions, or correct a drooping nasal tip, dorsal hump, or other asymmetries. While the effects are temporary and not as pronounced as other nose surgeries, liquid rhinoplasty offers a quick, incision-free option for individuals seeking subtle nasal enhancements.
Which Rhinoplasty Procedure Is Right for You?
Each type of rhinoplasty technique has its own benefits and limitations. When deciding on the most suitable procedure, you need to consider various factors, including your nasal anatomy, specific concerns, and desired results.
Having a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential, as they can walk you through all available options in detail and provide you with a personalised treatment plan based on your nasal features. With the right approach, rhinoplasty can yield significant outcomes that not only improve appearance but also boost one’s self-esteem.
For more information on the different rhinoplasty techniques and suitability for the procedure, please contact our clinic at 6235 8411 or fill out our enquiry form to schedule a consultation with our surgeon.
About Our Plastic Surgeon
Dr Colin Tham is an MOH-accredited consultant plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in various rhinoplasty techniques in Singapore. With a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics, he has helped numerous patients achieve their desired transformations. His approach to rhinoplasty centres around three key objectives: improving both the appearance and functional aspects of the patient’s nose, providing natural-looking results, and prioritising minimal scarring and discomfort.