Rhinoplasty

Noses are n oticed, particularly if they are unusual. The large or crooked nose draws attention. And (!7)j our cultu re, whether we fi nd it appropriate or not, someone's nose can affect how we perceive him r her. The nose often symbolizes intelligence, masculinity or femininity, even strength of character. A nose that's in harmony with other features gives the face a pleasing balance.

It comes as no surprise then that rhinoplasty, the medical term for a "nose job," is the most common facial cosmetic procedure performed in the United States . More than 350,000 Americans have this procedure every year. About 60 percent of rhinoplasty patients are women.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

	Rhinoplasty combined with chin implant, which achieves better facial balance.

Nasal refinement, or rhinoplasty, is surgery to reshape the nose.The procedure can make your nose straighter, wider or narrower, longer or shorter. It can change the shape of the tip or bridge. It can change the angle between the nose and upper lip or narrow the nostrils. Tiplasty may be performed when only the tip of the nose needs refinement. Shortening the nose, often by lifting the tip, can make you look younger.

Although nose reshaping is a cosmetic procedure, the procedure can also correct an existing breathing problem. For example, during rhinoplasty a surgeon can repair a deviated (crooked) septum, which may block the airflow on one side of the nose. The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils. This operation is called septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is considered a permanent procedure; certainly bone and cartilage removed will not grow back. However, as we age our noses do become a bit longer as ligaments and other tissue lose some of their tension.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Each procedure is tailored to the needs of the individual patient; however, there are two basic types of rhinoplasty. The first is open rhinoplasty, which involves placing a small incision ac ro ss the columella, the strip of tissue separating the nostrils, along with incisions inside the nose. The second type is closed rhinoplasty, in which only internal incisions are used. Most facial plastic surgeons agree that the best approach is the one the doctor prefers. Open rhinoplasty is sometimes necessary for unusually complex procedures and revision p ro cedures.

Are You a Candidate?

If you've been self-conscious about your nose for as long as you can remember, rhinoplasty can help you find new self-assurance. For all patients, the goal is balanced and a t tractive facial contours, not an ideal nose. If you're an adult in good emotional and physical health, and you want improvement rather than perfection, you could be an excellent candidate for cosmetic surgery of the nose.

Teenagers can have the procedure after they have finished their growth spurt, usually by age fifteen or sixteen. If you're in your teens, your doctor will want to be sure you're seeking the surgery because you want it and not because you're doing it out of parental or peer pressure.

Ethnicity is a factor in some rhinoplasty procedures.You and your doctor can best decide how much to soften a bump, for example, or narrow the base of the nose and still achieve harmony with the rest of your features - focusing on your face and its individual, distinctive a tt ractiveness.

Many people seek rhinoplasty after a nasal fracture.Your surgeon will want to wait several months after the injury, until the swelling goes down, before performing the procedure.

Any injury to your nose, respiratory conditions (such as asthma) that cause breathing problems, and smoking or recreational drug use can affect the method and timing of your rhinoplasty. Avoid irritating your nose in any way before the operation; if it is sunburned, puffy, or inflamed, surgery may need to be postponed.

If you're unhappy with an earlier rhinoplasty, you may be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty a year or more after the first procedure, which must heal completely before new surgery is performed.

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