Frequently Asked Questions

Rhinoplasty is a word used to describe a surgery for the purpose of reshaping a patients’ nose. A Rhinoplasty surgery may be performed to make cosmetic changes to the shape of a nose, to address functional issues or for reconstruction.

A Septoplasty refers to a surgery that addresses nasal breathing and may help with the external appearance of the nose. Commonly, deviated septums affect the midline partition of the nose, obstructing ones’ breathing. Septoplasty surgery that takes place on the midline of the nose can also help address nasal congestion.

Septorhinoplasty is a term used to describe a surgery that combines both a Septoplasty and a Rhinoplasty. Dorsal Resection and Reduction of Nasal Fracture can also be used to describe the same surgery. Dorsal Resection means the reduction of the bridge of the nose. Reduction of Nasal Fracture refers to the nasal bones being restructured following a trauma.

A Revision Rhinoplasty is a second rhinoplasty surgery intended to correct issues that developed as a result of the original rhinoplasty surgery or to repair problems that were not properly addressed the first time around.

Dr. Solomon is always committed to addressing any issues that may arise from a primary rhinoplasty surgery that he has performed. Up to 10% of his patients may seek minor touchups once the healing period is complete 1 year following surgery. Dr. Solomon will only do a revision if he feels the results can be improved upon and warrant a second surgery to accomplish what his patient is seeking.

In order to narrow the nasal tip or reshape the tip, the cartilage needs to be trimmed or reshaped. In some cases, grafts can be added to create more definition in the tip, while in other cases fatty tissue may be removed beneath the skin.

Closed rhinoplasty is a more common technique, as all incisions are located inside the nose. Dr. Solomon mostly performs closed rhinoplasty surgery so that his patients do not have external scarring.

Open rhinoplasty is an older technique still used today in select cases such as a crooked nose or in revision cases. In open rhinoplasty, typically a small incision is made at the nasal base between the nostrils, also known as the columella.

The age requirement typically depends on individual development both physically and emotionally. For females, as early as 14 or 15, as long as their menstruation cycle began 2 years prior. For males, typically the average age is 16. Older patients remain candidates as long as they are in good health.

Perfection is never a realistic goal but certainly you can strive to achieve the best possible results. The goal of rhinoplasty surgery is to attain a significant or subtle (if desired) aesthetic enhancement. Minor imperfections can occur where revision may be required. If there is an issue that can be readdressed with surgery, Dr. Solomon will only be able to perform revision surgery once the healing process is compete, 1 year post op.

A rib or ear graft is used for the purpose of augmenting parts of the nose such as the bridge or the nasal tip. At SFP, ear cartilage is often used for grafting the tip of the nose due to the fact that it’s often soft and curved. Ear grafts are also effectively used for camouflaging areas of the nasal bridge. Rib cartilage tends to be stronger and better used in areas needing more strength such the nasal bridge.