Nose Width Reduction Surgery

When viewing the nose from beneath, the nasal tip and nostrils form a triangle called the pyriform aperture. A nose surgeon will adjust the pyriform aperture to reduce the width of the nasal tip.

They can reduce the width of the nose by making the angles of this triangle steeper at the point where the nostrils attach to the face.

Board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Nasal Base Reduction

The nasal base reduction rhinoplasty technique can effectively reduce the width of the nasal base where it is too broad in comparison to other facial features. This technique is used in some variation as a routine part of rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty procedures.

Ethnic rhinoplasty patients undergo reduction of the nose base even more often. Patients with African American, Asian, and Middle Eastern lineage usually need nasal base reduction as these ethnicities typically have a wider nose base. To enhance the appearance of the nose, this area will require reduction.

Many patients considering rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty often complain that their nose appears too broad or large at the base. The base is measured from the outer margin of one nostril to the outer margin of the other.

Ideally, the width of the nasal base should not be more than the distance between the eyes. Upon visualizing a line extending vertically down from the corner of the eye, or inner canthus on either side, the nasal base should fall between these two lines.

But it is vital to understand that this adjustment is the aesthetic ideal for Caucasian rhinoplasty patients. This standard may not be appropriate for ethnic patients. Most ethnic nose reshaping cosmetic surgery patients attain optimal outcomes with a nasal base that is slightly wider than this ideal measurement.

Anatomy Involved In Nasal Base Reduction

To decide on the most appropriate surgical treatment of specific rhinoplasty patients, it is vital that the surgeon has an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the nose base area. The columella is the column-shaped structure that is found in the middle of the nasal base.

This structure bifurcates the nostrils into right and left parts. The alar base insertion is the part of the nostril side wall that attaches to the upper lip-cheek point. The nasal sill area lies between the alar base insertion point and the columella.

A Wide Sill Area

Along with a wide nasal base, some nose surgery candidates also tend to have a broad sill area that gives the nose extra width. An excessively broad sill could create a more horizontal type nostril shape. This is common in patients with a wide nasal sill.

What to Expect after Reduction Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Reduction rhinoplasty involves the same recovery period and strategies as other nose reshaping surgical procedures. Following the surgery, the patient will experience swelling and discomfort for a number of days as the nose, and the surrounding tissues heal.

The bruising will subside gradually, and the swelling will resolve as the healing progresses. The final results of the rhinoplasty will establish over a period. The patient will be able to return to their routine activities after the recovery period.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

A rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery is a suitable procedure for people who have a slightly crooked nose or a nose that has shifted to one side. A nose surgeon can straighten the nose by eliminating some bone or cartilage or moving the tissue manually.

The rhinoplasty surgeon may place a splint (similar to placing a splint in case of a broken nose after functional nose surgery) to ensure that the nose remains in the correct position while it heals.

The level of nose crookedness depends on the cause behind it. In general, a crooked nose is only an aesthetic issue. However, it can also lead to breathing problems in some cases.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.  

What causes a Crooked Nose?

There are two types of crooked noses. The first one occurs due to an issue within the intricate nasal system of cartilages, bones, and tissue within the nose.

This can develop due to a variety of reasons, such as:

• Injuries, such as a broken nose
• Birth defects
• Tumors
• Nose surgery
• Severe infections

The nose will assume an I, S, or C-shape, depending on the reason for the crookedness.

The other type of nose crookedness develops because of a deviated septum. The septum is the internal wall that bifurcates the nose into two identical airways. In the case of a deviated septum, this wall leans to one side partially blocking one nasal passageway. Some people have a deviated septum since birth while others develop it after an injury.

In addition to causing nose crookedness, a deviated septum can also lead to:

• Nosebleeds
• Loud breathing
• Problems in sleeping on one side

A qualified surgeon can help determine the cause for the crooked nose and help determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Surgical Treatment

Dermal fillers can help straighten a slightly crooked nose. However, more severe cases will require nose surgery. Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can correct the aesthetic problems of the nose while septoplasty can help straighten the septum.

Rhinoplasty

There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures, namely cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the nose. On the other hand, functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems.

