Rhinoplasty is a procedure where a surgeon alters the shape and structure of the nose for cosmetic or medical benefit. It is a multi-step process that can cover the cartilage, bone, and/or skin depending on the exact changes you desire.
For those curious about what elements are actually involved in a Toronto rhinoplasty, take a look below for a summary of the different steps your surgeon will take as they resculpt your nose to bring its appearance into harmony with the rest of your face, or to enhance airflow and breathing. Keep in mind that these steps are being described in general terms and an individual surgeon may not follow them exactly.
In order to begin a rhinoplasty, your surgeon needs to have access to the structure of the nose. This is accomplished by making a small incision either inside the nose itself or along the outer skin between the nostrils (the columella). In order to prevent the scar from being noticeable, the incision is made in a zig-zag shape to help it blend in once recovery is complete. The incision is the only part of a Toronto rhinoplasty that is absolutely required. What happens next will depend on the specific goals you and your surgeon work out during your consultation.
If the nose is being narrowed or moved so that it is more centred in the face, the nasal bones need to be shifted. The bones are carefully broken in precise places, moved, and then secured in their new position with a splint. The splint is not permanent and can usually be removed around about one week after the rhinoplasty.
The bridge of your nose is formally known as a dorsum and is a common target for alteration whether the aim is to remove bumps, reduce a hump, add an implant to create a stronger profile, or other possible changes. The bone and cartilage of the bridge is normally accessed by incision but sometimes additional “pricks” are made on the outside to help out. If the goal of the rhinoplasty is to reduce the bridge, bone and cartilage will be delicately removed. If the goal is to enhance the bridge, then an implant is inserted to support and guide the structure.
The tip of the nose is primarily made of cartilage and needs to be carefully manipulated in order to adjust size, angle, or prominence. During a Toronto rhinoplasty, cartilage can be sewn together, removed, or repositioned to control the final shape.
The septum is the inner wall between the nostrils and a deviated septum is one of the common reasons to seek a rhinoplasty. The septum is coated in a mucous membrane, a protective covering most commonly understood as the reason for boogers. This membrane is extremely important and great care is used when the membrane is lifted to allow for access to the septum.
Much like the bridge/dorsum, the septum is a mixture of bone and cartilage and a similar process is used for the repositioning. Afterwards, the mucous membrane is put back into place and the whole arrangement is held together with stitches or, in some cases, simple plastic tubing.. Like the splint mentioned above, these are not permanent additions and will be removed as part of the recovery process.
Dr. Philip Solomon is an Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon specializng in Facial Plastic Surgery including rhinoplasty, to patients from across Canada and the GTA. If you wish to learn more about rhinoplasty or to book a consultation, we welcome you to call Solomon Facial Plastic at 1-866-293-0616.
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Please also visit Dr. Solomon’s information on Primary Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty.
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Kathy Ellis2024-12-16 I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Solomon, and couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the first consultation, Dr. Solomon’s expertise and professionalism put me at ease. He guided me every step of the way, ensuring that I understood the process and felt comfortable. The outcome exceeded my expectations, as I now look like a fresher, younger version of myself. Dr. Solomon’s attention to detail and skill truly enhanced my natural beauty. I feel more confident and rejuvenated than ever. I must also recognize two of his amazing staff, Nurse Maddie and Nurse Nancy who were kind, attentive, responsive and always available when I reached out to them. Thank you Dr. Solomon, for giving me a renewed sense of self! Vanessa Gray2024-12-06 I am exactly one week out from my deep plane facelift surgery. I am healing so quickly and the results are already so amazing. Dr. Philip Solomon is not only a skilled surgeon but an artist. I travelled all the way from Vancouver and have no regrets. Thank you Dr. Solomon, Nancie, and the rest of your team! L J2024-12-06 Dr Solomon and his team have been exceptional. Ive always felt self conscious about the droopiness of my nose tip, but from the first consultation, Dr Solomon put me at ease with his excellent bedside manner and willingness to answer all my questions. After surgery, a nurse called me to check in, and my recovery process has been quite smooth. Now at 8 weeks post op I feel a newfound confidence every time I look in the mirror. Nancy has also been incredibly supportive, patiently answering questions and providing reassurance as I continue to navigate some post-op swelling (which is expected). Incredible experience and I’m so grateful to the entire team! Jen Muller2024-12-05 I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Solomon. A few years ago, I had rhinoseptoplasty for a deviated septum and a nostril that seemed to be collapsing. Since the surgery, I have been able to breathe much better. I then developed a cyst deep under the layers of my skin beside my nose. It took three years of meeting with various experts to try to figure out what was going on and how to remove it without scarring. Apparently this type of cyst is very rare. It took a long time, waiting for ultrasounds and CT scans. Dr. Solomon helped me through this entire process and was able to remove it from the inside of my nose without scarring. I cannot express enough of my appreciation for the removal of the cyst. It was causing a lot of issues for me with swelling that was unpredictable and distressing. It is a big decision to consider surgery and it’s important to research who you choose to work with, I would feel confident in your choice if you choose to work with Dr. Solomon. Susan Khamassi2024-12-03 I had rhinoplasty with Dr. Solomon. I was very nervous for years to do it because I wanted to still look natural. During my consult he listened to everything I wanted and now after 5 months post surgery I am beyond happy with the results. He is very skilled and would recommend him 1000 percent ! Thank you again ! R Karabassis2024-12-02 Dr. Solomon is great! Makes you feel comfortable and is also good with his aftercare and post procedure check ups. Results are amazing! Irene Karabassis2024-12-02 Dr. Solomon is amazing! He makes you feel comfortable and always addresses any of your concerns. Results are beautiful and natural! Anna Kayden2024-12-02 I’ve had two surgeries with Dr. Solomon and couldn’t be happier with the results. He’s an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon whose judgment I trust completely. Dr. Solomon provides honest, realistic feedback and never overpromises the degree of results, which I deeply appreciate. His clinical team is outstanding—they create a safe, welcoming environment every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to return for future procedures if needed. Devina Dasilva2024-10-29 It was a blessing in disguise that your receptionists treated me so poorly which led me to go elsewhere. I Thank the Lord each day for not having Dr. Solomon touch my nose and perform surgery. My nose is in the utmost pristine condition and it's only because of the Lord. What a huge blessing to find an amazing surgeon elsewhere. A big Thank You to all the receptionists who were absolutely rude towards me. Had it not been for your ridiculous behaviour - I might have walked out with a botched nose job. Tina S2024-10-25 Dr. Solomon did a top notch job on my revision rhinoplasty. I am truly amazed at the results - they are even better than what I had hoped for. Even with the issues with my nose, he fixed the issues completely and made adjustments as-needed for a stunning result. And did it all "closed". Quite incredible. I'm still amazed. Prior to surgery (consultation phase), Dr. Solomon answered my many, many questions without hesitation - bc of my experience with a previous surgeon, I was quite nervous and asked many questions. He was very patient with me. The entire team was exceedingly professional - even his operative support team. 5 stars for them too. As a side note, I researched Toronto plastic surgeons for months before landing on Dr. Solomon. I've also since learned that he has an excellent reputation not just among patients, but within the medical community. I recommend Dr. Solomon wholeheartedly.
In order to best assist you, we require all cosmetic patients to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation. There is a fee of $250 with imaging plus HST for all consultations. Your consultation fee will be credited towards your procedure and/or treatment. To schedule a consultation, please complete the attached form or call our office at 905-764-7799. We look forward to hearing from you.