Preservation rhinoplasty is an update to the traditional techniques used in cosmetic nasal surgery. This technique restores nasal balance and harmony amongst the facial features while maintaining as much of the underlying tissues and bony structure as possible.
What is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
The approach to traditional rhinoplasty was focused on removing tissues such as cartilage and bone to reshape and alter the nasal structure. While this technique can be successful in producing exceptional results, the unpredictableness of the procedure makes it a more risky surgery.
Preservation rhinoplasty, as the name suggests, was designed to preserve the natural tissues and reduce the need for resections. Using innovative techniques, a preservation nose job can produce a more consistent result and reduce the risk of revision surgery.
Meet the doctor
Introducing Dr. Tina Ho
Dr. Ho is a highly respected female surgeon in the medical community, noted for her charitable work, scientific contributions, and impressive leadership. She is a proud member and is board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. As a female double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho is both approachable and relatable to her patients and strives to empower them with beautiful, natural results. Her philosophy is to provide the highest standard of individualized care in greater Philadelphia for a broad spectrum of facial rejuvenation and reconstructive procedures.
Benefits of Preservation Rhinoplasty
A preservation nose job reduces the risk of structural issues by maintaining as much of the natural tissues of the nose as possible. This enhances the aesthetics of the nose without compromising function. The benefits provided to our patients using this technique include:
Maintaining the patient’s natural beauty while improving facial harmony
Reduced post-surgical swelling, pain, and bleeding resulting in an easier recovery
More predictable results
Reduced risk of complications and revision surgery
No grafts are needed with this technique
Less irregularities along the nasal bridge
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho for Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Ho stands out among her plastic surgeon peers in Philadelphia and Wayne as a double board-certified rhinoplasty specialist with dedicated training in rhinoplasty including cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, preservation rhinoplasty, ultrasonic rhinoplasty, tip plasty, and ethnic rhinoplasty from one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in the world. She understands the complex and delicate nature of rhinoplasty as one of the most challenging procedures to master in plastic surgery and stays up to date on the latest techniques to achieve the best, most natural surgical results for her patients. From the initial consultation to day of surgery to every follow-up visit, Dr. Tina Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each rhinoplasty patient to maximize the success of their surgical outcome. She devotes the needed time and effort every step of the way of the rhinoplasty journey to ensure each patient feels comfortable and satisfied with their individualized surgical plan and results. Dr. Ho understands the importance of the nose as the central feature of the face and takes to heart the investment and trust each rhinoplasty patient instills in her as their surgeon. Dr. Ho specializes in rhinoplasty and will implement the most suitable techniques to improve the breathing function and shape of your nose and to elegantly restore facial harmony. Dr. Ho is known by her patients as one of the best Philadelphia rhinoplasty surgeons.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the head and neck region. She possesses dedicated training in functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty from one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs in the country under mentor Dr. Dean Toriumi, a world-renowned leading authority in rhinoplasty. Dr. Ho is a widely known regional rhinoplasty specialist with patients seeking her expertise from beyond Philadelphia and Wayne to throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Dr. Ho dedicates ample time and effort with the aid of imaging software to establish realistic goals and expectations with every patient. She has the training and experience to implement the best surgical techniques, including the most suitable cartilage grafts and suturing maneuvers to improve the breathing function and shape of every nose. She always tailors her approach to the surgical needs and goals of the individual patient. Furthermore, Dr. Ho closely follows her patients after surgery to ensure that each patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.
Am I a Good Candidate for Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation rhinoplasty is ideal for men and women who have small to medium dorsal bumps or wish to reduce the overall size of their noses. This technique is not ideal for patients who have undergone a previous rhinoplasty surgery or who have a deviated septum. However, those wanting to reduce a bulbous nasal tip, large flaring nostrils, or straighten a crooked nose may be good candidates to undergo a preservation rhinoplasty.
Ideal candidates should be in good mental and physical health without significant medical conditions that can increase the risks of complications. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking and patients not taking blood thinning medications are ideal candidates for rhinoplasty surgeries. To maximize the overall success of the procedure, patients must have realistic expectations for the procedure.
Traditional Rhinoplasty vs Preservation Rhinoplasty
Knowing the key differences between traditional and preservation rhinoplasties can help patients determine which surgery is best for their situation.
Traditional Rhinoplasty
Preservation Rhinoplasty
What to Expect During a Preservation Rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasties are performed under general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will use various techniques depending on the goals of the procedure.
