Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern modification on nose reshaping surgery. It is designed to restore balance and harmony to the nose – while preserving the underlying tissues and nasal structure as much as possible. 

Preservation rhinoplasty:

A modern take on a traditional surgery

Traditional rhinoplasty techniques rely heavily on removing cartilage, tissue and bone. This decreases support in the area, resulting in unpredictable cosmetic outcomes and a higher risk of a future revision being necessary.

Preservation rhinoplasty was designed to create longer-lasting, more stable results with plenty of support. It involves remodeling the existing anatomy, using few tissue resections and no grafts. It accomplishes this by applying advanced suturing techniques and more precise surgical approaches. 

Beautiful woman with her mouth slightly open, looking down

The benefits

The tissues within your nose are integral to nasal function. That’s why it’s so important to preserve them when possible. The benefits of this approach include:

  • Maintain your unique look while improving facial harmony and proportion
  • Ensure a long-term positive outcome – both aesthetically and functionally
  • Reduce the risk of complications and/or a future revision surgery
  • Remove the need for grafts
  • An easier recovery

A beautiful new nose

That was made just for you.

What can preservation rhinoplasty accomplish? In the right hands, this technique can help Austin men and women:

  • Straighten a crooked nose
  • Address uncomfortable breathing challenges
  • Reshape a large or bulbous nasal tip
  • Smooth bumps on the nasal bridge
  • Narrow large or flaring nostrils
  • Reshape the nasal bridge
  • Create a smaller nose

Austin Face & Body:

A leading name in preservation rhinoplasty

Not all nose surgeons are qualified to perform preservation rhinoplasty. At Austin Face & Body, our surgeons are at the forefront of this exciting evolution in plastic surgery – and are always in pursuit of new ways to enhance our capabilities and broaden our knowledge. Using cutting-edge surgical techniques and our signature artistry, we can maintain the structural integrity of your nose – while still meeting your expectations for a beautiful and balanced result. 

Are you a candidate?

As with all of our plastic surgeries, we can confirm your candidacy for preservation rhinoplasty during your private consultation at our Austin office. In general, the best candidates for this procedure are men and women who:

  • Have a straight caudal septum between the nostrils
  • Have never undergone a rhinoplasty before
  • Want to correct a small to medium-sized nasal bump
  • Want to reduce the projection of the nasal structure
Handsome man staring to the side holding sunglasses

What to expect

Our Austin nose surgeons will perform your preservation rhinoplasty under general anesthesia. Through discreet openings between the nostrils or hidden inside the nose, we will manipulate the underlying tissues – thus enhancing the shape while preserving the natural structures. Here is a closer look at some of the specific techniques we will employ, depending on your needs:

Nasal hump deformity. This is a very common concern for patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The traditional approach involves sanding down the bone and cutting off excess cartilage – which can disrupt the structure of the nose and destabilize the entire area. 

A highly effective preservation technique involves creating deep incisions within the nose and removing very precise segments of cartilage and bone in that area instead. This creates space for the nasal bridge to shift down to a lower location – effectively addressing the hump while preserving the overlying bone and cartilage. 

Nasal tip issues. The nasal tip is composed of alar cartilages, which this new take on nose surgery strives to preserve. Traditional approaches involve resecting the cartilage to reshape the tip of the nose. For example, if you have a bulbous nasal tip, your surgeon will cut out certain portions of the cartilage to narrow it. 

However, this can result in an unpredictable contour as the nose heals, which can lead to revision surgeries. The new preservation techniques do not remove any alar cartilage. Instead, we will cut into the cartilage and move it around to create more definition. In this way, we don’t compromise support or structural integrity – and we reduce the risk of unpredictable changes during the healing process. 

While we are reshaping the structures that determine the shape and size of your nose, we will take special care to avoid damage to the soft tissues that cover this framework. By preserving these important tissues, we can ensure a more predictable outcome. 

Recovery

Another added benefit of preservation rhinoplasty is an easier recovery period. Because this approach involves less damage to the nose, you can expect less discomfort, bruising and swelling as you heal. With that said, you’ll still need to take about one week off from work and three weeks off from strenuous activity to ensure an optimal healing process. 

Rhinoplasty FAQ 

Is preservation rhinoplasty safer than traditional rhinoplasty?

All surgeries carry a degree of risk, and ultimately your safety depends heavily on the experience and skill of the surgeon performing your procedure. With that said, preservation rhinoplasty is inherently on the safer end of the spectrum, because the surgical techniques are less aggressive and the results are more predictable.

Does this approach create a more natural-looking nose?

The answer to this question depends on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nose surgeons at Austin Face & Body are skilled in obtaining exceptionally natural results with both traditional rhinoplasty and preservation techniques. However, generally speaking, because preservation rhinoplasty maintains your natural dorsal lines and most (if not all) of the underlying tissue and cartilage, the outcome tends to be very natural-looking.

How does preservation rhinoplasty lead to longer-lasting results?

When too much tissue, cartilage, or bone is removed, it weakens the nasal structure. From an aesthetic standpoint, this can create an unnatural look; an unsupported bridge; and a misshapen tip. Additionally, it can also present a risk to your airflow passages, compromising the function of your nose. Because preservation techniques are designed to maintain the nasal structure, its integrity is not compromised and you can expect longer-lasting results.

Providers who perform Preservation Rhinoplasty at Austin Face & Body

Dr. Jeanie Lujan

Dr. Lujan is an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Jeanie Lujan »

Schedule a consultation today

If you’re interested in learning more about preservation rhinoplasty, please schedule a consultation at Austin Face & Body to learn more about what this unique approach can do for you.

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