Thin Skin Rhinoplasty

Thin Skin Rhinoplasty: Why Precision Matters

Thin skin shows everything. While definition comes easily, imperfections do too.

Challenges

  • visible edges that may occur with time

  • contour irregularities

  • asymmetry

  • graft show-through

  • Contraction over time

  • GENERALLY LONGER SURGERY TIMES (high end of normal for primary and revision surgery).

My approach

  • extremely smooth cartilage shaping

  • precise dorsal work with piezo or or drills

  • fascia or soft tissue camouflage when needed (<10% need* fascia), revisions almost never need fascia but perichondrium of rib is used in its place.

  • ultrasonic tools for bone refinement

Bottom line: Thin skin rhinoplasty requires restraint and precision. It may take longer. These noses can look excellent and have a benefit of less skin swelling in early recovery. Patients with very thin skin should be aware of this, and know that over time if there is visibility that is unacceptable there are solutions, often even minor ones to camouflage any visible areas down the line.

Thin skin revision rhinoplasty where an inverted V deformity was corrected. Patients with think skin are more prone to this deformity if there bridge is not appropriately reconstructed after dorsal hump reduction.

ARI HYMAN