Dr Dan - Behind the Scalpel

Dan Robinson
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Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel takes you into a world of facial plastic surgery and rhinology - from the operating room to the personal journey of becoming a surgeon. Hosted by Dr Dan - a double board certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon, this podcast unpacks the science, the challenges, and the real stories behind facial transformation and healing. Whether you are in medicine or simply fascinated by the art of surgery, join Dr Dan for a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface.

  1. Jul 28

    Roman Nose

    Episode 19 – Podcast Show Notes 🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: The Roman Nose The Roman nose is one of the classic nasal shapes that patients may seek rhinoplasty to address. Characterised by a prominent dorsal hump and a long, downward-pointing nasal tip, a Roman nose can make patients feel that their nose is too large or prominent for their face. In this episode, Dr Dan explains what causes a Roman nose, why it often runs in families, and the structural changes that contribute to its distinctive appearance. He also discusses the complexities involved in correcting a Roman nose, including hump reduction, nasal bone restructuring, rebuilding the middle third, managing tip position and addressing the nasal valve to ensure that both the appearance and function of the nose are considered. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What is meant by a “Roman nose”. • The key features that characterise a Roman nose. • Why a Roman nose can make the nose appear overly large or prominent. • Why Roman noses often run in families. • How overgrowth of the septal cartilage contributes to the appearance. • How a large dorsal hump and tip ptosis develop. • What columella show and a long alar can have to do with nasal growth. • Why skin thickness is an important consideration when correcting a Roman nose. • The role of hump reduction and nasal bone restructuring. • Why rebuilding the middle third of the nose is important. • How spreader grafts and septal grafting may be used. • Why tip position and projection need to be carefully considered. • Why some female patients may also require alar base reduction. • How a Roman nose can be associated with nasal obstruction and nasal valve problems. • Why addressing nasal function is an important part of Roman nose surgery. • Why complex Roman nose surgery may benefit from an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon with a strong understanding of nasal valve anatomy.

    Roman Nose

  2. Jul 27

    Saddle Nose Deformity After Previous Surgery

    🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Saddle Nose Deformity After Previous Rhinoplasty A saddle nose deformity doesn’t only occur following significant trauma. In some cases, it can develop after previous rhinoplasty surgery when too much structural support has been removed without adequate reconstruction. In this episode, Dr Dan discusses saddle nose deformity following previous nasal surgery, including why the nose can gradually collapse months after an operation, the role of over-resection and inadequate structural support, and the less common complication of septal perforation. Dr Dan also explains why timing can be critical when a saddle nose deformity is identified shortly after surgery, how early intervention may sometimes prevent a more complex reconstruction, and what happens when patients present months or years later with established scar tissue and skin contraction. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What causes a saddle nose deformity following previous rhinoplasty. • How over-resection of the nasal dorsum can contribute to structural collapse. • Why the middle third of the nose needs adequate structural support. • Why a saddle nose deformity may not become obvious immediately after surgery. • How septal perforation can contribute to loss of nasal support. • Why the timing of revision surgery can be critical. • When early intervention may be possible following a previous rhinoplasty. • Why scar tissue and contracture can make delayed reconstruction more complex. • How skin stretching may be used in selected patients. • Why hydrodissection may sometimes be required in severe cases. • When hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered. • Why rib cartilage may be required for complex saddle nose reconstruction. • How extended spreader grafts can restore support to the middle third. • How fascia and crushed cartilage may be used for camouflage and contouring. • Why complex revision rhinoplasty requires specialised experience.

    Saddle Nose Deformity After Previous Surgery

  3. Jul 23

    Traumatic Saddle Nose Deformity

    Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Traumatic Saddle Nose Deformity A saddle nose deformity is one of the more complex problems that can occur following significant trauma to the nose. In this episode, Dr Dan discusses what a traumatic saddle nose deformity is, how it develops, and the functional and cosmetic concerns it can cause. From contact sports injuries to major accidents, severe trauma can disrupt the nasal septum and nasal bones, resulting in a loss of structural support and a characteristic collapse of the middle third of the nose. Dr Dan explains when it may be appropriate to consider surgery, why ongoing participation in contact sports can influence the timing of reconstruction, and the complex techniques and grafting required to rebuild the structure and projection of the nose. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What a saddle nose deformity is. • How trauma can cause collapse of the middle third of the nose. • How severe trauma can also affect the nasal bones. • Why traumatic saddle nose deformities can cause significant nasal obstruction. • The cosmetic concerns patients may experience following a traumatic injury. • How a saddle nose deformity can affect wearing glasses. • Why participation in contact sports can influence the timing of surgery. • The importance of risk mitigation following reconstruction. • Why saddle nose reconstruction is a complex rhinoplasty procedure. • Why rib cartilage grafting may be required to rebuild the nose. • The role of fascia grafts in camouflage and reconstruction. • How skin contraction can affect patients with previous compound fractures. • Why patients may need to prepare the skin before surgery. • How structural grafts are used to support and reconstruct the middle third of the nose. • Why patients with traumatic saddle nose deformities should seek a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience.

