Rhinoplasty with Dr. Benjamin C. Stong

Closed rhinoplasty, also known as scarless rhinoplasty, involves making incisions inside the nose to avoid visible scarring. This technique is ideal for patients who primarily need the nasal hump or bridge addressed and desire a less invasive procedure. While the closed approach is less precise for extensive tip reshaping, Dr. Stong’s expertise in this technique allows him to achieve excellent results for the right candidates.

Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision at the base of the nose, between the nostrils (the columella). This incision heals very well and is typically imperceptible. The open approach offers Dr. Stong enhanced visualization of the nasal structures, allowing for greater precision in reshaping and strengthening the nose. This method is generally preferred when more complex adjustments are needed, particularly in cases involving significant tip reshaping or structural support.

The open rhinoplasty technique provides Dr. Stong with better access to the nasal cartilages and bones, enabling the most precise control over the reshaping process. This approach is often preferred for achieving the most accurate and aesthetically pleasing results. While closed rhinoplasty may offer faster healing, open rhinoplasty allows for more comprehensive corrections, especially for complex nasal structures.

Tip plasty focuses solely on reshaping the nasal tip. Whether the tip is too round, wide, or drooping, Dr. Stong uses advanced techniques to refine its appearance, creating a soft, triangular shape that harmonizes with the rest of the nose. Although tip plasty alone is less common—since changes to the tip often require adjustments to the bridge or nasal bones—Dr. Stong’s expertise ensures that even minor refinements can significantly enhance your overall facial balance.

Tip plasty focuses solely on reshaping the nasal tip. Whether the tip is too round, wide, or drooping, Dr. Stong uses advanced techniques to refine its appearance, creating a soft, triangular shape that harmonizes with the rest of the nose. Although tip plasty alone is less common—since changes to the tip often require adjustments to the bridge or nasal bones—Dr. Stong’s expertise ensures that even minor refinements can significantly enhance your overall facial balance.

A cephalic trim involves reshaping the upper edge of the lower lateral cartilage, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with a bulbous nasal tip. Dr. Stong routinely performs this technique to refine the tip’s shape, create a slight upward rotation, and blend the tip seamlessly with the nasal bridge.

Various techniques can be employed to rotate the nasal tip or shorten the nose. For example, a cephalic trim of the upper lateral cartilage or a caudal septal trim can effectively raise the tip or reduce the nose’s length. Dr. Stong may also use the tongue-in-groove (TIG) technique to correct columellar show, increase tip projection, or achieve more extensive rotation. His meticulous approach ensures that the results are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Intradomal and interdomal sutures are used to reshape and refine the nasal tip by adjusting the positioning of the nasal domes. These suture techniques are essential for correcting a bulbous or bifid nasal tip, and Dr. Stong’s expertise in these methods ensures precise, natural-looking results.

Cartilage grafting, including shield and cap grafts, is often used in rhinoplasty to refine and project the nasal tip. Dr. Stong prefers the open rhinoplasty technique for graft placement, as it allows for more accurate positioning and fixation, minimizing the risk of graft movement. These grafts are particularly beneficial for patients with thicker skin, as they enhance the definition and projection of the nasal tip.

A columella strut is a cartilage graft placed between the medial crura of the columella to provide additional support and stability to the nasal tip. This technique is commonly used in open rhinoplasty, particularly when tip shaping requires extra support to maintain projection and prevent future drooping. Dr. Stong’s use of columella struts ensures a durable and aesthetically pleasing nasal tip.

Rib grafting may be necessary when extensive cartilage is required for nasal reconstruction, particularly in revision rhinoplasty cases where septal or ear cartilage is insufficient. Dr. Stong carefully considers each patient’s needs and may harvest rib cartilage from the patient or use an irradiated cadaver rib graft. While rib grafting can extend recovery time, it provides the structural integrity needed for complex nasal reshaping.

Septoplasty, which corrects a deviated septum, is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty to improve nasal breathing and provide cartilage for grafting. Dr. Stong, with his dual board certification in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, ensures that the septoplasty is seamlessly integrated into the rhinoplasty procedure, optimizing both the function and appearance of the nose.

A chin implant may be recommended in conjunction with rhinoplasty to achieve facial balance. The projection of the chin plays a significant role in how the nose is perceived. Dr. Stong uses chin implants to enhance chin projection, particularly in patients with a weak chin, ensuring that the nose and chin are in harmonious proportion.

Several patient factors can impact the outcome of rhinoplasty, including the strength and quality of the lower lateral cartilages, the size and shape of the nasal bones, and the thickness of the nasal skin. Patients with moderate skin thickness and strong nasal cartilages tend to have better results.

The recovery process from rhinoplasty is influenced by several factors, including the surgical technique used and the extent of the procedure. Whether Dr. Stong employs a closed or open rhinoplasty technique, whether the nasal bones are fractured, and the amount of work done on the nasal tip all play a role in determining recovery time. Generally, patients can expect to feel and look significantly better within 7 to 10 days. Healing is typically faster if the nasal bones are not broken, and endonasal (closed) rhinoplasty tends to have a shorter recovery period compared to open structure rhinoplasty. However, it’s important to note that closed rhinoplasty is more limited in its ability to achieve ideal post-operative results, especially for extensive nasal tip reshaping. Dr. Stong’s expertise ensures that regardless of the technique used, recovery is managed carefully to achieve optimal results with minimal downtime.

Unlike many surgeons who routinely pack the nose after surgery, Dr. Stong almost always avoids nasal packing to enhance patient comfort during recovery. Typically, there is only moderate bruising around the eyes, which usually resolves within 7 to 10 days. In cases of open rhinoplasty, sutures from the columella are removed within 4 to 5 days, and any external tape and the cast are removed at the 1-week mark. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 7 to 10 days after the cast is removed. However, it’s important to understand that while you will see significant improvements early on, the final results may take up to one year to fully settle as the nose continues to heal. Dr. Stong’s approach minimizes discomfort and promotes a smooth recovery process, allowing for the best possible outcome.

Yes, Dr. Stong does perform rhinoplasty for teenagers, but with careful consideration of their age and development. Teen rhinoplasty is generally recommended after the patient has completed their growth spurt, which typically occurs between 15 and 17 years of age. If your teen is experiencing embarrassment or peer ridicule due to a misshapen or asymmetrical nose, Dr. Stong will conduct a thorough consultation with both the parents and the patient to discuss the procedure and set realistic goals for the surgery. Dr. Stong emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the decision for surgery is driven by the teen’s own desires and not by parental pressure. His compassionate, patient-centered approach helps educate teens on what to expect from the procedure, ensuring they are fully informed and comfortable with their decision.

Revision rhinoplasty is an option for individuals who are dissatisfied with the results of a previous nose job. Dr. Stong has extensive experience in performing revision rhinoplasty and frequently sees patients who travel from various locations to have their previous surgery corrected. Revision rhinoplasty can address deformities or functional issues left by prior surgery, ranging from simple corrections like removing additional bone or cartilage to more complex restructuring techniques. Given the complexity and importance of getting the procedure right the first time, choosing a highly qualified surgeon like Dr. Stong is crucial. His unparalleled skill and artistic approach to plastic surgery ensure that your nasal features are refined to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. As with all rhinoplasty procedures, Dr. Stong meticulously considers both the aesthetics and function of the nose when planning the revision, ensuring a comprehensive and satisfying result.