Consultation
Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation, during which Mr Wilson will assess your nasal anatomy and discuss whether preservation rhinoplasty is appropriate for your goals. Vectra 3D imaging may be used to help visualise potential outcomes.
Anaesthesia and Procedure Time
Preservation rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia, usually as a day case. Procedure time depends on the extent of reshaping required and whether the procedure is combined with a septoplasty.
Incision Placement
Preservation rhinoplasty may be performed using either an open or closed approach, depending on the surgical plan and the level of access required. With an open approach, a small incision is made across the columella alongside internal incisions, allowing the skin to be lifted for direct access to the nasal structures. With a closed approach, all incisions are made inside the nostrils.
Mr Wilson will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy and planned procedure during your consultation.
Preserving the Nasal Framework
The central principle of preservation rhinoplasty is to maintain important elements of the natural nasal framework wherever possible. Rather than removing the nasal dorsum, Mr Wilson uses a let-down or push-down technique to reposition the existing bone and cartilage as a unit, altering its height or profile without taking it apart.
The exact technique depends on your individual anatomy. Some reshaping of the cartilage and bone may still be needed to achieve the desired result, but the surgical plan focuses on preserving natural structures wherever appropriate. Where breathing concerns are also present, this can be combined with correction of the septum.
Ultrasonic Preservation Rhinoplasty
Mr Wilson uses piezo-electric, or ultrasonic, technology to allow controlled modification of the nasal bones during preservation rhinoplasty. Instead of traditional mechanical instruments, this device uses high-frequency sound waves to make precise, targeted changes to bone while aiming to limit disruption to the surrounding soft tissue.
This approach may be particularly useful when fine adjustment of the nasal bones is required. Whether ultrasonic technology is used will depend on your individual procedure and surgical plan.
Closure and Aftercare
Once the planned changes are complete, the incisions are carefully closed with fine sutures. A splint is usually placed over the nose to protect the structures and support the new shape while healing begins. Internal splints may also be used where appropriate.
You will receive detailed instructions on caring for your nose during recovery, including advice on sleeping position, activity, and protecting the nose from pressure or injury, along with scheduled follow-up appointments so Mr Wilson can monitor your healing.