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Rhinoplasty is a procedure that improves the form and function of your nose. The surgery enhances facial harmony and the proportions of the nose and may be used to improve breathing caused by structural issues.
Rhinoplasty can change the size, shape, and projection of the nose. Common concerns that are addressed with rhinoplasty are:
Dr Mark McRae is a rhinoplasty specialist and trained with the masters of craniofacial and facial plastic surgery in the United States and Canada. He has lectured on rhinoplasty in Canada, the United States, and Europe. He is a member of the Rhinoplasty Society.
Each patient that comes for consultation is unique and carries with them their own story with unique goals. Dr McRae works very hard to understand his patient’s goals and desires. Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized surgery and each person gets a unique and thorough surgical plan.
Dr McRae’s aesthetic goal is for a natural appearance that is still you but optimized. He prefers the use of natural materials that are made by the human body, to give form, shape, and support to the nose. For example in a patient needing dorsal projection cartilage is meticulously carved to achieve a custom tailored effect to augment and support the nose. Artificial materials are prone to problems when used in the nose, and are rarely used.
The majority of the swelling will resolve in the first 3 weeks after surgery. The final result takes 12 months to achieve.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
The nose varies significantly within a given ethnicity, however, there are some characteristics of the nose that occur more commonly within an ethnic group. Skin thickness, cartilage size, cartilage strength, and nasal bone prominence are 3 variables that vary across and within ethnicities. The goal in rhinoplasty is to refine the nose while maintaining who you are and where you come from.
Dr McRae has extensive experience performing rhinoplasty across ethnic groups: African American rhinoplasty, Latino / Hispanic rhinoplasty, Asian rhinoplasty, Middle Eastern, Persian rhinoplasty to name a few broad categories. These categories are helpful but also quite limited in designing your surgery. There is large variation in nasal appearance within and between ethnic groups. Dr McRae will first get to know what your unique concerns and desires are before designing a procedure to help deliver the best possible result.
Secondary (revision) rhinoplasty:
There are patients that are looking to improve on a previous rhinoplasty result. The revision rate of rhinoplasty across North America is quite high at approximately 15%.
Revision rhinoplasty is more involved than primary rhinoplasty. There are rhinoplasty techniques that can leave the nose poorly supported and can leave the patient with cosmetic concerns and breathing issues. It is especially important to choose an experienced and fellowship trained plastic surgeon for secondary rhinoplasty. Advanced reconstructive and aesthetic techniques are needed to deliver consistent results.
In terms of building blocks for the nose, revision surgery may require the use of tissues and cartilage from elsewhere in the body such as from the rib, or the ear. Scientific advancement has also made rib cartilage graft available for purchase.
