Osteotomy is a controlled, precisely planned fracture of the nasal bones, performed with fine surgical instruments to reposition the bone structure — narrowing a wide bridge, correcting asymmetry, or closing an open roof left behind after hump removal. It's a routine and well-established part of structural rhinoplasty, not an unusual or high-risk addition.
Osteotomy is necessary whenever the bony portion of the nose needs to be repositioned — it's typically not needed if your concerns are limited to cartilage areas like the tip or the lower, cartilaginous part of the bridge. Dr. Kim determines whether it's part of your plan based on your 3D CT scan, which clearly shows the bone structure that needs to be addressed.
Consultation Tip
If osteotomy is part of your plan, ask about the expected bruising and swelling timeline — this step generally involves a somewhat longer initial swelling period than cartilage-only work, so it helps to plan your recovery schedule accordingly.
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— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery