Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation Rhinoplasty IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

Preservation rhinoplasty is a revolutionary new approach to modifying the aesthetic appearance of the nose.

The primary goal of preservation rhinoplasty is to retain as much of the patient’s original bone and cartilage as possible while improving the general appearance of the nose. This procedure results in the coveted natural, non-operated look which now permeates our modern lives.

Dr. Jose Barrera is one of the first surgeons offering preservation rhinoplasty in San Antonio, Texas, and has contributed to the development of the procedure through his tireless efforts in facial reconstructive and plastic surgery. To consult with a leading rhinoplasty surgeon, contact us at 210-468-5426, or fill out our online form.

What Is Preservation Rhinoplasty?

Preservation rhinoplasty is a nose-modification surgery that aims to preserve as much of a patient’s original tissue as possible.

The procedure requires advanced surgical technique, whereby the surgeon alters the shape of the nose by strategically removing small amounts of bone and cartilage from underneath the nose bridge. By doing so, expert preservation rhinoplasty surgeons can reduce the height of the nasal dorsum – or nose bridge – without altering the patient’s dorsal lines.

Real Patient Review

“I had a preservation rhinoplasty done by Dr. Barrera. I played basketball all my life and had broken my nose more than a few times, once done playing for good, I went to Dr. Barrera and he immediately knew what I wanted. I am so in love with my new nose! Absolutely zero regrets, and would NOT have gone to ANY OTHER doctor! HE IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!”

How Does Preservation Rhinoplasty Differ From Traditional Rhinoplasty?

Most patients choose rhinoplasty to reduce the height of their nose bridge. For many, having a hump or arch in the bridge of their nose is an undesirable physical trait.

In traditional rhinoplasty, many patients experienced a change in their nose and a reduction in their dorsal hump height, but also felt the results appeared unauthentic – primarily due to the alteration of the dorsal lines of the nose.

Because traditional rhinoplasty involves removing bone and cartilage from the top of the nose bridge, the surgery significantly alters the natural bone structure of the nose. Thus, while traditional rhinoplasty does indeed correct the problem of a large bump on the nose bridge, the procedure visibly modifies the natural lines of the nose, which often results in an unnatural, operated-on appearance. 

With preservation rhinoplasty, your surgeon alters the height of the nasal bridge by taking bone and cartilage away from underneath the nose. They maintain the natural appearance of the nose while adjusting the height of the bridge.

The results gained from preservation rhinoplasty are frequently much more satisfactory for patients, meaning the need for revision rhinoplasty is far less likely.

Better Recovery With Preservation Rhinoplasty

Another benefit of preservation rhinoplasty comes from the location on the nose where the doctor performs this surgery.

During traditional rhinoplasty, your surgeon must interfere with soft tissue to remove bone and cartilage. Soft tissue contains blood vessels and lymphatics, which are responsible for blood circulation and healing.

Preservation rhinoplasty occurs in a different part of the nose, one where your surgeon need not interfere with soft tissue during the procedure. It brings the added benefit of a faster and more efficient recovery from preservation rhinoplasty, as the operation does not disturb blood supply to the area.

What Can I Expect Before, During, and After My Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Before

Leading up to your preservation rhinoplasty, you can expect your surgeon to recommend plenty of rest, a healthy diet, and planning for your recovery.

Patients should also stop smoking six weeks before the surgery, as smoking hinders recovery. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which inhibits blood flow and circulation to the skin, thus impairing the body’s ability to heal from surgery. 

You will need someone to drive you to and from our San Antonio clinic, as you will be under general anesthesia during the surgery.

During

On the day of your surgery, expect a final last-minute consultation with Dr. Barrera to ensure everything is exactly right, and to clarify any queries you may have. When you’re ready, our resident anesthesiologist will administer your general anesthesia, and Dr. Barrera will begin your preservation rhinoplasty. The operation generally takes between one to two hours.  

After

Once Dr. Barrera has completed your surgery, he will place splints on your nose, along with protective gauze.

Our private nurse will closely monitor you in our accredited surgical center as you wake up from your anesthesia. Once it is safe for you to go home, your chaperone may drive you back to begin your crucial six-week recovery period.

Preservation Rhinoplasty FAQs

The six weeks immediately following your preservation rhinoplasty are crucial in ensuring complete recovery.

Dr. Barrera will extensively discuss what to do during these six weeks, and you will have a one-week post-op checkup to ensure healing is going smoothly.

You will need complete rest and relaxation during the first week after your procedure, which is best to spend quietly at home. You will have a nasal drip pad for the first two days after surgery to handle any bleeding, and you will also need to use nasal saline to irrigate your nose immediately after surgery and for three months post-op.

Recovery from preservation rhinoplasty is not something to take lightly. However, if you follow Dr. Barrera’s instructions, you will experience a successful, non-eventful healing process.  

Patients generally go back to work 10 days after the surgery. Depending on the nature of your job, you may be able to return to light duties slightly earlier. It would be best if you discussed this with Dr. Barrera.

Patients should only resume regular workouts three to four weeks after surgery. You’ll need to limit physical activity during the first two days, after which point you can start moving around the house and doing general light chores.

After the first week, light walking outside may be possible, but this depends entirely on your recovery progress. It is best to err on the side of caution and give your body more time than you might think it needs to recover correctly from preservation rhinoplasty.

Resting not only helps get the best results out of the surgery, but also minimizes the chance of any complications during your recovery period.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a surgical technique used to reshape the nose using ultrasonic technology. In traditional rhinoplasty, the surgeon uses manual instruments such as a hammer and chisel to reshape the bones in the nose. With ultrasonic rhinoplasty, an ultrasonic device is used to sculpt the bones in a more precise manner, resulting in less trauma to the surrounding tissue and potentially reducing the risk of complications such as bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

The ultrasonic device uses high-frequency sound waves to precisely break up and sculpt the bone without damaging the soft tissue or cartilage. This allows the surgeon to make very precise and controlled movements, resulting in a more accurate and predictable outcome.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty may be used for a variety of nose reshaping procedures, including dorsal hump reduction, nasal tip refinement, and nasal bone narrowing. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon before deciding if ultrasonic rhinoplasty is right for you.

Real Patient Review

“I had a preservation rhinoplasty and septoplasty done with Dr. Barrera and I’m extremely satisfied with my results. I’m one month post op today and I love my nose! I wanted it to look as natural as possible and he exceeded my expectations. I love my new nose and feel like this is the nose I should’ve been born with. The whole experience from start to finish has been great. I had no bruising, minimal bleeding which was only evident on the first day post op and little swelling to my face that resolved 90% by the time I had my cast removed. Swelling to my nose after cast removal was minimal and I felt like I could go out in public and nobody would know I just had surgery a week prior. Dr. Barrera and his staff are all extremely professional, if you are looking for a sign to get your rhinoplasty; this is it! 5/5 experience I’m so happy with my new nose!”

Preservation Rhinoplasty in San Antonio, Texas

If you are discontent with the appearance of your nose, yet are worried about having an artificial appearance, preservation rhinoplasty offers an ideal solution.

With the ability to subtly change the nose while maintaining natural skeletal lines, Dr. Barrera can help patients in San Antonio achieve the look they desire, without the need for a “worked-on” look.

To find out more about how Dr. Barrera can help you, please reach out to us at 210-468-5426 or fill out our online form and arrange your consultation today.