Rhinoplasty and the A La Carte Menu
Around the world and right here in New York, rhinoplasty is one of the most consistently popular plastic surgery procedures. It is also generally accepted as one of the oldest cosmetic/reconstructive operations, arising in ancient India more than two thousand years ago.
In more recent times, other aspects and dimensions of the face have been studied at length. And while the nose may continue to be the “center of attraction,” the medical/aesthetic community has learned more about the importance of balancing facial features with each other, smoothing imperfections and signs of aging with less invasive techniques and more.
New strategies for refining the appearance are readily available today. Patients thinking about a nose job have additional choices to consider that may enhance the appearance of their entire face. These include:
Chin augmentation: Augmenting the chin with an implant is a fairly common companion procedure to rhinoplasty nowadays. For many patients, men and women, a stronger chin helps create harmony with the nose.
Cheek augmentation: Cheek augmentation is another option for enhancing facial bone structure. This can be accomplished using implants or fat transfer.
Liposuction: While not truly helping to “balance” the weight of the nose on the face, a sharper, more youthful jawline free of jowls can go a long way toward enhancing overall facial appeal. The same holds true for the neck: light liposuction can smooth and tighten facial lines.
Fat transfer: In certain areas of the face, adding fat can banish initial signs of aging or enhance features adjacent to the nose. For some people, hollows or “tear troughs” alongside the nose are a distraction—these can be filled with small amounts of fat removed from the hips, thighs or elsewhere. Fat or a dermal filler can also be used to create full, voluptuous lips.
These procedures and others are popular in our practice on their own and as accompaniments for rhinoplasty. New York residents, known for trendsetting, are often among the first to try new techniques to refine and rejuvenate.
