Dr. Kris Conrad is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, offering expert rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) in Toronto. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation for precision and natural-looking results, Dr. Conrad provides personalized care that balances aesthetics and function.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and refine the nose for either cosmetic or functional purposes. It can address a variety of aesthetic concerns such as a pronounced nasal hump or irregularities along the bridge of the nose, which may affect profile balance. Patients often seek rhinoplasty to correct nasal asymmetry or a crooked appearance, whether due to genetics or past trauma.
The procedure is also effective in reshaping the nasal tip, especially in cases where it appears bulbous, drooping, or overly projected. Additionally, rhinoplasty can refine the size and shape of the nostrils, whether they are perceived as too wide or too narrow.
Beyond appearance, rhinoplasty is frequently performed to improve nasal function, particularly in patients experiencing breathing difficulties due to structural issues such as a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a transformative procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the nose to better complement the rest of the face. Under the expert care of Dr. Kris Conrad, this surgery is performed with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring natural-looking results that maintain the integrity of your unique features.
Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or more significant reshaping, Dr. Conrad’s approach to cosmetic rhinoplasty is rooted in facial balance, proportion, and harmony.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty addresses a variety of common aesthetic concerns that affect the overall harmony and balance of the face. One of the most frequently treated issues is a prominent dorsal hump or nasal bump, which can disrupt the smooth contour of the nasal bridge and affect a person’s side profile. Many patients also seek correction of a drooping, upturned, or bulbous nasal tip, which may appear too large, round, or misshapen in proportion to the rest of the nose.
Another concern is when the nose appears too wide or too narrow in relation to the face, creating imbalance or drawing attention away from other facial features. Nasal asymmetry or crooked contours can also be addressed to achieve a more even and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In some cases, disproportionate or flared nostrils contribute to an unbalanced look or an overly prominent base of the nose. Additionally, patients may feel that their nose simply doesn’t “fit” with the rest of their features, particularly in relation to the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Cosmetic rhinoplasty helps refine these elements, enhancing facial symmetry while preserving natural character.
Dr. Conrad’s Approach:
Dr. Conrad combines artistic vision with surgical precision. During your consultation, he uses advanced imaging technology to help visualize possible outcomes and ensure alignment with your personal aesthetic goals.
He takes time to understand your motivations, preferences, and facial anatomy, crafting a personalized plan that enhances your nose without compromising your natural look or cultural identity.
Key Benefits of Cosmetic Rhinoplasty:
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Improved facial symmetry and proportion
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Boosted self-confidence and body image
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Custom-tailored results that reflect your goals
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Subtle enhancement without an “operated” appearance
Surgical Technique:
Cosmetic rhinoplasty may be performed using either an open or closed approach, depending on the complexity of the case:
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Open Rhinoplasty: Involves a small incision under the nasal tip, offering greater visibility and precision for complex reshaping.
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Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are hidden inside the nostrils, ideal for more straightforward refinements with minimal scarring.
Regardless of the method, Dr. Conrad uses advanced, minimally traumatic techniques to reduce bruising, swelling, and downtime.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is a medically necessary procedure that focuses on correcting structural abnormalities inside the nose that interfere with normal breathing. While cosmetic rhinoplasty enhances appearance, functional rhinoplasty is primarily aimed at improving nasal airflow, often providing life-changing relief from chronic breathing issues.
As a facial specialist, Dr. Kris Conrad combines his surgical expertise with a deep understanding of nasal anatomy to address both functional and cosmetic concerns, ensuring that improved function does not come at the expense of appearance.
Functional rhinoplasty addresses a range of internal nasal conditions that can impair airflow and significantly affect quality of life. One of the most common structural issues is a deviated septum, where the thin wall between the nostrils is crooked or misaligned, causing partial or complete blockage in one or both nasal passages. This condition is typically corrected through a procedure known as septoplasty.
Another frequent concern is nasal valve collapse, which occurs when the nasal sidewalls are too weak or narrow and collapse inward during breathing, especially during physical activity or while sleeping. Turbinate hypertrophy, or enlargement of the turbinates—small structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify air—can also contribute to chronic congestion by physically blocking airflow.