A 2015 research study indicates that regardless of the technique used, rhinoplasty can effectively straighten crooked noses in patients with or without facial symmetry. The similar appearance of both halves of the face is known as facial symmetry.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty can straighten a crooked nose by reshaping the wall that bifurcates the nasal airways. If a deviated septum is the reason for the crooked nose, the surgeon will likely recommend a septoplasty to the patient. This procedure can straighten the nose and relieve the nasal airways of obstructions caused by a deviated septum.

The Final Word

A crooked nose is a common condition which occurs due to a deviated septum or past injury. Interestingly, nearly 80 percent of people have some form of septal deviation. The patient should seek a suitable treatment option if their crooked nose is causing breathing problems or major aesthetic issues.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery may be required to reduce a dorsal hump or bump in some patients. Variations of this condition can cause the illusion of a substantial bump, called pseudo-hump or low radix.

The radix refers to the upper bony portion of the nose. The nose may appear to have a bump due to a substantial radix and underlying cartilage. A shallow radix can lead to the appearance of a depression and a bump. The nose surgeon can reduce the size of the radix by cautiously shaving away tiny portions.

The surgeon may source cartilage from another area of the patient’s nose, such as the septum, to add fullness to a depressed area of the nose. Building-up the area right above the radix enables the surgeon to develop a straighter nasal slope. It is important to manage the radix properly in order to provide the nose with a natural look.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Pseudo-Hump

The presence of a pseudo-hump indicates that the radix is not sufficiently developed and is under-projecting. This creates a facial profile where the tissue underneath the radix, towards the nasal tip, seems even fuller and more bulbous than it actually is. A pseudo-hump develops if the radix bone does not project the overlying soft tissue appropriately.

Treating an Underdeveloped and Low Radix

The most suitable treatment for an under-projecting nose is rhinoplasty with radix tissue grafting. A radix graft can consist of fascia, cartilage, or other soft tissue.

A graft is usually a sculpted cartilage fragment typically taken from the septum. The surgeon places this graft underneath the muscle and skin of the radix where it remains discreet.

The surgeon will place the cartilage graft over the bone where it will elevate the depressed soft tissue and address the deficient bony structure. This procedure helps create a straighter profile without the need to remove any cartilage or bone underneath the radix.

Is it Possible to have Weak Radix and a True Hump?

Some patients can have an underdeveloped radix as well as a true hump. In addressing both these issues together, the surgeon can perform a more conservative hump removal.

The cosmetic surgery procedure involves bringing the ideal profile line closer to the hump by elevating the position of the radix. Consequently, the surgeon will remove a lesser portion of the hum when creating a straighter profile.

The outcomes of this surgery appear less “surgical” and offer a more natural look due to a stronger starting nasal foundation.

Correcting Radix as Part of Revision Rhinoplasty

The height of the radix refers to the angle made between the frontal and nasal bones. This height should be in proportion to the dorsal height, length, and tip for more balanced and complete results.

In case the radix remains too high, or an excessively large graft is used, the nose will appear Romanesque following the surgery. A revision rhinoplasty involves the reduction of the radix to its correct and most appropriate position compared to other nasal aspects and facial characteristics.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Depending on the unique anatomical and aesthetic needs of the patient, a rhinoplasty surgeon can determine the right nose reshaping cosmetic surgery technique for them.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient as a candidate for a specific type of rhinoplasty procedure.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.

Reduction Rhinoplasty

Reduction rhinoplasty is a common nose reshaping technique. This procedure involves making the nose more proportionate to the other facial features. It can successfully address issues such as a bump on the nose bridge, excessively wide nostrils, and an elongated nasal tip.

The surgeon will excise small pieces of bone and cartilage from the nose to make it more harmonious with other facial characteristics. They may also use a technique known as an alar base reduction to decrease the size of the nostrils. In performing alar base reduction, the surgeon will remove small amounts of tissue from the region where the cheek and nostrils connect.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Augmentation rhinoplasty is another significant nose reshaping technique. This cosmetic surgery procedure involves the grafting of bone or tissue to build-up the nose tip and/or bridge. In this procedure, the surgeon may sometimes use cartilage from other areas of the nose, such as the septum.

