Introduction to Nasal Bridge Correction in New York City
Nasal bridge correction, also known as rhinoplasty in many cases, is a significant surgical procedure that can have a profound impact on both the appearance and functionality of the nose. In New York City, a hub of advanced medical facilities and skilled surgeons, there are several hospitals and clinics that stand out for their expertise in this field. This article will explore the various aspects of nasal bridge correction, the leading institutions in New York City, and important considerations for those seeking such treatments.
Types of Nasal Bridge Issues and Their Corrections
There are several common nasal bridge issues that patients may seek correction for, and each issue requires a specific approach.
- Wide Nasal Bridge: This is a common concern, especially in some ethnic nose types like middle - easterners. Dr. Casian Monaco, based in New York City's upper east side, offers a specialized wide bridge nose correction or nasal bridge rhinoplasty. His approach focuses on reshaping the nasal structure by carefully modifying the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired width and profile. He also ensures that the reshaped nose enhances the overall facial harmony. Non - surgical options for a wide nasal bridge may include the injection of facial fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to elevate the height of the nose, creating a perceived narrowing of the bridge. Surgically, a closed rhinoplasty procedure accessing the nasal bones through the inside of the nostrils, and using a technique called osteotomy to bring the nasal bones closer together, can be used.
- Dorsal Bump: Removing a hump or bump on the bridge of the nose is a common motivation for rhinoplasty. However, it is a complex procedure. Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons understand that to achieve a proportionate, natural - looking, and functional result, they must integrate a series of maneuvers beyond hump removal. These may include performing osteotomies to bring the width of the nose in proportion to the new bridge height, considering the integrity of the middle vault of the nose to determine if spreader grafts are necessary, and revising the position and shape of the nose tip to harmonize with the slope of the nose.
- Saddle Nose Deformity: A saddle nose deformity occurs when the bridge of the nose is concave rather than straight or convex. It can be caused by a traumatic injury to the nose, a failed rhinoplasty, cocaine abuse, certain medical conditions like Hansen’s disease or granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or it may be congenital. Surgical correction involves restoring or augmenting the nasal bridge. In mild cases, a graft of septal cartilage may be sufficient to build the appropriate height of the bridge. In more severe cases and those involving the nasal tip, more extensive grafting, such as costal cartilage grafting or a synthetic biocompatible grafting material, may be needed to build a strong bridge that can adequately support the reconstruction. Dr. Lesley Rabach at LM Medical NYC in Manhattan is experienced in performing saddle nose rhinoplasty to correct this deformity and restore the shape and function of the nose.
- Flat or Depressed Nasal Bridge: A flat or depressed nasal bridge can disrupt the facial balance, often leading to a lack of definition in facial features. Dr. Casian Monaco also specializes in flat or depressed bridge correction surgery. He employs techniques such as grafting using the patient's own tissue or synthetic materials to build up the nasal bridge, osteotomy to carefully adjust the nasal bones for a more defined bridge, and cartilage sculpting to reshape and reposition the cartilage for a more pronounced and natural - looking bridge.
Top Nasal Bridge Correction Hospitals and Clinics in New York City
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello, a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, is widely recognized as a leader in rhinoplasty and a pioneer of preservation rhinoplasty. Preservation rhinoplasty for the nasal bridge is one of his specialties. This modern approach preserves as much of the original nasal structure as possible, allowing for a natural - looking result, improved nasal function, and a lower risk of complications. He offers this technique for up to 80% of patients seeking nasal bridge surgery. His approach also has several key differences from traditional nasal bridge surgical techniques. For example, the dorsum is completely preserved, eliminating the need for cartilage grafts and reducing the possibility of dorsum irregularities and revision rhinoplasty procedures. The dissection takes place in a different plane, preserving the perichondrium and the periosteum, which helps almost eliminate bruising and swelling and minimize the patient's social downtime.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
At Mount Sinai's division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, the goal of rhinoplasty is to create natural, long - lasting results that improve the shape, size, and distinction of the nose. The facial plastic surgeons here are double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Their vast expertise ensures that the new nose not only looks better but also breathes better. They perform both closed/endonasal (without an external incision) and open/external rhinoplasty, tailoring the approach to the patient's unique anatomy and functional and aesthetic goals. Patients also have access to a wide range of specialists and subspecialists within the health system, especially for those with specific concerns related to nasal breathing, allergies, sinus disease, or deformity after cancer treatments.
3. Clinic of Dr. Casian Monaco
Dr. Casian Monaco is highly regarded for his work in nasal bridge rhinoplasty, especially for wide bridge nose correction and flat or depressed bridge correction. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics. He uses advanced surgical techniques to meticulously sculpt the nasal bridge to achieve a more proportionate and pleasing appearance, while also ensuring that the overall facial harmony is maintained. His practice in New York City's upper east side is equipped with state - of - the - art technology, and he is committed to patient - centered care. His patients often report heightened self - esteem and natural - looking results after the surgery.
4. LM Medical NYC
Dr. Lesley Rabach at LM Medical NYC in Manhattan offers saddle nose rhinoplasty. As a double - board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, she has the experience and skill to complete this complex procedure. Her work focuses on restoring the nasal structure and shape and improving the function of the nose in patients with saddle nose deformities. She can perform nose reconstruction with cartilage grafts and stents to add support to the nasal structure and open the collapsed nasal valves.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Before undergoing nasal bridge correction surgery, patients need to consider several important factors.