A dorsal preservation rhinoplasty performed to decrease a dorsal hump will utilize incisions hidden within the nostrils to remove precise segments of cartilage. This provides room to lower the dorsal tissues while maintaining the cartilage and bone. The top of the septal cartilage and nasal bones remain intact and untouched.
If a bulbous nasal tip is being addressed, Dr. Ho will use advanced suture techniques and strategically placed cuts in the cartilage to rearrange the anatomy. This allows the surgeon to alter the shape of the nasal tip while preserving the important alar cartilage in that area.
The length of the surgical procedure varies depending on the techniques used and the number of areas needing to be addressed. After a plan is developed at the initial consultation, Dr. Ho will provide a customized timeline for the surgical procedure.
What to Expect After Preservation Nasal Surgery
Recovering from a preservation rhinoplasty is often quicker and easier than a traditional rhinoplasty. The minimally invasive nature of this procedure causes less trauma to the nasal tissues resulting in less swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the early post-operative period.
If needed, a nasal splint will be applied to the nose to protect the surgical correction, and is often removed approximately one week after surgery.
Patients can often return to sedentary work one week after surgery. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and the urge to blow your nose for at least three weeks after surgery. It is important to wait for clearance from Dr. Ho to advance one’s activity to ensure appropriate healing has been achieved.
Immediately after the surgery, a nasal splint will be applied to the nose to protect the surgical correction and will be removed approximately one week after surgery. Minimal bruising is typically noted after the splint is removed.
The majority of patients can return to sedentary work one to two weeks after surgery. However, it is important to avoid physical exercise and strenuous activities for six weeks following the procedure.
Risk and Complications of Preservation Rhinoplasty
The more conservative approach of preservation rhinoplasty reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional rhinoplasty. However, as with all surgeries, there are risks, and understanding these risks allows patients to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with surgery. The risks include:
Your Consultation
Your consultation for ethnic rhinoplasty will include a physical examination of your nose. Dr. Tina Ho will also discuss your medical history, including any underlying conditions that may affect healing and any medications that may need to be adjusted or discontinued. You should also inform Dr. Ho about your goals and expectations.
Post-Op Rhinoplasty Essentials
Expand each section below for more information.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
Preservation Rhinoplasty Cost in Philadelphia
Preservation rhinoplasty costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000 on average depending on the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the geographic location, and the extent of correction needed. As the procedure’s complexity increases, the surgery’s duration and overall cost will increase due to the higher fees from the surgical facility and anesthesiologist.
A detailed explanation of the procedure’s cost is provided at the first consultation as are the various financing options available through Dr. Ho’s office. As insurance typically does not cover this procedure, the upfront pricing allows patients to determine if it makes financial sense.
As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
There are two main types of rhinoplasty techniques: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Dr. Ho has an in-depth understanding of both methods, allowing her to use the approach that is most ideal for achieving the goals of each unique patient. She most commonly utilizes the open rhinoplasty technique. Open rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nostrils and a small outer incision across the columella (the external skin between the nostrils), resulting in a fine post-surgical scar. Through this technique, Dr. Ho gains greater access to the tissues of the nose, including the underlying cartilaginous framework. Open rhinoplasty allows for more extensive tip refinement as well. Because of the greater access, patients who undergo this procedure may experience more swelling than with the closed technique. Closed rhinoplasty (also known as endonasal rhinoplasty) is a scarless version of the procedure in which the incisions are made only inside the nostrils with no visible external scars created. Closed rhinoplasty only allows for less extensive work to be performed, such as isolated dorsal hump reduction with a small amount of change to the nasal tip. The closed approach usually results in less swelling and a shorter healing period compared to open rhinoplasty.
Getting a Nose Job in Wayne by Dr. Ho can result in life-changing results. Patients from all over the greater Philadelphia area come to her for her expertise. Each rhinoplasty procedure is different and is catered to the individual patient. Therefore, the types of incisions utilized and the extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness that occur after surgery will vary by patient. An outer nasal splint cast is placed at the conclusion of the surgery to protect the operated nose. Every rhinoplasty patient will follow up with Dr. Ho one week after surgery for splint and suture removal. Post-operative pain is usually managed well with prescribed pain medication. Any immediate bruising and swelling after surgery can be managed well with icing and head elevation, with the majority resolving in two weeks from the date of the surgery. Residual swelling following this period will continue to improve significantly over the next six months to one year with gradual improvements or fluctuations noted years out. Improvement in nasal breathing is typically observed soon after most of the swelling has subsided. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-ups with her patients to ensure that the results are satisfactory and that the healing process is going well.