    Traumatic Saddle Nose Deformity

  4. Jul 22

    Post op rhinoplasty - what to expect and what to do

    You’ve had your rhinoplasty—now what? The post-operative period is one of the most important parts of the rhinoplasty journey, and it’s also when patients often have the most questions. In this episode, Dr Dan takes you through what to expect after surgery, from waking up in recovery and managing pain and congestion, through to your first post-operative appointment and the months that follow. He explains the importance of pain relief, saline nasal washes, medications and proper wound care, as well as when patients can return to exercise and other activities. Dr Dan also discusses common concerns during recovery, including nasal congestion, unpleasant smells, dissolving sutures, nose taping and differential swelling. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What to expect immediately after waking up from rhinoplasty surgery. • Why Dr Dan does not routinely use nasal packing. • Why staying on top of your pain relief is important during early recovery. • How and when to use saline nasal washes. • The role of antibiotics, steroids and Clorsig ointment after surgery. • How to sleep comfortably during the first week. • What to expect between day 2 and your first post-operative appointment. • What happens when your external and internal splints are removed. • When you can safely return to exercise. • What is normal during the first 8–10 weeks after surgery. • What to do if you notice an unpleasant smell inside your nose. • Dr Dan’s approach to nose taping. • When you can return to Botox, laser and heavy microdermabrasion. • When steroid injections may be considered. • How nasal massage may help manage areas of differential swelling.

    Post op rhinoplasty - what to expect and what to do

  5. Jul 20

    Splints in Rhinoplasty

    Episode 15 – Podcast Show Notes 🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Understanding Rhinoplasty Splints Splints are one of the most talked-about parts of rhinoplasty recovery and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Dr Dan explains the purpose of both external and internal splints, why they are essential for healing, and how his customised approach helps achieve the best possible surgical outcomes. He also discusses why he no longer uses traditional plaster casts, how customised internal splints differ from standard off-the-shelf options, and what patients can expect during the first week after surgery. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The difference between external and internal rhinoplasty splints. • Why external splints are used to reduce swelling and protect the nose - not change its shape. • Why Dr Dan prefers mouldable plastic splints over plaster casts. • How customised internal splints help control swelling inside the nose. • What it feels like to wear splints during recovery. • How to care for your splints and keep them clean after surgery. • What to expect when your splints are removed. • When splints may need to remain in place for longer than one week. 🗝️ Key Notes • Rhinoplasty recovery typically involves two types of splints: – External splints (over the nose) – Internal splints (inside the nose) • External splints: – Help reduce post-operative swelling. – Protect the nose from accidental bumps during the early healing phase. – Do not reshape or structurally change the nose. – Are typically worn for 5–10 days and may naturally fall off without affecting the surgical result. • Dr Dan uses mouldable plastic splints rather than plaster of Paris because: – They provide excellent protection and swelling control. – They avoid the potential risks associated with plaster. – They are easier to customise to each patient.

    Splints in Rhinoplasty

  6. Mar 22

    Treatment of the columella

    Episode 14 – Podcast Show Notes 🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Treatment of the Columella The columella plays a subtle but important role in nasal aesthetics and tip support. In this episode, Dr Dan explains how the columella is assessed in rhinoplasty, what causes it to appear too prominent or retracted, and the surgical techniques used to correct it. Understanding the balance between the columella, tip, and nostrils is key to achieving a natural and harmonious result. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What the columella is and how it contributes to nasal shape. • Common columella deformities, including hanging and retracted columella. • How the columella relates to tip position and projection. • Surgical techniques used to adjust columella position. • How small changes in the columella can significantly impact overall nasal aesthetics. 🗝️ Key Notes • The columella is the strip of tissue between the nostrils, formed by the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages. • Ideal columella show is subtle and balanced when viewed from the side. • Common deformities include: – Hanging columella (excess show below the nostrils) – Retracted columella (not enough visible columella) • These issues are often related to: – Tip cartilage position – Septal length and support – Overall nasal projection • Treatment techniques may include: – Tongue-in-groove to control projection and columella position – Adjustment or repositioning of the medial crura – Septal modification or grafting for support • Overcorrection can lead to unnatural appearance or imbalance with the nasal tip. • Careful assessment of the entire nose — not just the columella — is essential. 💡 Key Takeaway The columella may be small, but it has a big impact on nasal balance. Successful treatment requires subtle adjustments and a strong understanding of how it interacts with the tip and septum.

