Rhinoplasty Q&A
Find answers to rhinoplasty questions from Dr. Kim.
227 questions
Do I need to see an ENT specialist separately for breathing issues?
No — our clinic doesn't work through a referral arrangement with a separate ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →What causes a saddle nose deformity and how is it fixed?
A saddle nose deformity is a collapse of the middle portion of the nasal bridge, creating a concave, scooped-out appearance from the side profile.
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →What is implant extrusion and how common is it?
Implant extrusion refers to a synthetic implant, such as silicone, gradually working its way toward the skin surface over time, eventually becoming…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →Is sedation anesthesia safe for international patients?
Sedation anesthesia is administered the same way regardless of a patient's nationality — safety depends on standard pre-operative screening, proper dosing…
Anesthesia & Surgical SafetyRead answer →What is diced cartilage and how is it used?
Diced cartilage refers to cartilage that's been cut into small pieces rather than shaped as a single solid block.
Rib Cartilage & Ribfit TechniqueRead answer →Is rib cartilage safer than synthetic implants long-term?
In several important respects, yes. As living, autologous tissue, rib cartilage integrates with the body rather than remaining a permanent foreign object…
Rib Cartilage & Ribfit TechniqueRead answer →How painful is the rib cartilage harvesting process?
During surgery, you won't feel the harvesting itself, since it's performed under the same general anesthesia as your rhinoplasty.
Rib Cartilage & Ribfit TechniqueRead answer →Can rib cartilage be used for both bridge and tip work?
Yes — rib cartilage is versatile enough to be shaped for structural support in both the bridge and the tip, often within the same surgery.
Rib Cartilage & Ribfit TechniqueRead answer →Why use rib cartilage instead of silicone or septal cartilage?
The core reason comes down to quantity and durability. Septal and ear cartilage are limited in supply and better suited to smaller corrections, while…
Rib Cartilage & Ribfit TechniqueRead answer →What cartilage grafts are used to define the tip?
Several specific graft types are commonly used in nasal tip surgery, each serving a different structural purpose.
Nasal Tip RefinementRead answer →Why does my nose tip move when I smile or talk?
This is almost always caused by the depressor septi nasi muscle, which runs from your upper lip to the base of your nasal septum.
Nasal Tip RefinementRead answer →What is a columella and why does it matter in tip surgery?
The columella is the strip of skin and underlying tissue that separates your two nostrils, running from the tip down to the upper lip.
Nasal Tip RefinementRead answer →
The History of Rhinoplasty
The history of rhinoplasty, as Dr. Kim has seen it
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