- Consultation: A thorough consultation with the surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will review the patient's medical history, including previous surgeries, medical conditions, and any medications the patient is taking. They will also conduct a physical examination, such as blood tests. The patient should discuss their aesthetic goals and any concerns they may have. The surgeon will then develop a customized plan based on the patient's unique situation.
- Medical History and Health: Patients need to be in relatively good overall health before undergoing this invasive surgery. Certain medical conditions may increase the risks associated with the surgery. For example, patients with a history of bleeding disorders may need special precautions. If the patient is an active smoker, they should stop smoking because smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of getting an infection.
- Medications: Two weeks before and after surgery, patients should avoid any medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin IB, as these medications can increase bleeding. They should also stop taking herbal remedies and over - the - counter supplements.
- Ethnic Considerations: When planning nasal bridge correction, especially for non - Caucasian patients, additional considerations should be made. Calculations of “ideal proportions” are typically designed with Caucasian features in mind. For patients of African - American, Persian, Middle Eastern, Asian, or other non - Caucasian ethnicities seeking ethnic rhinoplasty, the surgeon must preserve an appearance fitting with their heritage. The thickness and elasticity of the skin, which can vary among different ethnic groups, also need to be evaluated when creating the surgical plan, and patient expectations must be managed accordingly.
Intra - surgery Process
The actual surgery involves several steps.
- Anesthesia: The patient will be given either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on how complex the surgery is and what the surgeon prefers to use. General anesthesia is more commonly used for major nasal bridge correction procedures to ensure the patient's comfort during the operation.
- Incision: The surgery starts by making incisions inside the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or at the base of the nose between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). The choice of incision technique depends on the surgical requirements and the patient's nose structure.
- Reshaping: The surgeon will reshape the inner bone and cartilage underneath the skin to create a more pleasing appearance. Depending on the patient's nose structure and how much needs to be removed or added, there are several ways to change the shape of the nasal bones or cartilage. If only small changes are required, the surgeon may use cartilage taken from deeper inside the nose or the ear. For a much larger change, the surgeon may use cartilage from the rib, implants, or bone from other parts of the body.
- Closure: When the changes are finished, the surgeon will place the nose's skin and tissue back, and the incisions will be closed by stitches.
Post - surgery Care and Recovery
Proper post - surgery care is essential for a successful recovery.
- Initial Recovery: If everything goes well, the patient can go back to their hotel on the same day once the effects of anesthesia wear off. However, they will need to stay in a recovery room for a few hours so the staff can monitor them. Some people may need to stay in the hospital overnight. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient should stay in New York City for at least 10 to 14 days for initial recovery, follow - up checkups, and for the stitches to be removed.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling is common after nasal bridge correction surgery and can take up to six months to fully subside. Bruising usually fades within a few weeks. Applying cold compresses as recommended by the surgeon can help reduce swelling and bruising in the early days after surgery.
- Nasal Splint: The patient may need to wear a nasal splint for the first week. The splint is used to protect and support the nose during the healing process.
- Rest and Position: The patient should rest in bed with their head raised higher than their chest to reduce bleeding and swelling. They should avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery.
- Diet and Lifestyle: For a few days after the surgery, the patient may experience slight bleeding and drainage of mucus. The surgeon may place a “drip pad” under the nose to absorb the drainage. The patient should eat high - fiber foods to avoid constipation. They should also avoid blowing their nose, taking baths instead of showers, not making any facial expressions (such as smiling or laughing) that could put stress on the nose, and not wearing pull - over clothing. Instead, they should wear button - downs.
- Sun Protection: For at least several weeks after the surgery, the patient should not rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on their nose to prevent pressure. They should also wear SPF 30 sunscreen when outside because too much sun can cause permanent irregular discoloration to the nose.
Success Rate and Risks
Nasal bridge correction surgery is known to have around 80% to 90% success rate. However, like any other surgery, it has possible risks and complications.
- General Risks: These include bleeding, infection, numbness, permanent nerve damage, and an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Patients should call their surgeon immediately if they suspect any of these symptoms.
- Specific Risks: Other possible risks are difficulty breathing through the nose, an uneven - looking nose, persisting pain, swelling, and discoloration, scarring, septal perforation, and the need for a second or third surgery.
Alternatives to Nasal Bridge Correction Surgery
If a patient does not want to undergo surgery or if it is not suitable for them, there are alternatives.
- Filler Injections: Filler injections, such as Botox, Juvaderm, and Restylane, can change the shape of the nose. They only require a short visit to the doctor, are not painful, and do not need incisions or stitches. However, the results are temporary and may need to be repeated periodically.
Conclusion
Nasal bridge correction in New York City offers patients a range of options with high - quality medical expertise. Whether it is to correct a wide bridge, a dorsal bump, a saddle nose deformity, or a flat nasal bridge, there are experienced surgeons and well - equipped clinics. However, patients need to carefully consider all aspects, including pre - surgery preparation, the surgery process itself, post - surgery care, and the associated risks. By doing so, they can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results for their nasal bridge correction. If you are considering nasal bridge correction, we encourage you to research further, schedule consultations with the recommended surgeons, and gather all the necessary information before proceeding with the treatment.