Augmentation Rhinoplasty

About Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Augmentation rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase the height of the bridge or further project the tip. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi is a highly trained and specialized Vancouver rhinoplasty surgeon, who focuses much of his practice on nasal surgery. Augmentation rhinoplasty is often requested by Asian patients, who may wish more definition to their nose. There are several ways to augment the nose including the use of both natural and synthetic implant materials. You can find out more about nasal implants in this website’s Knowledge Base .

Benefits of Augmentation Rhinoplasty

• Increased height of the nasal bridge
• More definition of the bridge on front view
• Alar base reduction
• Increased definition of the tip

If you would like to know if you are a candidate for augmentation rhinoplasty, please take advantage of our virtual consultation. Upload your photos to our secure system and Dr. Buonassisi will do a preliminary evaluation of your photos. Please note that the virtual consultation does not replace the need for an in-person consultation, but may provide some preliminary information.

How Augmentation Rhinoplasty Is Performed

The underlying nasal framework is exposed through small incisions inside the nose and sometimes in the columellar skin.  The bridge of the nose can be augmented with the patient’s own cartilage (if available) or a nasal implant.  Common materials for implants include Gortex or soft silicone.  The nasal tip often requires augmentation as well and this is may be done with  the patient’s own cartilage, harvested from the ear or septum. Once these modifications are complete the skin settles back onto the augmented nasal framework and the internal incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Other Features That Can Be Corrected During Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Hump Reduction

One of the most common requests is for Dr. Buonassisi to remove a nasal hump. He does this by rasping the bone.

Deviated Septum Correction

Dr. Buonassisi often corrects a deviated septum during a cosmetic rhinoplasty, which can improve the appearance of a crooked nose. The Medical Services Plan of  British Columbia does not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures, or cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures performed at the same time as a deviated septum procedure. Dr. Buonassisi will correct a deviated septum at the time of a cosmetic nasal surgery, if the patient so desires, however, the cost to patient is the same as for a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Patients who require correction of a deviated septum only should visit their family doctor. If you family doctor finds a breathing abnormality as a result of a deviated septum, you will be referred to a ENT surgeon.

Tip Refinement

Typical requests for the tip include, refining a bulbous appearance, projecting or deprojecting. In most cases, when changes to the tip are requested, changes to the other parts of the nose are required as well. This is because the nose is a three dimensional features, and changes made to one area can change the way the other areas appear in contrast.

Tip Projection

Narrow Nasal Bones

Often the bridge of the nose appears to be too wide. In this case, the nasal bones are narrowed.

Bridge Augmentation

This can be achieved using the patient’s own cartilage, taken from the septum or the ear. Often, hand shaped Gortex implants can be used for this purpose. You can find out more about nasal implants in this website’s Knowledge Base .

Alar Base Reduction

Once these modifications are complete the skin settles back onto the reshaped nasal framework and the internal incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. Which cosmetic nose surgery is right for you? The most appropriate approach depends on your specific nasal features, your objectives for the surgery and Dr. Buonassisi’s assessment of the risks and benefits of the surgery. During your surgical consult, Dr. Buonassisi will assess your nasal features, clearly explain the pros and cons of each technique, and recommend the most suitable  approach for you. Augment rhinoplasty surgery typically takes from 1.5 – 2 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• Correction of the nasal features that may be  out of proportion
• A larger, more prominent nasal bridge and/or tip
• A more attractive nose that is in balance with your other facial features

Are You a Good Candidate

Augmentation rhinoplasty surgery in Vancouver is most commonly performed on people aged 18 years of age and older who are bothered by the size and shape of their nose

General Health

You may be a candidate for rhinoplasty if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complication
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Augmentation Rhinoplasty Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from rhinoplasty surgery to be quite easy. There is typically no discomfort, aside from a stuffed up feeling for the first week or so. It is important not to blow your nose in the first week following surgery. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – signs of bruising can be covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks one or two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• Once your cast and sutures are removed seven days following surgery, you will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – however, you will still have some evidence of swelling and light bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup
• At the seven day mark, some people have light bruising below the eyes, while other experience no bruising whatsoever

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery
• The final results of rhinoplasty can take up to six months – although most of the swelling is typically gone within three months of surgery, some very mild swelling can persist for six months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of rhinoplasty surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Nasal Procedures

Rhinoplasty is often combined with other facial reshaping or facial rejuvenation surgeries.  Many patients opt to have their eyelids and other facial features, such as jowls and neck, treated at the same time in order to save having to take time off work and recover from more than one surgery. Rhinoplasty is often performed with a chin implant, for patients who are dissatisfied with an under projected chin. For these patients, the combination of rhinoplasty and chin augmentation can create an attractive balance of facial features.

Alternative Rhinoplasty Procedures

Recently there has been much media exposure of a procedure referred to as “Non-surgical nose job”. Find out more about why fillers can only safely be used to treat minor nasal deformities, and in the majority of cases, is not a safe alternative to surgery.

What Rhinoplasty Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.