April 28th, 2025
Dr. Mulholland, Md
The shape of a person’s nose plays a significant role in how they view themselves. Not everyone likes the shape, size, or curve of their nose, and making changes to it is certainly possible. With numerous types of nose surgery available, plastic surgeons have many ways to make adjustments and refinements to meet your needs.
Where do you start? The Toronto Plastic Surgeons have numerous resources and incredible experience to help you choose the best procedure for you. Many factors go into that decision. That includes your goals, as well as the symmetry of your face and facial anatomy. We’ll review the various types of nose jobs available to you. Then, when you visit us to learn more about our rhinoplasty services, we’ll guide you on how each option can achieve the changes you desire.
Traditional Rhinoplasty
With numerous types of nose plastic surgery, it’s important to compare several options to find one that fits your objectives. Traditional rhinoplasty is what most people seek. Traditional rhinoplasty involves a surgical reshaping of the nose.
This procedure typically involves cosmetic improvements to the nose structure and shape. You may want to change the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It’s versatile enough to tackle many concerns. And, it can also help improve breathing in some people.
In these types of surgery on the nose, we can correct areas such as:
- Asymmetrical shapes
- Bulbous tips
- Bumps or scoops on the bridge
- Crooked shapes
There are different nose job styles that fit into this traditional rhinoplasty procedure. These variations and specializations allow for modifications to the core procedure. That gives you more control over the final look.
Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty
Open and closed rhinoplasty are important considerations for different types of nose jobs.
In a closed rhinoplasty procedure, all the incisions are made inside the nose. Your surgeon uses tools inserted into the nostrils to make changes. There are no visible scars from these less invasive procedures. That means recovery is faster.
An open rhinoplasty procedure requires an incision across the columella, the skin between the nostrils. This procedure provides better access to the nasal structures. It allows your cosmetic surgeon to make more extensive modifications and may be better for complex rhinoplasty.
You may have some questions about the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty procedures. The choice among these different kinds of nose jobs depends on your specific needs.
Reduction Rhinoplasty
One type of nose job is reduction rhinoplasty. This surgery reduces the size or projection of the nose. It’s most commonly used when a person has large dorsal humps, wide nostrils, or a prominent nose tip.
As with all rhinoplasty types, your cosmetic surgeon will make adjustments based on your specific anatomy. It’s not just about making your nose smaller. It’s about contouring it to fit your face better.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
In an augmentation, we add to the size and shape of the nose. This is a different type of nose surgery. It can help with increasing the projection or size of the nose. We do this with grafts, such as placing an implant or using cartilage. With highly skilled plastic surgeons, it is possible to craft a very specific shape.
This is one of the types of nose job procedures often sought by those with congenital underdevelopment of the nose. It can also be necessary if you’ve had an over-reduction in a previous procedure. With rhinoplasty types and techniques ranging widely, we will balance the shape of your nose to fit your facial features. This is done with careful proportion management and the use of properly selected materials.
Reconstructive Rhinoplasty
One type of broken-nose surgery is reconstructive surgery. People who have experienced trauma to the nose, cancer surgeries, or have congenital deformities benefit from this procedure.
These types of nose surgeries are more complex. They take a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon willing to take the time to craft the ideal nose shape. The focus is on restoring the nose’s appearance in some situations. However, this is also one type of nose surgery to improve breathing, especially after a traumatic structural change.
These are more complex procedures. They may be done in a staged fashion. That means you may have multiple procedures over time to make adjustments.
Revision Rhinoplasty
There are different types of rhinoplasty that can tackle revisions to initial procedures that didn’t yield the results you desire. Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary surgery used to correct unsatisfactory results from your first procedure.
All types of rhinoplasty can lead to complications or produce less-than-desirable outcomes. This revision procedure aims to correct that. It’s more complex as a result. Your surgeon will need to deal with scar tissue. There may also be limited cartilage present to make changes.
When you meet with our plastic surgeon to discuss your rhinoplasty options, we will always provide you with transparency on revisions. There are limitations. More so, we will provide realistic expectations for you. You can learn more about rhinoplasty revisions with our team during your consultation.
Choosing a highly skilled rhinoplasty surgeon can prove to be a differentiating factor. We handle many of these procedures. That gives us the necessary skill to navigate the process with confidence.
Primary Rhinoplasty
With so many kinds of rhinoplasty, you may not be sure which is best for you. If this is the first time you’ve had any changes made to your nose, you’ll have a primary rhinoplasty. This term simply refers to a first-time procedure.
