Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty, or septorhinoplasty, is also known as a “nose job”. It is a surgery designed to change the size, shape or proportions of the nose to improve the cosmetic appearance, the breathing function, or both.

Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult operations in facial plastic surgery. This surgery requires extensive knowledge of the anatomy and function of the nose, and it is a procedure that requires specialized training and experience to excel at. Dr. Best is dual-trained in both Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She trained under world renowned leaders in the field performing high volumes of rhinoplasty operations during her Fellowship Training in Orange County, California. This uniquely qualifies Dr. Best to perform this operation to the highest standard here in Ottawa, Ontario.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is nasal surgery focused on improving the appearance of the nose. It is often performed to improve the size, shape, projection, and/or rotation of the nose. The nasal airway can also be addressed during this procedure to improve breathing.

Common complaints that can be addressed with a Cosmetic Rhinoplasty are:

• “Big nose” which can be addressed by reduction or deprojection techniques
• “Large hump” which can be bony, cartilaginous, or a combination of both, and can be addressed by techniques to reduce the dorsal hump
• “Crooked nose” which can be addressed by straightening the nasal bones, nasal septum, or a combination of both
• “Drooping or plunging tip” which can be addressed by improving tip support and rotation
• “Large or bulbous tip” which can be addressed with tip refinement maneuvers
• “Wide” nasal tip which can be addressed with tip refinements and nostril reduction
• “Flat nasal bridge” which can be address with techniques to project the dorsum

Dr. Best listens to every patients’ personal vision and aesthetic goals. Our office performs photography and “morphing” or simulation to help communicate the desired aesthetic outcome. Dr. Best will also analyze the rest of your facial features to ensure the nose is kept in harmony and balance with the rest of the face.

A functional septorhinoplasty is a nasal surgery undertaken to improve nasal obstruction. The goal of this procedure is to improve breathing through the nose.

Common issues addressed with Functional Septorhinoplasty are:

• Nasal obstruction
• Deviated nasal septum
• Nasal valve collapse
• Large turbinates
• History of nasal trauma

This procedure only addresses functional or breathing aspects of the nose. It does not include cosmetic changes. OHIP covers this procedure if the patient meets the qualifications and is approved for funding. You will require a referral from another physician to Dr. Best’s office to be considered for functional septorhinoplasty with Dr. Best.

“Open” vs “Closed” rhinoplasty refers to the surgical approach used to access the nasal structures for surgery. An open or external approach involves making a small incision under the nose along the columella to gain access to the structures of the nose. A closed or endonasal approach is performed by making incisions inside the nose only.

Ultimately, the approach is left up to the discretion of Dr. Best after she analyses your anatomy and clarifies the goals of the procedure. The appropriate approach is chosen to ensure you receive the best surgical outcome possible.

Revision rhinoplasty occurs when patient’s want further alterations after initial nasal surgery, or when patients have ongoing obstruction after an initial nasal surgery.

Revision surgery can be more challenging and complex than the initial surgery. If your nose needs more structural support, Dr. Best may need to harvest extra cartilage from other locations in the body, including the ear or the rib.