Finding the Right Procedure for Your Profile: The Different Types of Rhinoplasty

Transform your appearance through the power of rhinoplasty. Explore our comprehensive guide to the different types of rhinoplasty that can enhance your natural beauty whilst simultaneously boosting your confidence.

What is a Rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is a type of aesthetic procedure which aims to alter the look and functionality of the nose, often referred to as a ‘nose job’. Sculpting the shape or size of your nose can have a noticeable impact on your overall profile as the type of rhinoplasty chosen is often tailored to suit the individuals’ unique facial appearance.

Whether the goal is to refine the nose’s appearance, correct congenital anomalies, or improve breathing difficulties, rhinoplasty provides a versatile solution for both cosmetic and functional needs.

But choosing which rhinoplasty procedure to undertake can be a tricky conundrum, especially if you’re unsure which technique would best suit your face. Thankfully for you, we have put together a helpful guide to the types of rhinoplasty procedures available, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your unique profile.

What Areas of the Nose Can be Amended Through Surgery

There are very few parts of the nose that can’t be altered through rhinoplasty procedures. Meaning more often than not the type of rhinoplasty you receive is decided based on the main point of concern for the patient. 

Below are the different areas of the nose and how they can be surgically altered: 

• The Nasal Bridge – Located on the upper part of the nose, which overlies the nasal bones this part of the nose can be smoothed, narrowed, or elevated to correct humps or depressions. This adjustment can create a more streamlined and symmetrical profile.
• The Nasal Tip – Reshaping the tip of one’s nose to a more refined look can address issues such as bulbosity, drooping, or asymmetry, and in turn, significantly enhance the nose’s overall aesthetic.
• Length – Adjusting the length of the nose can bring better proportion to the face. This may involve shortening or elongating a nose to find the right size for your facial shape. 
• Width – Similar to how you may want to adjust the length of your nose, you can also alter the width of it too. This involves modifying the nose, including the bridge and the nostrils to create a more balanced and pleasing appearance.
• Nostrils – Reshaping of the nostrils can include narrowing or widening the holes for the purpose of cosmetic and/or functional reasons. 

The Different Types of Rhinoplasty 

With so many types of rhinoplasty on offer, Choosing the right one for your face shape is crucial to achieving your desired outcome. The Galen Clinic offers an array of rhinoplasty procedures in London, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients: 

Open Nose Rhinoplasty 

As the name suggests, this rhinoplasty technique involves the process of making a small incision on the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) to alter the appearance of the nose. The benefit of choosing open nose rhinoplasty, is that the surgeon has greater visibility and access to the nasal structures during surgery, making it ideal for patients looking for a more complex reshaping and major structural changes to their nose.

However, it is worth noting that open nose rhinoplasty does leave a tiny incision after surgery, but with proper care and following recommendations from your consultation, the scar will fade quickly over time. If you’re concerned about the appearance of scarring and do not require a major surgical change to your nose, you may want to consider closed rhinoplasty instead. 

Closed Rhinoplasty 

Closed rhinoplasty is the alternative to open nose rhinoplasty where small incisions are made inside the nostrils to change the appearance of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars as all of the procedure is completed inside of the nose and typically involves a shorter recovery time. 

This method is often recommended to patients requiring minor adjustments as opposed to major reconstruction of the nose.

Tip Rhinoplasty (Tip Plasty)

Tip rhinoplasty (also shortened to tip plasty) is a procedure based solely on reshaping the nasal tip. The main reason for choosing tip rhinoplasty is to address and amend concerns centered around the tip of the nose, offering refined and subtle enhancements.

Tip plasty can alter the nasal tip’s structure to elevate or rotate it to the desired look. There are several reasons patients will choose to undergo a tip rhinoplasty procedure including bulbousness, drooping, or asymmetry of the nasal tip. Tip rhinoplasty is less invasive than other rhinoplasty procedures and doesn’t involve alterations to the nasal bone during surgery. It also has a much shorter recovery time post-surgery. 

Revision Rhinoplasty 

If you have previously had a rhinoplasty procedure and are not completely happy with the final look, you can choose to undergo a revision rhinoplasty. Also known as secondary rhinoplasty, this procedure looks to correct cosmetic concerns which were not addressed in the first procedure. 

A revision rhinoplasty can also resolve functional issues that may have arisen following the first procedure such as breathing difficulties.

Alarplasty (Alar Base Reduction)

Alar base reduction or more often known as alarplasty is a type of rhinoplasty surgery that specifically targets the nostrils. The aim of an alarplasty is to reduce the width of the nostrils or alter their shape to achieve a more proportionate appearance. 

Alarplasty is often performed alongside other types of rhinoplasty to achieve the patients’ desired outcome. 

Septorhinoplasty

The purpose of a septorhinoplasty surgery is to reposition the nasal septum to place it more within the middle of your nose. Septorhinoplasty alone will have little difference in the external appearance of the nose, as its main purpose is to fix a deviated septum. 

However, septorhinoplasty procedures can and are often combined with other types of rhinoplasty surgeries to achieve both aesthetic and functional benefits. This dual approach enhances breathing while refining the nose’s shape.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty (Liquid Rhinoplasty) 

If you’re looking for a minimally invasive option towards nose alteration, then non-surgical rhinoplasty (also known as liquid rhinoplasty) is the best route of action. Through the use of strategically placed dermal fillers, non-surgical rhinoplasty can smooth out humps, refine the tip of the nose, and improve overall symmetry. 

Although, it is worth noting that the results are temporary and regular top ups are required to maintain desired results.

Which Procedure is Right for You?

Selecting the appropriate rhinoplasty procedure depends on various factors, and will take a lot of consideration mulling over the specific areas you wish to amend, your aesthetic goals, and any functional concerns you have regarding your nose. 

At The Galen Clinic, our expert surgeons conduct comprehensive consultations to evaluate your needs and recommend the most suitable approach. By considering your facial anatomy, desired outcomes, and medical history, we ensure a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your vision.

Booking a Rhinoplasty Consultation at The Galen Clinic

To book your rhinoplasty consultation at our prestigious aesthetic clinic on Harley Street, contact us today and take the first step towards enhancing your natural beauty. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, ensuring your rhinoplasty experience is as comfortable and rewarding as possible.