Rhinoplasty

In rhinoplasty – also known as nose shaping or “nose job” – the surgeon’s primary objective is to provide a balanced, natural appearance between the nose and the other facial features. Overall, there are two basic types of procedures: closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In closed rhinoplasty the surgeon enters the nose through the nostril. Employing well-established techniques, this method is particularly effective in removing a bump and re-narrowing the nose – common nose-shaping request.

View related photos in our gallery

Open Rhinoplasty

Over the last 15 to 20 years open rhinoplasty has become increasingly popular. The open technique involves an inconspicuous incision across the base of the nose to allow complete access to the entire nose, ensuring more accurate and reliable results. Open rhinoplasty may be better suited for some areas, such as the tip of the nose, for example. Dr. Kibblewhite uses open technique rhinoplasty for most patients as he finds there is more control over the end result

View related photos in our gallery

Revision Rhinoplasty

Regardless of the surgeon, up to 10% of all rhinoplasty cases will require some minor touch-up or fine-tuning to the original surgery. However, sometimes the rhinoplasty goes terribly wrong, resulting in aesthetic deformities, blocked nasal passages.

Dr. Kibblewhite’s reputation as an exceptional practitioner is such that he receives numerous requests to accept revision surgery candidates from across the region. One-half of his rhinoplasty practice comprises these referred patients – he surgically revises noses for almost every nose surgeon in BC, and most others in Western Canada.

Whether needing to replace cartilage or correct over-narrowed passages, Dr. Kibblewhite tailors each rhinoplasty revision to the individual patient’s needs drawing upon his knowledge of techniques to provide an improvement in both appearance and function.

View related photos in our gallery

Cleft-lip Rhinoplasty

Cleft lip is a birth defect that appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip that extends all the way to the base of the nose. Individuals born with a cleft lip will typically have an associated nasal deformity characterized by one side of the tip of their nose being lower and broader and the nostril being flatter and wider. In addition, there is usually a significant deviation of the inside divider of the nose, resulting in nasal obstruction.

Surgical correction of these deformities usually takes place after the patient has attained puberty, usually at about age 16, otherwise the procedure could interfere with the growth of both the nose and face. The noses of cleft lip patients can usually be greatly improved in appearance and function using an open technique rhinoplasty at adolescence. However it is uncommon to achieve a perfectly normal appearing nose.

Dr. Kibblewhite is one of the few surgeons in Western Canada with the expertise and experience required to work in this highly specialized area.

View related photos in our gallery

Nasal Valve Reconstruction

The nasal valve is an area just under the bridge of the nose near the tip that helps direct air flow through the nasal passages. Half of the air breathed in goes upwards and through this area (rather than straight backwards).

This area needs to remain open in order to function properly, however broken noses, and sometimes even cosmetic rhinoplasties can cause this area to fall in closing off the passage for circulation. Reconstructive surgery can help rebuild the nasal valve area, thus restoring its proper function. Dr. Kibblewhite is often referred patients by other surgeons for this type of valve reconstruction.

View related photos in our gallery

Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Kibblewhite

Which procedure is right for you depends on any number of factors: the shape of your nose to start with, what changes you want to make, whether or not you’ve had a prior operation, your budget and your time constraints, to name a few. A consultation with Dr. Kibblewhite will allow you to fully explore these issues and determine the optimal surgical approach that gets you the best results possible.