Primary rhinoplasty is one type of rhinoplasty performed on a nose with no prior history of nasal surgery. When performing primary rhinoplasty, Dr. Ho alters and refines the patient’s native nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissue to create beautiful, natural results. This surgery is different from revision rhinoplasty, which involves surgery on a previously operated nose. Dr. Ho is experienced in both primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and will tailor her surgical plan to the unique anatomy and treatment goals of each rhinoplasty patient.
Functional rhinoplasty refers to nasal surgery that improves the breathing function of the nose. This type of rhinoplasty can address a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, and other anatomic issues causing nasal obstruction and may be covered by medical insurance. Septorhinoplasty is one type of functional rhinoplasty that addresses both the external and internal framework of the nose to improve nasal appearance and nasal breathing. Dr. Ho is highly experienced in functional rhinoplasty and will evaluate each rhinoplasty candidate to determine if they qualify for this type of surgery. Click here to learn more about functional rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty.
Patients of non-Caucasian ethnicity often desire rhinoplasty to help improve certain features of their nose. Most patients will seek nasal surgery to enhance the shape of their nose and elegantly restore facial harmony that is still natural and consistent with their ethnicity. Common ethnic nose issues that can be addressed by rhinoplasty include but are not limited to dorsal hump, bulbous tip, flat dorsum, and overprojected nose. Dr. Ho has unique training in ethnic rhinoplasty and has performed surgery on patients of various ethnicities in Philadelphia and Wayne including patients of Asian and African descent. Click here to learn more about ethnic rhinoplasty.
Patients of non-Caucasian ethnicity often desire rhinoplasty to help improve certain features of their nose. Most patients will seek nasal surgery to enhance the shape of their nose and elegantly restore facial harmony that is still natural and consistent with their ethnicity. Common ethnic nose issues that can be addressed by rhinoplasty include but are not limited to dorsal hump, bulbous tip, flat dorsum, and overprojected nose. Dr. Ho has unique training in ethnic rhinoplasty and has performed surgery on patients of various ethnicities in Philadelphia and Wayne including patients of Asian and African descent. Click here to learn more about ethnic rhinoplasty.
Revision rhinoplasty is an additional nasal surgery that takes place after a person’s first rhinoplasty procedure. It is typically a corrective procedure. A patient may be a candidate for a revision rhinoplasty if they demonstrate a persistent or new nasal deformity or nasal breathing problem that has not improved after they have fully healed from their initial rhinoplasty procedure. Revision rhinoplasty is often an even more difficult procedure compared to primary rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty patients are at a higher chance of requiring additional nasal procedures in the future. Dr. Ho has extensive training in revision rhinoplasty, including experience in harvesting and using a patient’s own ear and rib cartilage graft material to create a natural, durable nose with a functional and aesthetically pleasing long-term outcome. Click here to learn more about revision rhinoplasty.
In recent years, there has been a major increase in the number of teenagers undergoing nasal surgery for health and aesthetic reasons. There are several factors that parents must consider before approving this procedure for their children. The two main variables to consider are age and the motivation for undergoing surgery. The minimum age requirement for rhinoplasty is 16 years old. This ensures that most of the facial growth has already taken place, since further growth can affect the potential surgical results. Candidates younger than age 18 need written consent signed from their parents for general anesthesia and rhinoplasty surgery. If a teenager patient desires to change their nose just because they saw a cute or attractive nose on social media, they are not the appropriate candidate. The right candidate is one who has thought a lot about their nose for quite some time, has identified issues with its form or its functionality, and is committed to long-term changes. Dr. Tina Ho is an experienced rhinoplasty specialist and will determine with each teenager patient and their parents whether they would be an ideal rhinoplasty candidate.
Cost of a rhinoplasty procedure in Philadelphia:
The average range for nose surgery is $12,000-$20,000, including facility & anesthesia fees.
The price of rhinoplasty varies per patient, based on the anesthetic, techniques, and extent of work required.
Revision rhinoplasty can range between $15,000-$25,000 including facility & anesthesia fees. Factors include the extent to which corrections are needed.
Note: functional rhinoplasty may be covered by health insurance. Financing options for nose surgery are available via CareCredit.