But if the patient does not have an adequate amount of tissue in this region, they may use cartilage from other areas of the body, rib bone, synthetic materials, and other types of biological tissue.

Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty

Post-traumatic rhinoplasty may be a suitable procedure for patients of nasal trauma. This technique can enhance the functionality and appearance of the nose. This procedure can address crooked noses and problems in the septum.

Many patients of traumatic facial injuries also suffer from fractured noses. In such cases, the surgeon may need to re-fracture the nose. They will subsequently reset the nose to achieve desirable results. A surgeon can typically set a basic nose fracture within a ten-day period following the injury.

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty

For patients who have lost their entire nose or a portion of it to skin cancer, accidents, or another serious condition may benefit from reconstructive rhinoplasty.

In this procedure, the surgeon rebuilds the nose through approaches such as flap techniques, skin grafts, and various other advanced methods. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is a complex process in which the patient may require multiple surgeries over several months.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Ethnic rhinoplasty involves the same nose reshaping techniques as other types of rhinoplasty procedures. Ethnic rhinoplasty is a popular procedure for people of Afro-Caribbean, African American, Middle-Eastern, and Asian heritage.

People from these ethnicities often have softer nasal contours. It is important for the surgeon to maintain the integrity of the ethnic face while performing such procedures.

Adolescent Rhinoplasty

Teenage patients should wait until their noses are fully developed before undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. Some exceptions include cases where the teenage patient is experiencing breathing problems or has undergone trauma.

An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will ensure that they protect the delicate nasal structure of the teenage nose during this procedure. Furthermore, the surgeon must make sure that the teen is emotionally and psychologically ready for rhinoplasty.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Nose fractures account for almost 40 percent of bone injuries in cases of facial trauma. The treatment commences with primary care involving an assessment of the extent of the injury, understanding the reasons for the injury, and reviewing the nose and face condition before the damage.

A rhinoplasty surgeon is in the best position to recommend a suitable treatment for nasal fractures.

A Bone Pyramid

There are a variety of nasal fractures, and without treatment, these fractures could lead to breathing problems or a deformed or crooked nose. A fracture can develop in any place in the “bony pyramid” (the pyramid-shaped bony structure protruding from the nose) of the nose.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Types of Nasal Fractures

The treatment for different types of fractures requires different types of osteotomy (the practice of rejoining and resetting bones).

Greenstick Fractures

These fractures develop along the nasal bone edges. Children usually develop these fractures as their bones are still developing and are highly malleable. For this reason, Greenstick fractures are usually partial rather than completely broken bones.

Saddle Deformity

This is a more serious type of fracture and one that leads to the nasal bridge and septum collapsing and becoming conclave into the face. This deformity is named after the saddle-like shape that it creates which is visible when the face is viewed in profile.

These types of fractures occur due to acute facial trauma or the disintegration of cartilage because of snorting drugs such as cocaine. To treat this condition, the surgeon takes cartilage or rib bone from a donor to rebuild the nasal bridge and septum.

Comminuted Fracture

Comminuted fractures involve the breaking of the bone into three or more fragments. The treatment of this type of fracture involves the removal of the extra bone fragments which can cause severe complications if left untreated. In addition, the surgeon will align the bones of the nose. This condition usually occurs with severe trauma or in elderly patients with weakened bones.

Le Fort Fractures

At times, a serious injury can cause damage to the bones behind the nose (maxillae). Two bones form the maxillae, and it comprises the upper jaw and palate providing support to the structure of the nose. Fractures in this region are known as Le Fort fractures and are classified into three categories.  

Le Fort I fractures develop in a horizontal position and impact the nostril and jaw. Le Fort II fractures affect the maxillae beneath the eye sockets surrounding the nasal bridge.

A Le Fort II fracture involves damage to the bones in the “bony-pyramid” region. This fracture goes from the nasal bridge to the mouth corners in an inverted V-shape. Le Fort III fractures cause damage to the bones surrounding the eyes or the orbital sockets.

Le Fort fractures warrant immediate medical attention as such fractures can lead to long-term brain and palate damage. An expert rhinoplasty surgeon can effectively treat Le Fort fractures.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.