Rhinoplasty in Troy, Michigan

Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging and complex plastic surgery procedures. It requires that the surgeon has a keen sense of artistic proportions, advanced surgical skills, and extensive experience with the way various nasal structures and tissues respond to surgical intervention, both immediately and with the passage of time.

Rhinoplasty is primarily performed to change the cosmetic appearance of the nose. The vast majority of nasal surgeries are performed in teenagers and young adults but an increasing number of patients from their 30’s to their 60’s are having the procedure. Today’s advanced rhinoplasty procedures that produce more natural results combined with shorter healing time have encouraged many of these older patients to proceed with surgery.

There are two basic types of rhinoplasty procedures. One is a Closed Rhinoplasty. Dr. Sakwa performs almost exclusively closed rhinoplasty. With this procedure incisions are made inside the nose, to release the nose from its architectural framework, so that he can work on the tip cartilages, the cartilage in the mid-vault of the nose and the nasal bones. The second rhinoplasty technique is called an Open Rhinoplasty, which requires an incision across the columella.

In Dr. Sakwa’s opinion an open rhinoplasty is only indicated when the anatomy of the nose is extremely complex, regardless of whether it is a primary rhinoplasty or a secondary rhinoplasty. The closed rhinoplasty technique requires excellent 3-dimensional thinking and understanding of nasal anatomy with an appreciation of how the changes that are made in the nasal structures will look after surgery.  Dr. Sakwa’s rhinoplasty technique maintains the architectural integrity of the nose over time. Many of the rhinoplasties that were performed thirty years ago looked good after the first year, but they do not all look good today because less attention was paid to preserving architectural integrity of the nose. Preserving the architectural integrity of the nose is the state of the art principle in rhinoplasty. It is important to maintain architectural integrity in both the bony and the cartilaginous framework of the nose. This preserves the function of the nose as well as contributes to a very natural looking nose.

Traditionally to make a nasal tip smaller, as an example of maintaining the architectural integrity of the nose, meant removing a large portion of the nasal cartilage from the tip. Today Dr. Sakwa would achieve this by removing very little of the tip cartilage and in some cases none.

In the consultation the doctor will listen carefully to your concerns about your nose and arrive at the plan that is consistent with your desires and nasal anatomy. He will explain in detail the specifics of your anatomy and the procedure he will perform to best give you a nose that is has an “unoperated” natural appearance.

Patients typically have their cast removed the 7th day following surgery. The nose will look significantly improved when the bandage is removed although there will be swelling and possibly some bruising. Most patients return to school or work 1 week following surgery. Full athletic activities except for contact sports can be resumed in 3 weeks.

To learn more about our Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Services and to find out if it is right for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.