Rhinoplasty

Overview

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can address appearance, breathing, or both. Planning considers every angle, the relationship to the chin and cheeks, skin characteristics and the internal airway. The aim is a precise, personal plan—not a standard nose.

1. 01Cosmetic and functional assessment
2. 02Open or closed technique when appropriate
3. 03Primary and revision consultations
4. 04Long-term follow-up as definition evolves

Prepare

Preparing thoughtfully

A well-planned procedure begins before treatment day.

1. 01Review medications, supplements, nicotine use and health history.
2. 02Arrange transportation and the recommended level of help at home.
3. 03Follow the individualized fasting, cleansing and medication instructions supplied by the practice.
4. 04Bring photographs that communicate preferences, but expect planning to remain grounded in your own anatomy.
5. 05Nasal examination may include airflow history, external and internal valve assessment, and nasal endoscopy; CT is reserved for selected functional concerns.

Procedure

What the procedure addresses

Rhinoplasty evaluates the skin envelope, nasal bones, upper and lower lateral cartilages, septum, internal and external nasal valves, turbinates and the nose’s relationship to the entire face. Cosmetic form and breathing function are assessed together.

1. 01Open or endonasal access depending on the work required
2. 02Preservation, reduction, reshaping or augmentation of the bridge and tip

Techniques

How the plan may be tailored

Technique is selected only after examination, goals and safety considerations are aligned.

1. 01Open or endonasal access depending on the work required
2. 02Preservation, reduction, reshaping or augmentation of the bridge and tip
3. 03Septal, ear or rib cartilage grafting when support is needed
4. 04Septoplasty, nasal-valve support or conservative turbinate reduction only when examination identifies a functional indication
5. 05Combined plasma-energy and microdebrider turbinate reduction designed to reduce deeper tissue while preserving the functional surface
6. 06Absorbable gelatin-and-thrombin material for bleeding control instead of routine non-absorbable packing when appropriate
7. 07Soft silicone septal splints to support alignment and help reduce blood collection and internal adhesions
8. 08Plasma-assisted tissue preparation followed by Piezotome bone sculpting and fine rasping for controlled bridge refinement

Dagan technique

Precision inside and out

When examination supports functional and cosmetic treatment, Dr. Dagan combines tissue-preserving airway surgery with controlled structural refinement. Each element is selected for the individual rather than used automatically.

1. 01For selected enlarged turbinates, plasma-based energy contracts soft tissue beneath the surface while a microdebrider—a tiny, controlled instrument that works a little like a miniature Pac-Man—removes a measured amount of deeper tissue. The goal is a more durable reduction in bulk while preserving the important surface lining that warms and humidifies air.
2. 02Instead of traditional non-absorbable nasal packing, Dr. Dagan may place an absorbable gelatin matrix combined with thrombin, a clotting protein, while the patient is still asleep. It supports bleeding control, gradually breaks down, and any small remainder can usually be gently suctioned at the early follow-up visit.
3. 03After septoplasty, soft silicone splints are routinely considered to support the septum near the midline, discourage blood from collecting between its tissue layers, and reduce internal adhesions while healing begins. They are removed during follow-up according to the individual plan.
4. 04Before reshaping nasal bones, plasma energy may be used as part of a tissue-conscious preparation intended to limit unnecessary soft-tissue trauma. This may help reduce bruising for some patients, although bruising and swelling still vary and cannot be eliminated or predicted.
5. 05For precise bridge refinement, Dr. Dagan may use the French-developed Piezotome, which uses piezoelectric energy to work selectively on bone, together with very fine rasping. This controlled sculpting approach is intended to create smooth transitions and reduce the chance of palpable or visible irregularities.

Recovery

Healing is a Sequence

The early view is never the final result. Follow-up allows swelling, sensation, scars and contour to be assessed over time.

1. 01A splint is commonly used during the first week; congestion, bruising and swelling are expected.
2. 02Most visible swelling improves gradually, while tip definition may continue changing for a year or longer.
3. 03Contact sports, pressure on the bridge and unapproved nasal medications are restricted during early healing.

Risks + alternatives

An informed decision

Every procedure has limitations and alternatives. Consultation should make both clear.

Questions

Questions worth asking

Start with the indication: the precise anatomical or functional finding the procedure is intended to treat—and why that approach fits better than the alternatives.

Identity + airway

One nose. One identity. One airway.

Ancestry may be associated with broad anatomical patterns, but there is substantial variation within every population. Planning should preserve identity and evaluate form and breathing together.