First Plastic Surgeon in New York to offer Preservation Rhinoplasty
Dr. David L. Cangello was among the first and still among very few Elite plastic surgeons in New York City to offer preservation rhinoplasty, and one of the few plastic surgeons in the country to offer this innovative procedure.
- What is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
- Preservation Rhinoplasty Vs. Traditional Rhinoplasty
- Benefits of Preservation Rhinoplasty
- Frequently Asked Questions About Preservation Rhinoplasty
What is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation rhinoplasty, also called dorsal preservation rhinoplasty, is a modern approach to nose surgery that aims to retain as much of the patient’s bone and cartilage as possible while improving the appearance of the nose. Preservation rhinoplasty techniques involve making precise and minimal incisions to access and reposition existing nasal structures. Traditional rhinoplasty often involves removing or restructuring the nasal bone and cartilage to achieve the desired appearance. Preservation rhinoplasty, on the other hand, involves making minimal changes to the nasal structure, leaving the underlying structure of the nose intact. By preserving the patient’s natural anatomy, preservation rhinoplasty can result in a more natural-looking nose with less scarring and a shorter recovery time.1
Preservation Rhinoplasty Vs. Traditional Rhinoplasty
There are several key surgical techniques that set preservation rhinoplasty apart from traditional rhinoplasty and offer potential benefits to patients.
A More Natural Look with Preservation Rhinoplasty
In a traditional rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon reduces the height of the dorsum (“bridge”) of the nose by removing cartilage and bone from the top. In preservation rhinoplasty Dr. Cangello removes cartilage and bone from underneath, thus preserving the native dorsal aesthetic lines which are extremely difficult to recreate during traditional rhinoplasty 2. This allows for a refined and natural-looking appearance and avoids an “operated” look.
Breathing Function After Preservation Rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasty presents less risk of compromised breathing after surgery. In traditional rhinoplasty some of the functional nasal structures that are necessary for proper breathing are destroyed and need to be reconstructed. Incomplete or improper reconstruction during traditional rhinoplasty can result in long-term breathing problems. Preservation rhinoplasty preserves these nasal structures so that there is no need for reconstruction during surgery.
Optimized Recovery With Preservation Rhinoplasty
An additional feature of the preservation rhinoplasty procedure is that it is performed in a different plane of dissection than traditional rhinoplasty. The dissection is performed in the subperichondrial and subperiosteal planes. The significance of this is that none of the soft tissue (which carries the blood vessels and lymphatics) of the nose is injured or disrupted. Leaving blood vessels and lymphatics intact results in minimal swelling and bruising, which allows for significantly faster recovery than a typical traditional rhinoplasty. It is possible for preservation rhinoplasty patients to appear fully recovered with natural looking results within a few weeks.
Benefits of Preservation Rhinoplasty include:
- Preserving the natural structure and function of the nose
- Bumps or humps can be reduced while keeping the bridge of the nose in tact
- Patients may have less swelling and bruising than with traditional rhinoplasty
- Results are refined and natural-looking
Frequently Asked Questions About Preservation Rhinoplasty
How is preservation rhinoplasty performed?
Preservation rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. The exact steps will vary depending on your unique treatment plan, which Dr. Cangello will review with you prior to surgery. He may begin by performing a septoplasty to correct any septum deformities, and then he will use a let-down or push-down technique. Whatever approach he takes, Dr. Cangello will meticulously perform osteotomies and excisions as needed, taking care to preserve the keystone area of the nasal structure, which is critical in supporting the structural stability of the dorsum. Keep in mind that preservation rhinoplasty is more of a philosophy and general approach, but Dr. Cangello will be happy to review the exact techniques he thinks are best for your needs and goals.
What is the recovery time for preservation rhinoplasty?
The recovery time for preservation rhinoplasty is typically shorter than traditional rhinoplasty. Patients may experience some swelling and bruising for the first few days after surgery, but most can return to work and other normal activities within one week. Dr. Cangello will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Are there any risks or complications associated with preservation rhinoplasty?
There are potential risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure, including preservation rhinoplasty. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation or function of the nose. However, the risks may be lower with preservation rhinoplasty compared to traditional rhinoplasty. Furthermore, Dr. Cangello’s expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon and his experience in facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty inform his commitment to patient safety.
How long do the results of preservation rhinoplasty last?
The results of preservation rhinoplasty can last for many years. However, the aging process and other factors such as injuries may affect the appearance of the nose over time. Dr. Cangello will advise you on post-surgical care to best preserve your results.
Am I a Candidate for Preservation Rhinoplasty in NYC?
Patients who are seeking to diminish the appearance of a dorsal hump or reduce the projection of the nose may be candidates for preservation rhinoplasty. Preservation rhinoplasty is typically only performed on patients who have not had a previous rhinoplasty procedure. The best way to determine if preservation rhinoplasty is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Cangello. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your consultation.
1 Daniel RK, Kosins AM. Current Trends in Preservation Rhinoplasty. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2020 Feb 1;2(1):ojaa003. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojaa003. PMID: 33791623; PMCID: PMC7671258.
2 The Rhinoplasty Society. Preservation Rhinoplasty. Available: https://rhinoplastysociety.org/procedures/surgical-rhinoplasty/preservation-rhinoplasty-international. Accessed February 24, 2023.