Dr. Ho possesses dedicated training in functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty from one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs in the country under mentor Dr. Dean Toriumi, a world-renowned leading authority in rhinoplasty. Dr. Ho dedicates ample time and effort with the aid of imaging software to establish realistic goals and expectations with every patient. She has the training and experience to implement the best surgical techniques, including the most suitable cartilage grafts and suturing maneuvers to improve the breathing function and shape of every nose. She always tailors her approach to the surgical needs and goals of the individual patient. Furthermore, Dr. Ho closely follows her patients after surgery to ensure that each patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.

An outer nasal splint cast is placed at the conclusion of the surgery to protect the operated nose. Every rhinoplasty patient will follow up with Dr. Ho one week after surgery for splint and suture removal. Post-operative pain is usually managed well with prescribed pain medication. Any immediate bruising and swelling after surgery can be managed well with icing and head elevation, with the majority resolving in two weeks from the date of the surgery. Residual swelling following this period will continue to improve significantly over the next six months to one year with gradual improvements or fluctuations noted years out. Improvement in nasal breathing is typically observed soon after most of the swelling has subsided. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-ups with her patients to ensure that the results are satisfactory and that the healing process is going well.

Common nose issues that can be addressed by rhinoplasty include but are not limited to nasal obstruction, broken nose, crooked nose, septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, dorsal hump, bulbous tip, and nostril asymmetry. In many cases, additional facial plastic surgery procedures like blepharoplasty and the brow lift are paired with rhinoplasty to create a more rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Ho’s expertise is what makes her among the best to perform a rhinoplasty Philadelphia residents can rely on. Rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Ho’s surgical specialties, as she possesses dedicated training in rhinoplasty and a genuine commitment to evolving her technique and creating positive nasal outcomes. Each rhinoplasty procedure is uniquely planned and executed by Dr. Ho according to the anatomic findings and surgical goals of the individual patient.

Open rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nostrils and a small outer incision across the columella (the external skin between the nostrils), resulting in a fine post-surgical scar. Through this technique, Dr. Ho gains greater access to the tissues of the nose, including the underlying cartilaginous framework. Open rhinoplasty allows for more extensive tip refinement as well. Because of the greater access, patients who undergo this procedure may experience more swelling than with the closed technique. Closed rhinoplasty (also known as endonasal rhinoplasty) is a scarless version of the procedure in which the incisions are made only inside the nostrils with no visible external scars created. Closed rhinoplasty only allows for less extensive work to be performed, such as isolated dorsal hump reduction with a small amount of change to the nasal tip. The closed approach usually results in less swelling and a shorter healing period compared to open rhinoplasty.

Patients of non-Caucasian ethnicity often desire rhinoplasty to help improve certain features of their nose. Most patients will seek nasal surgery to enhance the breathing function and shape of their nose and elegantly restore facial harmony that is still natural and consistent with their ethnicity. Common ethnic nose issues that can be addressed by rhinoplasty include but are not limited to dorsal hump, bulbous tip, flat dorsum, and overprojected nose. Dr. Ho has unique training in ethnic rhinoplasty and has performed surgery on patients of various ethnicities including patients of Asian and African descent.

The minimum age requirement for rhinoplasty is 16 years old. This ensures that most of the facial growth has already taken place, since further growth can affect the potential surgical results. Candidates younger than age 18 need written consent signed from their parents for general anesthesia and rhinoplasty surgery. If a teenager patient desires to change their nose just because they saw a cute or attractive nose on social media, they are not the appropriate candidate. The right candidate is one who has thought a lot about their nose for quite some time, has identified issues with its form or its functionality, and is committed to long-term changes. Dr. Tina Ho is an experienced rhinoplasty specialist and will determine with each teenager patient and their parents whether they would be an ideal rhinoplasty candidate.