With reshaping the nose for aesthetic purposes, many people assume that dramatic changes to the bone and cartilage are necessary to achieve good results. However, that is not always the case.
Preservation rhinoplasty, as the name implies, focuses on preserving as much bone and cartilage as possible while creating a natural-looking result. This approach lowers the risk of complications both in the short and long term.
To help you get a better understanding of the benefits of preservation rhinoplasty, we asked our expert, double board-certified cosmetic facial plastic surgeon Oren Friedman, MD, to share three ways in which preservation rhinoplasty can create a more natural look and support an easier recovery.
Preservation rhinoplasty offers subtle, natural results because it maintains the nose’s natural contours. When too much bone or cartilage is removed, the nasal structure can collapse or heal in unpredictable ways, leading to irregularities or unnatural angles.
In preservation rhinoplasty, the nasal bridge is repositioned and lowered as a single unit, as opposed to traditional rhinoplasty, where the hump is typically shaved down and the bridge is reconstructed using grafts.
Many complications associated with traditional rhinoplasty are linked to removing excessive cartilage or bone. Studies suggest lower revision rates, fewer residual bumps, and lower rates of deviation with preservation rhinoplasty.
Breathing can also improve, especially when preservation rhinoplasty is used to address the appearance of dorsal bumps while maintaining the nose’s structural support.
Because preservation rhinoplasty respects the nose’s natural anatomy and tissues are repositioned rather than removed, there is typically less inflammation, and swelling tends to distribute more evenly. This can reduce the risk of asymmetries and indentations, making the healing process smoother overall.
The recovery timeline is similar for both approaches, but patients who undergo preservation rhinoplasty often return to light activities about one week after surgery, as swelling tends to subside more quickly.
Preservation rhinoplasty works best for patients seeking subtle changes, such as adjustments to the nasal tip, hump, or bridge, without significant alteration to the overall shape of the nose.
The best way to determine which surgical approach aligns with your goals is to schedule a consultation at our offices in Philadelphia or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. During your visit, Dr. Friedman will examine your nose, discuss the changes you would like to see, and help determine the best path toward achieving your desired results.
