Preservation Rhinoplasty in Philadelphia

Preservation rhinoplasty is an update to the traditional techniques used in cosmetic nasal surgery. This technique restores nasal balance and harmony amongst the facial features while maintaining as much of the underlying tissues and bony structure as possible.

The approach to traditional rhinoplasty was focused on removing tissues such as cartilage and bone to reshape and alter the nasal structure. While this technique can be successful in producing exceptional results, the unpredictableness of the procedure makes it a more risky surgery.

Preservation rhinoplasty, as the name suggests, was designed to preserve the natural tissues and reduce the need for resections. Using innovative techniques, a preservation nose job can produce a more consistent result and reduce the risk of revision surgery. 

A preservation nose job reduces the risk of structural issues by maintaining as much of the natural tissues of the nose as possible. This enhances the aesthetics of the nose without compromising function. The benefits provided to our patients using this technique include:

• Maintaining the patient’s natural beauty while improving facial harmony
• Reduced post-surgical swelling, pain, and bleeding resulting in an easier recovery
• More predictable results 
• Reduced risk of complications and revision surgery
• No grafts are needed with this technique
• Less irregularities along the nasal bridge

Preservation rhinoplasty is ideal for men and women who have small to medium dorsal bumps or wish to reduce the overall size of their noses. This technique is not ideal for patients who have undergone a previous rhinoplasty surgery or who have a deviated septum. However, those wanting to reduce a bulbous nasal tip, large flaring nostrils, or straighten a crooked nose may be good candidates to undergo a preservation rhinoplasty.

Ideal candidates should be in good mental and physical health without significant medical conditions that can increase the risks of complications. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking and patients not taking blood thinning medications are ideal candidates for rhinoplasty surgeries. To maximize the overall success of the procedure, patients must have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Preservation rhinoplasties are performed under general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will use various techniques depending on the goals of the procedure. 

A dorsal preservation rhinoplasty performed to decrease a dorsal hump will utilize incisions hidden within the nostrils to remove precise segments of cartilage. This provides room to lower the dorsal tissues while maintaining the cartilage and bone. The top of the septal cartilage and nasal bones remain intact and untouched.   

If a bulbous nasal tip is being addressed, Dr. Ho will use advanced suture techniques and strategically placed cuts in the cartilage to rearrange the anatomy. This allows the surgeon to alter the shape of the nasal tip while preserving the important alar cartilage in that area.

The length of the surgical procedure varies depending on the techniques used and the number of areas needing to be addressed. After a plan is developed at the initial consultation, Dr. Ho will provide a customized timeline for the surgical procedure.

Recovering from a preservation rhinoplasty is often quicker and easier than a traditional rhinoplasty. The minimally invasive nature of this procedure causes less trauma to the nasal tissues resulting in less swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the early post-operative period.

If needed, a nasal splint will be applied to the nose to protect the surgical correction, and is often removed approximately one week after surgery. 

Patients can often return to sedentary work one week after surgery. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and the urge to blow your nose for at least three weeks after surgery. It is important to wait for clearance from Dr. Ho to advance one’s activity to ensure appropriate healing has been achieved. 

Immediately after the surgery, a nasal splint will be applied to the nose to protect the surgical correction and will be removed approximately one week after surgery. Minimal bruising is typically noted after the splint is removed.

The majority of patients can return to sedentary work one to two weeks after surgery. However, it is important to avoid physical exercise and strenuous activities for six weeks following the procedure.

Dr. Ho is a double-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing exclusively in cosmetic surgery of the face. Dr. Ho trained with world-renowned surgeons in the field of rhinoplasty and her surgical experience has made her an authority in rhinoplasty surgeries. 

Dr. Ho is dedicated to providing her patients with exceptional results while keeping surgeries conservative and natural. As a rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Ho is meticulous in planning her surgical approach to ensure every patient achieves the results they desire. Her welcoming, relatable, and empowering approach to cosmetic surgery has helped many men and women to boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Preservation rhinoplasty costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000 on average depending on the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the geographic location, and the extent of correction needed. As the procedure’s complexity increases, the surgery’s duration and overall cost will increase due to the higher fees from the surgical facility and anesthesiologist. 

A detailed explanation of the procedure’s cost is provided at the first consultation as are the various financing options available through Dr. Ho’s office. As insurance typically does not cover this procedure, the upfront pricing allows patients to determine if it makes financial sense.

The more conservative approach of preservation rhinoplasty reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional rhinoplasty. However, as with all surgeries, there are risks, and understanding these risks allows patients to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with surgery. The risks include:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Return of dorsal hump after surgery
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic results
• Anesthetic complications

Knowing the key differences between traditional and preservation rhinoplasties can help patients determine which surgery is best for their situation. These differences include:

• Preservation rhinoplasty removes small amounts of bone and/or cartilage to preserve the natural structure of the nose resulting in more natural-looking results.
• Less swelling and bleeding due to the innovative surgical approach used in preservation rhinoplasty.
• Reduces the risk of prolonged numbness after the surgery.
• Reduces the need for grafts resulting in fewer changes in the shape of the nose over time.

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