Cookie Cutter Rhinoplasty

Avoid the “Cookie-Cutter” Rhinoplasty

Surgeons who perform many rhinoplasties would agree that every nose is different. Excellent rhinoplasty surgeons would agree that the best result is one that addresses each of the patient’s concerns and anatomic issues and yields a natural, unoperated appearance.

Decades ago surgeons would often perform the same procedure on each patient, yielding a similar appearance among patients.

With refinement of techniques and evolution of concepts related to the nose, there is no excuse for a “cookie-cutter” rhinoplasty or a post-operative result that has an “operated” appearance. Listen to your friend – see another surgeon. (Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

The trademark nose

Rhinoplasty is part art form and part science. The part that is art form is very variable. You have a canvas, and as a surgeon you have open invitation to “create” a nose.

A good surgeon listens to the patient, analyzes the patient and figures out what exactly fits for that patient taking into account facial geometry, skin type, and ethnic considerations. Some surgeons don’t take into account all of these variables, and hence their noses all look similar! (Raghu Athre, MD, Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Cookie Cutter Noses

“Cookie Cutter ” noses were more common in the old days. While some surgeons still practice in this fashion, you should consult with several surgeons to see what their aesthetic is.

Cookie cutter nose image

Your gut should tell you when you have found the right one, provided he has a proficient rhinoplasty practice. (Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS, Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Giving everyone the same nose is NOT the goal of rhinoplasty

The aesthetic goal of rhinoplasty is to improve harmony between one’s nose and face so other features (like the eyes) are accentuated. If everyone had the same face, then creating the same nose for everyone would work just fine. But we know this is not the case. Faces, as well as noses, differ so much, so there is no cookie-cutter solution. Performing the same maneuvers for every nose is not appropriate and may indicate a surgeon’s limitations or lack of experience. Visit with a surgeon who has extensive rhinoplasty training for a proper evaluation. (Anand D. Patel, MD, Brookfield Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Avoid cookie cutter surgery

Cookie cutter nose surgery

Some surgeons can have strikingly similar rhinoplasty results among their patients. This generally occurs if they do the same routine on every patient paying no respect to their actual anatomy, desires or other facial features.

Tailoring the procedure to the patient leads to a more natural and individual result. I find that by performing preoperative computer morphing with my patients during our consultation we can come to a great mutual understanding of what results the patient desires and what results I think are possible given the patient’s specific anatomy. (Thomas A. Lamperti, MD, Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Some surgeons may have limited background in rhinoplasty, which limits how they can treat the nose.

The cookie cutter nose images

Surgeons with a wide breadth of rhinoplasty training can address the nose with a variety of techniques to help customize a nose which fits your facial features. (Anil R. Shah, MD, Metairie Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Modern rhinoplasty addresses an individual’s unique facial structure

Seek a surgeon who addresses your concerns. Photographs should be taken and reviewed with you. A detailed exam should be performed. Look at before and after photos from the surgeon to see if you like their work. Make sure your surgeon is Board Certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Otolaryngology, or General Plastic Surgery. (Gregory Pippin, MD, Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon)