Structural Rhinoplasty: What It Is and When You Need It
Structural rhinoplasty is a comprehensive nose constructing cosmetic surgery that directly addresses the cartilage, nasal bridge, and internal supporting tissues. This technique reform the entire nasal structure—from shape to size—while enhancing both aesthetics and nasal function.
Dr Thai corrected contracted nose due to Rhinoplasty Performed at Korea
Runner-up Kieu Loan after structural rhinoplasty and comprehensive cosmetic surgery.
Lily Luta after structural rhinoplasty, alar reduction, chin augmentation, double eyelid surgery, and jaw contouring.
Miss Grand Vietnam 2024 First Runner-up Hanh Nguyen before and after structural rhinoplasty.
Miss queen runner-up Tuong San before and after comprehensive cosmetic surgery. Tuong San's nose was slightly wide with a low bridge, so she underwent structural rhinoplasty to achieve better facial proportion and a more refined look.
Miss Phuong Khanh after structural rhinoplasty revision and comprehensive cosmetic surgery.
When to Consider Structural Rhinoplasty
Standard nose enhancement procedures like filler injections and synthetic implants only focus on raising the nasal bridge. They cannot treat other aesthetic concerns, including:
Nasal Bridge (Dorsum) Issues
The dorsum deviate to irregular shape: C-shaped, inverse C-shaped and S-shaped nose deformity
Purely defined nasal aesthetic lines.
Saddle nose or inverse V deformity
Have a Dorsal Hump
=> Structural rhinoplasty comprehensively addresses all mentioned concerns.
Nostrils
Bulbous large round tip rather than a refined triangular shape
Upturned or droopy tips.
Disproportionate tip projection (The ideal projection is about 2/3 of the dorsum length).
Columella and Nasal Base Concerns
Asymmetrical nostrils caused by deviated septum, misalign from the facial midline.
Asymmetrical alar bases with in appropriate length (the ideal alar base length equals the distance between the inner corners of the eyes, approximately one-fifth of facial width.)
Revision Cases or Synthetic Material Intolerance
Revision Rhinoplasty:
Previous rhinoplasty resulted in complications like displacement, cartilage exposure, infection, or tissue necrosis.
Requiring implant removal and complete structural reconstruction.
Incompatibility between patient's physiology and synthetic material:
Thin nasal skin prone to implant visibility
Incompatible with synthetic material.
Benefits of Structural Rhinoplasty
Beyond the aesthetic improvements of standard procedure, structural rhinoplasty can be used for handling complex cases. It eliminates the risk of material allergies and ensures long-lasting, stable results.
Structural Rhinoplasty Process Detail
3D simulation of structural rhinoplasty
Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning
The surgeon conducts detailed examinations, analyzes nasal defects, and develops a customized treatment plan.
For revision cases or infected noses, the surgeon plans pre-operative treatment and monitoring, including implant removal if necessary, before proceeding with structural rhinoplasty.
Step 2: Anesthesia
Patients receive general anesthesia or sedation to ensure a pain-free, comfortable experience throughout surgery.
Step 3: Create Incision
The surgeon makes a small incision at the columella base, then elevates the skin to expose the underlying bone and cartilage.
Step 4: Changing Cartilage Framework
The surgeon harvests ear cartilage, septal cartilage, or rib cartilage as the primary material for nostrils and columella reconstruction.
The surgeon then correct nasal defects like septal deviation.
The surgeon may suture the lower lateral cartilages closer together to refine the tip.
Step 5: Nasal Bridge (Dorsum) Augmentation
The surgeon place the implant to raise the nasal dorsum:
First options: The implant made from a synthetic material core wrapped by autologous cartilage.
Second options: Constructs the entire bridge from autologous rib cartilage.
Harvest position
Benefits
Drawbacks
Indication
Septal Cartilage
Straight, firm, and sturdy.
No addition incisions
Unavailable if patient has had prior septal surgery
Cases requiring minimal cartilage with normal septal structure
Ear Cartilage
Easy to harvest and shape.
Texture similar to alar cartilage.
Quantity and shape suit ideal nasal frameworks.
Require incision on the ears
Cases requiring moderate cartilage, especially for nostrils lengthening and alarplasty
Rib Cartilage
Abundant supply
Leaves a short scar hidden along the breast crease
Complex cases requiring substantial cartilage, such as revision surgery or full rib cartilage structural rhinoplasty
Step 6: Closure
After confirming aesthetic results, the surgeon closes the incision, applies compressed bandage, and places nasal splint.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Recovery progresses through several stages. Following the surgeon's instructions is crucial for optimal final results.
The First 10 Days:
Bruising and swelling is expected after the surgery.
Apply cold compresses frequently within 48 hours after surgery to reduce swelling and support healing
Bruising and swelling typically improve within one week, though some cases may take several weeks.
Sutures will be removed within the first 10 days.
Additional Guidelines:
Sleep with your head elevated.
Bruising and swelling will gradually disappear, with optimal aesthetic improvement achieved within two to four weeks.
Avoid bending your head down for the first two weeks.
Refrain from exercise or heavy lifting for two weeks.
Minimize any force or pressure on the nose for six weeks.
*The final results also depend on individual's physiology.