    Treatment of the columella

  7. Mar 18

    Alar base reduction

    🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Alar Base Reduction Alar base reduction is a powerful but often misunderstood component of rhinoplasty. In this episode, Dr Dan explains when and why alar base reduction is performed, how it changes the width of the nose, and the key principles required to achieve a balanced, natural result. From patient selection to surgical technique, this episode highlights why subtlety and precision are critical when altering the base of the nose. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What the alar base is and how it affects nasal width. • When alar base reduction is indicated in rhinoplasty. • How surgeons determine how much to reduce. • The different techniques used to narrow the nostrils. • How alar base reduction fits into overall nasal harmony. • Risks and complications associated with over-resection. 🗝️ Key Notes • The alar base refers to the width of the nostrils at the base of the nose. • Wide nostrils can be due to: – Naturally broad alar bases – Flaring of the nostrils – Under-projected nasal tip • Alar base reduction is often performed to: – Improve facial balance – Reduce nostril flare – Complement tip refinement or projection • Surgical techniques may include: – Wedge excision at the alar base – Sill excision to reduce nostril width • Precise measurement and symmetry are critical before removing tissue. • Over-resection can lead to: – Visible scarring – Distorted nostril shape – Breathing issues • Conservative reduction is key — small changes can have a significant aesthetic impact. 💡 Key Takeaway Alar base reduction is a subtle but powerful tool in rhinoplasty. When performed conservatively and in the right patient, it can significantly improve nasal balance — but overcorrection can be difficult to reverse.

    Alar base reduction

  8. Feb 18

    Making the Bent Nose Straight

    Episode 12– Podcast Show Notes 🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Making a Bent Nose Straight A crooked or bent nose is one of the most common reasons patients seek rhinoplasty. In this episode, Dr Dan explains why noses become bent, the structural principles behind straightening them, and why achieving a “perfectly straight” nose isn’t always realistic. From congenital asymmetry to trauma from contact sports, this episode breaks down how each third of the nose is surgically corrected — and what can go wrong long after surgery. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The two main causes of a bent nose: facial growth asymmetry and trauma. • Why the nose often bends toward the smaller side of the face. • How trauma from sports like rugby, AFL, boxing, and league can distort nasal bones. • The surgical principles behind straightening each third of the nose. • Why perfection doesn’t exist when it comes to facial symmetry. • What causes noses to deviate again months after surgery. 🗝️ Key Notes • No human face is perfectly symmetrical — the nose sits in the centre and often reflects that imbalance. • A bent nose can result from: – Congenital facial asymmetry – Trauma causing displaced nasal bones and cartilage • Straightening the nose typically requires an external (open) rhinoplasty approach. • Treatment of each nasal third: – Upper third (nasal bones): Osteotomies to reposition and realign bone. May involve double, triple, or quad-line osteotomies for controlled fracture patterns. – Middle third: Spreader grafts extending from nasal bones to tip to create a cantilevering stabilising effect. In congenital bends, a double spreader graft may be required on one side. – Lower third (tip): Septal removal and replant (septal replantation) to create a new straight foundation. Tip cartilages are then secured to the reconstructed septum to maintain alignment. • A perfectly straight nose does not exist — the goal is improvement, not perfection. • Late deviation can occur due to: – Differences in soft tissue tension between facial sides. – Ongoing muscular pull. • Post-operative nasal massage plays a key role in maintaining long-term alignment. • In select cases, a K-wire may be used for additional structural support. 💡 Key Takeaway Making a nose straight isn’t about forcing symmetry — it’s about rebuilding the nasal framework so it sits in better balance with the face. Long-term success depends on structural reconstruction, patient expectations, and careful post-operative management.

    Making the Bent Nose Straight
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About

Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel takes you into a world of facial plastic surgery and rhinology - from the operating room to the personal journey of becoming a surgeon. Hosted by Dr Dan - a double board certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon, this podcast unpacks the science, the challenges, and the real stories behind facial transformation and healing. Whether you are in medicine or simply fascinated by the art of surgery, join Dr Dan for a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface.

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