Montreal Rhinoplasty
Welcome to this website, provided by Dr. Mark Samaha, a Rhinoplasty surgeon in Montreal, Canada.
The Goal of This Website
The goal of this website is to provide clear, honest, and objective information about rhinoplasty. We believe that informed patients are better equipped to make the best personal decision regarding nasal surgery. 
In addition, informed patients may initiate and facilitate a dialogue with their surgeon. This dialogue ensures that both patient and surgeon have similar goals that will hopefully lead to a positive experience and a pleasing result for the patient.
Throughout the website, you will have the opportunity to obtain extensive information about all aspects of rhinoplasty surgery, including basic information on nasal anatomy, techniques of rhinoplasty, selecting a surgeon, the consultation process, computer imaging, cost, anesthesia, and risks or complications. In addition, should you require further information, you may contact us through this website and we will be glad to answer your inquiry.
Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery is the most complex and intricate of any esthetic procedure. The detailed anatomy of the nose, the length of time the nose takes to heal after surgery, and the finesse required to obtain a good result, make rhinoplasty the most challenging cosmetic surgery. In fact, because of its complexity, rhinoplasty has a higher rate of secondary or “revision” surgery (re-do or touch-up surgery) compared to other facial procedures. There are no specific statistics about the “revision rate” but an average of 10% is generally mentioned, with a range of 5% to 25%. This rate varies a great deal among surgeons.
Rhinoplasty is a very commonly performed surgical procedure. It is performed on both men and women. In the hands of experienced and expert rhinoplasty surgeons, it carries a high chance of success and can lead to a very satisfying experience and positive outcome for the patient.
Definition and Terminology of Nasal Surgery
“Rhino” is the Greek word for nose, and “plasty” comes from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or shape. Rhinoplasty therefore refers to nasal surgery, which aims to modify the external shape of the nose.
Septoplasty refers to a commonly performed surgery to relieve nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, the wall dividing the two sides of the nose. The procedure straightens a deviated nasal septum inside of the nose. This usually does not alter the external appearance of the nose, except in certain instances (see The Anatomy of The Nose).
Septorhinoplasty means a rhinoplasty where the nasal septum is also addressed. Among surgeons, the two terms “rhinoplasty” and “septorhinoplasty” are often used interchangeably because esthetic or reconstructive rhinoplasty is often accompanied by a component of septal surgery.
Form, Function, or Both?
The functions of the nose are to filter, clean, and humidify the air we breathe. This is an extremely important function, which has an impact on our breathing comfort as we carry out usual daily activities, when we sleep, or during exercise. The nose is unlike many other areas of the body where esthetic surgery is performed, because its form and function are very intimately linked. It is a hollow tunnel surrounded by a shell made up of a skeleton (cartilage and bones), covered by soft tissue (muscles and other tissues), skin on the outside, and a mucosal lining (like that in the mouth) on the inside. This tunnel is divided in two sides by a wall (the nasal septum) and each side contains multiple complex structures, which perform a variety of functions.
Therefore, any changes made to the skeleton of the nose, which is the portion usually modified during rhinoplasty surgery, may impact the inside dimensions and function. Consequently, it is important that the rhinoplasty surgeon be mindful of the alterations being made to the esthetics of the nose and ensures that these modifications do not interfere with its function.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our office and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.