Rhinoplasty for Thick Skin

How is rhinoplasty for thick skin different?

When performing a rhinoplasty, Drs. Litner and Solieman of Beverly Hills Profiles must consider the quality and characteristics of the skin. The thickness of the skin affects both the surgical technique and how quickly the nose will heal. Thick skin can pose a surgical challenge for a few reasons:

• The structural tissues (bone and cartilage) can be heavily concealed by thick skin
• Swelling and inflammation can sometimes be more protracted in patients with thick skin.
• Thick skin often takes longer to settle in and conform to the new final shape of the nose. When it comes to how the skin will adjust, thick skin is sometimes less predictable than thin skin in terms of how well it will contract.

How do our surgeons perform rhinoplasty for those with thick skin?

Drs. Litner and Solieman use a variety of techniques to ensure precision and optimal outcome for their thick-skinned patients.

• Tissue grafts. Drs. Litner and Solieman often use hard tissue grafts (cartilage) to create better definition, particularly on the tip. A more structured tip will help to tent out the skin and allow it to drape better.
• Conservative reduction of nasal tissue. Because thick skin tends not to contract as well and takes time to adjust to the nasal framework, Drs. Litner and Solieman adopt a more conservative approach to tissue reduction. This means balancing aesthetic goals with structural necessities. If too much bone and cartilage are removed, it can result in a formless shape. Constantly mindful of the tradeoffs, Drs. Litner and Solieman work carefully to preserve adequate architecture as they reshape the nose.
• Thinning of the skin. Patients with thick skin often have a thick layer of fibrofatty tissue beneath the skin that contributes to the sense of tip fullness. Through an open rhinoplasty approach, Drs. Solieman and Litner have extensive experience and success in thinning this layer of tissue to allow the skin to behave like it’s thinner. Improved skin contraction allows them to be much more effective in creating meaningful definition and narrowing in thick-skinned patients.

Beverly Hills Profiles: Specialists in Thick Skin Rhinoplasty

Los Angeles plastic surgeons Drs. Litner and Solieman have extensive experience working with a diverse range of patients and understand the intricacies of nasal anatomy.  Specialists in ethnic rhinoplasty–thick skin tends to be more prevalent in certain populations–Drs. Litner and Solieman have refined skills and a combined eye for detail. During your consultation, they will evaluate your nose and determine the surgical technique best suited for your unique anatomical characteristics. If you are in the LA area and would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.