Nose surgery, one of the most common cosmetic procedures, especially in Iran, hinges on the key distinction between fleshy and bony nose surgery. Many people, due to incidents like accidents, experience changes in their nose’s shape or size and are dissatisfied with the result. Others are unhappy with the natural shape, size, or appearance of their nose and opt for cosmetic nose surgery. If you’re not satisfied with your nose’s shape, you can use rhinoplasty to enhance its beauty and boost your facial appeal.
What is Bony Nose Surgery and How is it Performed?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure aimed at altering the nose’s appearance, improving breathing, or both. If you observe the nose’s structure, the upper part is bony, while the lower part is cartilage. Depending on your expectations and goals, rhinoplasty can modify the bone, skin, or cartilage. Based on the complexity of the surgery, the specialist may use local anesthesia or general anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Be sure to consult your doctor about anesthesia and the procedure beforehand.
For fleshy nose surgery, the specialist makes a small external incision at the base of the nose, between the nostrils, and makes necessary changes by adjusting the bones and cartilage. The surgeon reshapes or adjusts the bones and cartilage inside the nose according to your desires and their expertise, potentially adding or removing tissue.
Rhinoplasty is generally performed for four main goals:
- Altering the nasal ridge
- Modifying the nasal tip
- Changing the nose’s size
- Reducing the nose’s width
For minor changes in bony nose surgery, the specialist may use cartilage from the ear or nose. In cases of severe damage or major changes, cartilage from the rib, implants, or bone from other parts of the body may be used. After making the changes, the surgeon repositions the nasal skin and stitches the incisions. If the patient’s nostrils are misaligned, the surgeon can adjust the cartilage or bone to improve breathing. After the procedure, the patient is moved to a recovery room and, if recovery is normal, can return home within a day.
What is Fleshy Nose Surgery and How is it Performed?
Fleshy nose rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure where excess tissue is removed to achieve the desired nose shape. The surgeon first administers anesthesia, then proceeds with the surgery. The process for fleshy nose surgery is similar to bony nose surgery in terms of anesthesia, incisions, and stitching. The main difference lies in the aesthetic changes. In fleshy nose rhinoplasty, the surgeon removes excess skin and tissue from the nose and shapes it according to a specific pattern.
Surgeons also smooth out nasal lines during rhinoplasty to enhance the nose’s aesthetic appeal.
Differences Between Bony and Fleshy Nose Surgery
Bony and fleshy nose surgeries share many similarities, and the surgical process feels largely the same. In both, the surgeon makes incisions, applies necessary changes, and stitches them up. In fleshy noses, the skin contains thicker muscles and fat. A key difference lies in the cartilage: fleshy noses have thinner cartilage, while bony noses have thicker cartilage. Bony noses are more prone to damage and undergo more permanent changes due to alterations in cartilage and bone over time, whereas fleshy noses face fewer such issues but are harder to operate on. In fleshy nose surgery, surgeons use tissue implants to maintain the desired shape, while bony nose surgery relies on existing bone and cartilage without such implants. Beyond these points, there are few significant differences between the two.
Costs of Bony and Fleshy Nose Surgery
The cost of cosmetic procedures like nose surgery is a critical consideration. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost, depending on the policy. Before rhinoplasty, your surgeon can assist in obtaining written approval from your insurance provider. Sometimes, insurance covers part of the cost, making the procedure more affordable. Factors affecting the cost include the surgery’s complexity, the surgeon’s expertise, and the location of the practice. Thus, it’s impossible to provide an exact cost for rhinoplasty. However, prioritize the surgeon’s skill over cost, as the results are permanent. Choose a skilled surgeon to ensure satisfaction with your new nose shape, but note that higher costs don’t always guarantee better outcomes. Research thoroughly before proceeding.
Choosing Between Bony and Fleshy Nose Surgery
The decision on whether to perform fleshy or bony nose surgery lies with the surgeon. Based on specific characteristics, the surgeon determines the nose type and proceeds with the appropriate rhinoplasty. The following are features of a fleshy nose:
- Thick, oily skin with visible pores
- Fatty nasal tip
- Thick nasal wings
- Wide lower part of the nose
- Thin and weak cartilage
- Elevated nasal bridge from the side
These characteristics contribute to a bulkier and wider nose appearance.
