Rhinoplasty in 
Denver, CO

With an open rhinoplasty, the incisions are made on the tissue between the nostrils or on the natural crease of the nose just above the lips. This allows for greater access and view of the confines of the nose. As rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure, many surgeons prefer this approach as it is easier to manipulate the bones and cartilage. The skin of the nasal tip and bridge is gently lifted up to reveal the internal structures of the nose and redraped once reshaping is completed. The scars associated with this approach are tiny – less than 5mm – so they are not easily noticeable once fully healed.

During closed rhinoplasty surgery, incisions are made to the inside of the nose through the nostrils. This is a common technique for patients who desire mild reshaping. This approach does not cause visible scarring. For severe reshaping cases, the open rhinoplasty technique will be implemented. Dr. Shah has significant experience using open and closed rhinoplasty techniques, so he can determine the best approach for your individual case.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is often used to hide mild irregularities on the nose, elevate the bridge, revise a previous rhinoplasty, and camouflage a nasal hump. For minor reshaping, some patients can opt to try an injectable filler to achieve results. These come in a variety of liquid substances, and sometimes a fat transfer can also be utilized. A filler can help add volume to hide small deformities, such as a bump or a bony appearance. It is important to note that fillers can only do so much in the reshaping process. Surgery is a better option for most patients and will offer a permanent solution. Dr. Shah loves to use Restylane and Radiesse as his most common fillers for nonsurgical rhinoplasty.

Tip rhinoplasty is a very common procedure in Dr. Shah’s rhinoplasty practice. The tip of the nose can vary greatly from one person to the next. A nasal tip that doesn’t blend into the rest of the nose or the rest of the face can cause visual disharmony. A tip rhinoplasty changes the appearance of the tip of the nose by either adding, reshaping, or removing some of the cartilage of the lower lateral cartilage. Cartilage grafting from other sources, like the septum, ear (concha), or rib, may also be necessary to support and define the tip and the nasal valves (internal and external).

A functional rhinoplasty is a nose surgery designed to improve the nose’s function (i.e., the ability to breathe easily) without significantly changing its appearance. In most cases, however, many patients need a combination of functional and primary rhinoplasty.

Selecting a skilled surgeon for revision rhinoplasty is crucial due to the unique challenges posed by such procedures, including higher costs and specific surgical techniques required for successful outcomes. Internal functional rhinoplasty procedures, where there are no outer nasal alterations, would include:

• Septoplasty — This is a procedure to correct a deviated septum. A deviated septum is defined by the bending, twisting, or deviation of the cartilage wall, which divides the left and right nasal passages so that one or both are blocked. Septoplasty surgically straightens this wall, creating much easier air flow.
• Turbinate Reduction — The turbinates are mucous membrane-covered sections of bone that line the entire length of the nasal cavity. There are three sections: the superior turbinate, the middle turbinate, and the inferior turbinate, which is the last and most likely to develop enlargement issues that contribute to airway blockage. A partial reduction of some of the turbinate tissue is all that is required to unlock the airflow.
• Nasal Polyp Removal — Nasal polyps are small, round growths that are benign but can block the nasal passage. They can be entirely removed surgically. However, they need to be evaluated by a pathologist as they could contain a malignancy.
• Nasal Valve Collapse — The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nose’s airway and it’s lined with a membrane that are designed to shrink and swell as they regulate air flow. In very thin noses or in noses which have experienced trauma or disease, the nasal valve may actually collapse. Patients with short nasal bones will need middle vault support procedures to correct nasal valve collapse during rhinoplasty surgery.

Preservation rhinoplasty works by respecting the SMAS, complex ligaments, and skin envelope within the nose in order to preserve the natural dorsum. Dr. Manish Shah utilizes advanced techniques as a way to retain as much of the patient’s bone and cartilage as possible while also reshaping the nose for the desired effect. The various benefits and combinations of plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty, emphasize the importance of choosing qualified professionals for these intricate procedures to achieve natural-looking results.

This approach can provide a more natural-looking outcome for patients. Dr. Shah has been trained by the world’s masters of Preservation Rhinoplasty and is the only surgeon in Denver and the surrounding region who can perform this specialized type of rhinoplasty operation.