Nose Bridge Surgery

A Nose Bridge Rhinoplasty, (sometimes known as a dorsal hump reduction), is a surgical procedure that focuses on addressing the appearance of the nose bridge (dorsum). This type of nose job is ideal for individuals who have concerns such as bumps, depressions, or asymmetry in this area.

During a Nose Bridge Rhinoplasty, a skilled Melbourne ENT surgeon, Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham, carefully modifies the nasal bridge. This may involve either adding or removing tissue to achieve the desired size, height, width, and alignment, creating a more harmonious balance with the rest of the face.

Dr Stephen Kleid has extensive experience and expertise in nose surgeries, delivering tailored results that complement each patient’s unique facial features and aesthetic goals. With a range of nose reshaping techniques at his disposal, he can alter the appearance of the nose to meet the patient’s aesthetic goals.

If you are considering a nose bridge rhinoplasty or any other nasal procedure, your Melbourne ENT Surgeon can guide you through the process, providing personalized care and helping you make informed decisions about your desired adjustments.

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What Is the Nose Bridge?

When observing the nose externally, two prominent features immediately catch the eye: the nasal bridge and the nasal tip.

The nasal bridge refers to the upper part of the nose, which runs from the area between the eyes down to the middle of the nose. Comprised primarily of bones, it serves as the foundation for the nose, supporting the nasal tip below it.

Nose bridge surgery, also known as dorsal augmentation, involves the skilled manipulation of the bones and cartilage in this area to reshape and resize the nose. Surgeons may employ techniques such as breaking and resetting nasal bones, carefully shaving down bone and cartilage, or utilizing implants to modify and refine the nasal bridge.

By precisely sculpting the nasal bridge, skilled surgeons can create balance and harmony, by changing the facial aesthetics to meet the patient’s desires. If you are considering nose bridge surgery, it is essential to consult with an experienced surgeon who can assess your unique needs and provide personalized guidance throughout the process.

Why Is Nose Bridge Surgery Performed?

A Nasal Bridge Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address both cosmetic concerns and functional issues associated with the dorsum of the nose. This procedure is effective in correcting various aesthetic imperfections, such as bumps, humps, depressions, and asymmetry in the nasal bridge. Additionally, it can also assist with nasal airflow, improving breathing functionality.

The goal of a Nasal Bridge Rhinoplasty extends beyond cosmetic changes. While achieving facial symmetry and balance is important, it is equally crucial for the nose to function properly. By addressing both form and function, this procedure aims to provide patients with not only the nose appearance that they desire but also one that supports optimal nasal breathing.

To that end Nose Bridge surgery can:

1. Create a Bigger Nose

Many patients seek rhinoplasty to make their noses bigger instead of smaller. Some types of noses, such as Asian noses, are characterized by their flat and short appearance.

When the nasal bridge lacks bones or cartilage, the nose appears low, depressed, and undefined. This is sometimes known as saddle nose deformity. 

A flat or low dorsum can make the nose appear too small for the face and can create the illusion that the eyes are too far apart.

Instead of removing bone and cartilage from your nose, your surgeon can add an implant to your nose bridge during a nose bridge augmentation, also known as dorsal augmentation.

Various implants can be used for nasal bridge augmentation, including silicone, Gore-Tex, and cartilage.

The implants are added to the nose bridge to:

  • Increase the height of the nose bridge
  • Improve the contour of a flat nasal bridge
  • Restore proper nose bridge support

2. Create a Smaller Nose

Alternatively, a nose bridge reduction can reduce the size of the nose. A high nasal bridge usually has extra bone and cartilage that make it project too much from the face. A nose with a high dorsum may look oversized for the face and can make the nose tip look like it’s sticking out too far.  

During a nose bridge rhinoplasty, your surgeon makes small breaks in the upper nasal bones and shaves down the bone and cartilage in your nose to:

  • Reduce the height of the nose bridge
  • Decrease the projection of the nose tip
  • Give the nose bridge a smoother contour

Consequently, the nose looks smaller, shorter, and more proportional to your face.

3. Create a Thinner Nose

A rhinoplasty can also be customized to narrow a wide nose. A wide nose job can benefit people with wide nasal bones in the upper portion of the nose bridge. 

During a wide nose rhinoplasty, your surgeon makes cuts in the bones in the upper part of the nasal bridge. The bones are then trimmed and repositioned to:

  • Bring the upper nasal bones closer together
  • Narrow the upper part of the nose
  • Improve the shadowing along the sides of the nose

In certain cases, patients may require additional measures, such as nose implants, to achieve the desired outcome of a higher nose.

It is important to note that the suitability of performing wide nose surgery and nose implants varies on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as the patient’s nasal anatomy, skin thickness, and desired results will determine the feasibility and advisability of such a combination. During the consultation process, your surgeon will assess these factors and provide professional recommendations tailored to your individual needs.

4. Create a Wider Nose

Rhinoplasty can effectively address not only aesthetic concerns but also functional issues, including narrowing of the nose. A narrow dorsum can give the appearance of a pinched nose and potentially impede proper breathing.

To widen a narrow nose, your surgeon can perform a procedure called bridge nose surgery. This involves augmenting the structure of the nose bridge using cartilage grafts. The purpose of these grafts is to achieve several goals:

  • Expand the nasal airways:
    • By widening the nasal dorsum, the procedure helps improve airflow through the nasal passages, potentially alleviating breathing difficulties.
  • Add support to the upper portion of the nose:
    • The cartilage grafts provide additional support to the upper part of the nose, balancing its overall structure and stability.
  • Improve the structure of the nose bridge:
    • By augmenting the nasal dorsum, the procedure creates a harmonious balance and aesthetic appeal, addressing the concerns associated with a narrow nose.