Patients who have sustained trauma to the nose may experience post-traumatic deformities that compromise both the form and function of the nasal structure. Similarly, those who have undergone previous nasal surgeries might develop scar tissue or obstructions that impair breathing, necessitating a revision procedure to restore function.
Certain symptoms may indicate the need for functional rhinoplasty. These include chronic nasal congestion that doesn’t improve with standard treatments, or a persistent feeling of blocked nasal passages. Many individuals report difficulty breathing through the nose, especially during exercise or sleep, which can lead to snoring or other sleep disturbances. Others may suffer from frequent sinus infections, post-nasal drip, or a growing dependence on nasal sprays and decongestants just to maintain basic airflow. When these symptoms interfere with daily life, a thorough evaluation by a qualified specialist like Dr. Kris Conrad can determine whether functional rhinoplasty is the right solution.
Dr. Conrad’s Approach:
With a dual focus on form and function, Dr. Conrad performs functional rhinoplasty with the goal of restoring clear, effortless breathing while maintaining or even enhancing the external appearance of the nose. In some cases, functional corrections can be combined with cosmetic refinements during a single surgery — a highly specialized approach that requires both technical skill and aesthetic judgement.
He carefully evaluates your nasal anatomy using imaging, endoscopy, and airflow analysis to determine the root cause of obstruction. Then, he develops a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
Surgical Techniques May Include:
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Septoplasty – Straightening the nasal septum
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Spreader Grafts – Reinforcing internal nasal valves
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Alar Batten Grafts – Supporting external nasal valves
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Turbinate Reduction – Minimizing internal tissue swelling
These techniques are designed to be as conservative and precise as possible, with minimal visible change to your nose unless requested.
Benefits of Functional Rhinoplasty:
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Improved nasal airflow and easier breathing
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Reduction in snoring and improved sleep quality
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Decreased reliance on medications or nasal sprays
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Long-term relief from congestion and sinus issues
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Enhanced quality of life, especially during exercise and rest
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is a complex and highly specialized surgical procedure designed to correct issues resulting from one or more previous rhinoplasty surgeries. Whether the initial surgery failed to meet aesthetic expectations, caused breathing difficulties, or led to structural complications, Dr. Kris Conrad offers skilled, compassionate care to help patients achieve the results they originally envisioned — or regain what was lost.
As a recognized expert in both primary and revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Conrad understands the delicate balance between form and function. His goal is to restore harmony to the face while rebuilding confidence in your appearance and your ability to breathe freely.
Revision rhinoplasty is often sought by patients who are dissatisfied with the outcome of a previous nasal surgery—whether due to aesthetic concerns, functional problems, or both. Some individuals may feel that the cosmetic results did not meet their expectations, resulting in a nose that appears unnatural, asymmetrical, or out of balance with their other facial features. In some cases, over-resection—the removal of too much cartilage or bone—can lead to structural weakness, visible deformities, or even nasal collapse. Others may experience persistent or worsened breathing issues that were not present before the initial procedure, or that were exacerbated by it.
Additional reasons for seeking revision include visible scarring, irregular contours, or a pinched nasal tip—features that not only impact appearance but may also contribute to discomfort or self-consciousness. Some patients present with a collapsed bridge or structural instability, making the nose more vulnerable to distortion over time. In these cases, revision rhinoplasty offers an opportunity to restore both function and aesthetic harmony.
However, revision rhinoplasty presents unique challenges and is generally more complex than a first-time (primary) rhinoplasty. One of the primary difficulties lies in the presence of scar tissue from previous surgeries, which can make dissection more difficult and limit surgical visibility. There may also be loss or weakening of the nasal framework, reducing the natural support required for reshaping. Additionally, the availability of native cartilage for grafting may be limited, requiring cartilage to be harvested from the ear or rib.
Beyond the physical aspects, revision surgery often involves psychological and emotional factors as well. Patients may feel anxious, frustrated, or disappointed from prior surgical experiences, making trust and clear communication between patient and surgeon essential. Dr. Kris Conrad approaches each revision case with sensitivity, technical skill, and a strong emphasis on realistic expectations, ensuring that every decision is made with care and clarity.
Dr. Conrad’s Approach:
With years of experience in complex nasal reconstruction, Dr. Conrad approaches each revision case with precision, empathy, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. He performs a thorough evaluation of your current nasal structure, surgical history, and goals. Advanced imaging, endoscopic examination, and detailed consultation are used to plan a realistic, individualized approach.
