(Rhinoplasty)

This procedure can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on patient or doctor preference. Incisions are made inside the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the columella, the bit of skin that separates the nostrils. The surgeon first separates soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures, then reshapes the cartilage and bone causing the perceived deformity.

In some cases, Dr. Voloshin may shape a small piece of the patient's own cartilage or bone to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Sometimes this is done for cosmetic reasons (to improve the shape of the nasal tip, for example) or it may be done to improve breathing and function of the nose.

In rarer cases, a synthetic implant may be used to reconstruct the nose if the normal structure of bone and cartilage is badly damaged or weakened. Alloplastic synthetic materials are often associated with long-term complications such as migration and extrusion. Alternatively, cartilage from the septum, ear or rib may be used.

To improve nasal breathing function, a septoplasty may be performed, with or without cosmetic changes. The cartilage that is removed may be used as a graft to improve the appearance and structure of the nose.

In most Asian cases, a synthetic implant may be used to reconstruct the nose. This may be combined with the patients own ear or nasal cartilage. Dr Voloshin is one of the major developers of the most commonly used implants today in nasal surgery, and his name is known worldwide by individuals who do this procedure.