The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful: Current Opinions about Reductive, Structural, and Preservation Rhinoplasty

Daniel G. Becker, MD, FACS

Oren Friedman, MD, FACS

Emily C. Deane, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Welcome to our special issue of Facial Plastic Surgery, entitled “The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful: Current Opinions About Reductive, Structural, and Preservation Rhinoplasty.” As guest editors, we feel extremely privileged to be invited and to bring together some of the leading experts in rhinoplasty surgery from all over the world in order to review this topic.

Over the past 40 years, the field of rhinoplasty has witnessed significant advancements in surgical techniques to achieve optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. This issue delves into three primary rhinoplasty philosophies: reduction, structural, and preservation. What is perhaps the most interesting about this topic is the historical basis. The metamorphoses seen in rhinoplasty approaches map our evolving understanding of how best to modify the nose such that the long-term results are both aesthetically pleasing while also functional. Each of the reductive, structural, and preservation styles has its merits and limitations, and their effectiveness often depends on the patient's specific anatomical features and desired outcomes. Through a series of expert opinions, case studies, and critical analyses, this issue aims to provide a balanced view of these techniques, highlighting their strengths, potential drawbacks, and optimal applications.

We invite readers to explore the nuances of these rhinoplasty methods, to understand the evidence for their impact on patient satisfaction and recovery available today, and to consider how they might shape the future of nasal surgery.

We hope this issue will stimulate thoughtful discussion and contribute to the ongoing refinement of rhinoplasty techniques to do the right surgery for the right patient, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and patient experiences.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 April 2025