When needed, cartilage may be harvested from the ear (auricular grafts) or rib (costal cartilage grafts) to rebuild and reinforce the nose.
What to Expect:
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Comprehensive Consultation: Full assessment of function, structure, and patient concerns
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Surgical Planning: Custom strategy developed to address both aesthetic and functional needs
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Surgery: Performed using advanced reconstructive techniques; typically under general anesthesia
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Recovery: Slightly longer than primary rhinoplasty, with swelling resolving over months and final results seen in 12–18 months
Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty:
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Restoration of a natural, balanced nasal appearance
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Correction of breathing or structural issues
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Improved self-confidence and emotional relief
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Relief from prior surgical complications or dissatisfaction
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a specialized approach to nasal reshaping that enhances the natural beauty of the nose without erasing the patient’s cultural or ethnic identity. Rather than conforming to one standard of beauty, this procedure focuses on harmonizing facial features while preserving the characteristics that make each individual unique.
Dr. Kris Conrad is deeply experienced in working with patients from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, including African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin, Indigenous, and mixed heritage. His approach is rooted in respect, precision, and collaboration, ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and understood.
What Makes Ethnic Rhinoplasty Unique:
Ethnic rhinoplasty often requires a specialized approach due to unique anatomical characteristics and individual aesthetic goals that differ from those typically seen in traditional rhinoplasty. Patients seeking this type of nasal refinement may present with thicker skin or denser soft tissue coverage, which can affect how the underlying structures are shaped and how the final results appear.
Other common features include a low nasal bridge or an under-projected tip, which may lead to a less defined profile, and wide or flared nostrils that can appear disproportionate to the rest of the facial features. Additionally, some patients may have weaker cartilage support, which can affect both structure and longevity of results.
What sets ethnic rhinoplasty apart is the patient’s desire to refine—not erase—their natural features. Many individuals seek subtle improvements that maintain the cultural or ethnic characteristics that are important to their identity. Dr. Kris Conrad understands that this is not simply a cosmetic procedure, but a deeply personal one.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all method, he takes time to understand each patient’s cultural background, facial structure, and personal goals, creating a highly individualized surgical plan. His aim is never to “westernize” the nose, but to enhance and balance it in a way that honors and elevates the patient’s natural beauty.
Common enhancements in ethnic rhinoplasty may include augmenting the nasal bridge to create better profile definition, while still maintaining proportional harmony. Dr. Conrad may also refine the nasal tip for more shape and definition, all while preserving the structural integrity of the nose.
Nostril narrowing or reshaping is often performed to create a more cohesive appearance without overcorrecting. Additionally, strengthening the cartilage framework helps support the new shape and ensures long-term stability. Any adjustments to symmetry are done with care to preserve the subtle, unique asymmetries that make each face distinctive.
Through this thoughtful, respectful approach, Dr. Conrad helps patients achieve results that are both aesthetically pleasing and true to who they are.
Dr. Conrad’s Approach:
Dr. Kris Conrad approaches ethnic rhinoplasty with a balance of technical expertise and cultural sensitivity. During your consultation, he will:
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Discuss your aesthetic preferences and desired level of change
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Use 3D imaging and photos to explore potential outcomes
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Explain how structural differences affect surgical planning
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Create a customized surgical plan that reflects your identity and enhances your confidence
What to Expect
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Consultation:
A comprehensive evaluation including 3D imaging and discussion of your goals. -
Surgery:
Typically performed under general anesthesia with minimal incisions. Outpatient procedure. -
Recovery:
Swelling and bruising are common for the first 1–2 weeks. Final results take shape over 6–12 months.
Why Choose Dr. Kris Conrad for Rhinoplasty?
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Expertise in Facial Cosmetic Surgery: Dr. Conrad’s advanced training and extensive surgical experience make him one of Toronto’s top choices for rhinoplasty.
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Functional & Aesthetic Focus: Every procedure is designed not only to enhance appearance but also to preserve or improve nasal function, including breathing.
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Tailored to You: No two faces are the same. Dr. Conrad offers customized surgical plans based on facial anatomy, individual goals, and cultural considerations.