Nasal Procedures

Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is nasal surgery that is designed to improve the appearence of the nose and sometimes to improve breathing. Female patients often undergo procedures to lower a prominant nasal dorsum, or "hump" on the bridge of the nose. In combination with the above maneuver, narrowing the nose from a frontal view helps create a more elegant and feminine appearence.

The tip of the nose is generally refined as well. The nasal tip can be made to look more feminine by narrowing it and altering its position. The steps used to refine the nasal dorsum and tip are done by selective removal of cartilage in some places, and addition of cartilage in others. Precise use of cartilage suturing techniques is also used to give the nasal tip a more attractive appearence.

Men who desire rhinoplasty may present with some nasal deviation and/or desire for cosmetic improvement. My goal is to provide a straightened nose and cosmetic refinement of the dorsum and nasal tip, while preserving each patient's unique character and masculine appearence.

The most important part of the process is the consultation. Before rhinoplasty can be done, the patient and the doctor work together to clearly identify goals and reasonable expectations for the surgical result. During consultation, the patient's digital photographs will be reviewed by the patient and the doctor. The surgical steps suggested by Dr. Griffin will also be reviewed and discussed. Finally, photographs of other patients who have undergone rhinoplasty will be reviewed, in order to help illustrate the aesthetic results after rhinoplasty. Dr. Griffin takes a measured and scientific approach to each rhinoplasty. There is an important artistic element to the surgery that is required to create good results.

Secondary Rhinoplasties

Some patients have undergone prior nasal surgeries, either for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Occasionally, patients may be unhappy with the result after a first surgery. Dr. Griffin is happy to consult with patients who have had prior nasal surgeries. When realistic expectations and a good rapport are established between the doctor and the patient, patients may choose to undergo revision nasal surgery.

Revision nasal surgery, or secondary rhinoplasty may involve different types of surgical steps than the patient's first rhinoplasty. These nasal surgeries often involve re-building of parts of the nose where tissue has been previously removed or altered. Secondary nasal surgery can involve fine revisions of the dorsum and tip, and sometimes involve more extensive procedures.

See Secondary Rhinoplasty Photos

Nasal Reconstruction

Nasal reconstruction is surgical rebuilding of the nose after trauma, skin cancer, or other nasal problems. Like secondary rhinoplasty, nasal reconstruction can involve smaller procedures, or larger reconstructions. In general, tissues from around the nose or grafts from other parts of the body are used to rebuild the nose to restore a good aesthetic appearence and to restore function.

As the nose is the center of the face, restoration of a damaged nose can greatly enhance the appearence and self esteem of patients who have suffered nasal injury or disfigurement.

Dr. Griffin

Dr. Griffin offers significant experience in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction. He takes a careful and artistic approach to each nasal surgery. He has published manuscripts on cosmetic rhinoplasty as well as nasal reconstruction. He is one of two authors of the Nasal Reconstruction edition of Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery.