Open Rhinoplasty for Nasal Obstruction

Male in His 60s   Functional and Aesthetic Open Rhinoplasty

Goals
This patient in his 60s presented with a deviated septum and difficulty breathing. Since he was undergoing surgery to improve his airway, he also wanted his nose to be less prominent while still looking like his own nose. He did not want a dramatic change or an obviously operated appearance.

Procedure
I performed an open functional rhinoplasty with septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and reconstruction of the nasal airway using spreader grafts. A columellar strut was used to provide appropriate tip support. At the same time, the nose was conservatively reduced to decrease its overall prominence while maintaining its underlying character and proportions.

Outcome
The result is a smaller, less prominent nose that still looks very much like his original nose, just more balanced with his face. His nasal airway and breathing were also improved.

Key Principle
Rhinoplasty does not have to change someone’s identity. A nose can be reduced in size and prominence while preserving the features that make it recognizable and natural. In male rhinoplasty especially, I often prefer refinement over transformation.