5. Remove a Nasal Hump or Bump

Nose reshaping surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is an effective procedure for addressing a dorsal hump on the nose. A dorsal hump, or nose bump, is a common concern related to the shape of the nose. It refers to an irregular buildup of bone and cartilage on the nasal bridge, resulting in a bumpy nose profile and potentially making the nose tip appear droopy.

During nose hump reduction, your surgeon will skillfully remove the excess bone and cartilage from the nasal bridge. The goals of this procedure are as follows:

  • Eliminate the nose bump:
    • By precisely sculpting the nasal bridge, the surgeon will remove the dorsal hump, resulting in a smoother nose profile.
  • Adjust the contours of the nasal bridge:
    • Removing the hump enables the creation of a more balanced and harmonious nasal bridge, thereby improving overall facial symmetry.
  • Refine the nose profile:
    • Eliminating the prominence of the dorsal hump can result in a more proportionate nose.

In some cases, cartilage may be added to the nose tip to further refine its shape and ensure a harmonious transition from the nasal bridge. This can help diminish the prominence of the nose bump and achieve facial harmony.

6. Straighten the Nose

Nose straightening rhinoplasty is a commonly performed procedure designed to correct crooked noses.

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully adjusts the position of the nasal bridge bones to achieve proper alignment in the center of the nose. In cases where the nose is crooked due to underlying structural issues, cartilage grafts may be employed to stabilize and straighten the nasal bridge.

The outcome of nose straightening rhinoplasty is a more balanced and symmetrical appearance for the entire nose. By addressing the underlying asymmetry and repositioning the bones, the procedure helps to create a straighter nasal profile, improving facial harmony.

How To Prepare For Nose Bridge Surgery

Preparing for your Nose Bridge Rhinoplasty surgery involves several important steps:

  • Quit smoking:
    • It is crucial to stop smoking at least six weeks before your bridge nose job.
    • Smoking restricts blood flow, which can impair wound healing after rhinoplasty.
  • Avoid alcohol:
    • Refrain from consuming alcohol in the days leading up to your nose bridge reshaping surgery.
    • Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding and excessive bruising.
  • Stop taking certain medications:
    • Discontinue the use of over-the-counter medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, Aspirin, vitamin E, and herbal supplements.
    • These can cause excessive bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.
  • Follow a healthy diet:
    • Prioritise a nutritious diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and fibers.
    • Protein aids in wound healing, fibers help prevent post-op constipation, and vitamins boost your immune system, facilitating recovery after nose bridge surgery.
  • Take care of your face:
    • Keep your face clean and clear in the weeks leading up to your bridge nose job.
    • Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser, moisturize with a light facial moisturizer, and generously apply sunscreen to protect your nasal skin from UV light.
  • Avoid strong skincare products:
    • Refrain from using strong facial products like Retin-A, AHA & BHA (salicylic acid), Obagi, or benzoyl peroxide at least four days before your nose job surgery.
  • Set up a comfortable recovery space:
    • Prepare a cosy area at home, where you can rest and recover.
    • Arrange pillows, blankets, healthy snacks, chargers for your devices, and entertainment options such as series, movies, magazines, or books.
  • Manage expectations and plan for recovery:
    • Allocate at least two weeks for your recovery, during which you will need time off work and assistance with household chores and childcare.
    • Make arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free recovery period.

You should also be patient with your recovery; it can take up to 18 months to fully recover from a nose bridge surgery.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that you are well-prepared physically and mentally for your bridge rhinoplasty, setting the stage for a successful procedure and optimal recovery.

FAQs about Nose Bridge Surgery

What to expect after nose bridge surgery?
  • Bruising and swelling will peak in the first few days after your nose bridge rhinoplasty and then fade over the next two weeks.
  • Within three months, the majority of swelling and bruising in your nose should have subsided, and you can start seeing the results of your nose job.
  • Nonetheless, residual swelling can take up to a year to completely resolve and reveal the final results of your rhinoplasty.   
Can you add to the nose bridge instead of removing it?

Nose implants (cartilage, silicone, Gore-Tex) can raise a low nose bridge. The implants will give your nasal bridge more height and can fix a flat nose appearance.

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Further Reading

Why Choose Dr Kleid ?

Dr Stephen Kleid

Dr Stephen Kleid,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
MED0001052799

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.

Dr Kleid’s Procedures

How can we help?

The Melbourne ENT Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the St Kilda East clinic in Melbourne between 9am – 5 pm on Weekdays.

Phone or Email the team at Melbourne ENT.

What Next?

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Want more information about your Procedure?

  • For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment Options.
  • Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 9038 1630
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What to Bring to Your Consultation

  • We encourage you to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, as they can provide an extra perspective and support throughout the process.
  • It is important to take thorough notes and carefully review all the documents provided to you.
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How to Book a Consultation

  • Dr Kleid’s Consultation fee is $600 (non-refundable) which includes a Nasendoscopy ($300).
  • A referral from your GP or specialist is required.
  • Please contact the Patient Care Team  today to book your consultation.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this article is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or concerns you may have. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on the information provided in this article. The author and publisher of this article do not warrant the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content, and any reliance on the information presented is at your own discretion and risk.