Primary rhinoplasty is typically a simpler, more effective procedure. That’s because your nose structure is untouched. One of the most important things to remember about these procedures is this.
No matter the different nose job names here, careful planning early on during that first procedure can make all the difference. It helps minimize the need for revisions later.
Non-Surgical/Liquid Rhinoplasty, or “The 5-Minute Nose Job.”
This procedure is for people who want to change the look and/or shape of their nose without undergoing surgery. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is exactly what it sounds like. It is the reshaping of the nose using dermal fillers rather than surgery.
Our clinic’s former head surgeon, Dr. Stephen Mulholland, has helped revolutionize and popularize this amazing procedure, teaching Dr. Bell every step of the way – ensuring you receive the best treatment and results.
It has also been called injection rhinoplasty because it involves the injection of dermal soft tissue fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Revanesse, and/or Teosyal.
Despite its non-invasive nature, it can still have a very substantial impact on things like bridge bumps or scoops, as well as unwanted tips.
This very simple injection does not require any anesthesia, and there is no downtime. That being said, it’s recommended that you do not exercise that day, just to be on the safe side.
There are limitations to these types of rhinoplasty options. They cannot reduce the size of your nose. They can also not fix functional issues. Most of the time, the results will fade. People generally will need to make additional changes around 6 to 12 months after their initial treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Types of Nose Surgery
Which Rhinoplasty is Best for You?
This is a very common question we receive. “What type of nose job do I need?” It’s a smart question to ask because every need is different. No single procedure fits most needs. Consider a few tips to make the best decisions for you as you compare the types of rhinoplasty available:
- Goals: What do you want to change? Your goal may be to improve the cosmetic appearance of your nose. It may be to improve the function of your nose and help you breathe more easily. Or it could be both.
- Anatomy: What does your anatomy say about your nose? For example, the “best” procedure for you needs to align with your facial shape and size.
- Your surgeon: What can your plastic surgeon do for you? By working with our team, you can be assured of your options.
As you look at the types of nose jobs pictures here and online, think more about your own facial features and goals than what another person’s nose looks like. A professional consultation is a necessary step in ensuring you get the results you desire.
What is the best type of nose job?
The best nose job is the one that best suits your facial features and goals. Now that you have an idea of the various types of rhinoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon. That will give you the ability to compare options based on your unique needs.
How many types of nose jobs are there?
It’s important to think of nose jobs as a flexible type of procedure. There are dozens of ways your rhinoplasty plastic surgeon can customize your experience to meet your specific needs and goals. Rhinoplasty is surgery on the nose. Your surgeon will alter that procedure to fit your specific facial needs and goals.
What are the risks of a nose job?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, so there are risks associated with it, as with all surgeries. As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with bleeding, infection, and a bad reaction to anesthesia.
In addition, there are other rhinoplasty risks associated with your condition. This might include:
- Problems with breathing
- Numbness in and around the nose that does not improve
- Scarring
- The possibility of uneven results
- Pain that remains
- Discoloration of the skin
- Swelling that does not improve
- A hole develops between the left and right nostrils
- The need for revision procedures
- Changes to the sense of smell
By working with our plastic surgeon, you will better understand your specific risks. Our experience in this area can help to reduce risks and complications.
Best Complimentary Surgery for Balanced Results
As you consider what types of nose jobs there are, you may also want to consider additional procedures that may allow you to create a more balanced look. When you meet with our plastic surgeon, you’ll gain more insight into the procedures that may suit your needs. For example, we can consider the following types of surgeries:
- Chin augmentation to create a more defined chin
- Facelifts of various types to improve wrinkles and skin folds
- Eyelid surgery to improve drooping eyelids or sagging
There are numerous benefits to these supportive surgeries. We focus heavily on overall facial harmony. We’re not just focused on making your nose different.
Understand Your Nose Surgery Choices with Toronto Plastic Surgeons
You have numerous options for changing how your nose looks. With the help of our skilled professionals, we’ll create a strategy tailored to your needs that improves the appearance of your nose.
Set up some time to discuss your needs and goals with us. Our surgeon’s extensive experience in rhinoplasty provides you with clarity on your options. We’ll also help you consider the various strategies for creating the facial harmony you desire. Set up a consultation with our surgeon today. Let’s discuss the various types of nose jobs and how they may work for your needs.
Dr. Stephen Mulholland, Md
Dr. Stephen Mulholland has been practicing plastic surgery for over 20 years. He is one of Canada’s most renowned and best plastic surgeons in Toronto with his wealth of experience, artistry, and humbleness towards his patients.
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