Rhinoplasty
Also known as nose surgery, nose re-shaping surgery, or a “nose job,” Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States. People may undergo rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons or to correct a birth defect or injury to the nose that can interfere with breathing.What Can a Nose Job Fix?
Cosmetically, nose re-shaping surgery can be used to change the size or shape of the nose, including reducing the width of the bridge of the nose, augmenting or reducing the overall size of the nose, and smoothing any bumps or depressions that affect the profile. Rhinoplasty surgery can also correct a “hooked nose”, change the size and/or position of the nostrils, or make subtle changes to just the tip of the nose. It can also serve to restore balance to an asymmetrical nose.Another common use for rhinoplasty is to correct a deviated septum or irregular nasal septum. The surgery often helps patients to breathe more easily once the problem is corrected.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty. This technique is used for major re-shaping and involves an incision in the columella (the thin area of the nose between the nostrils). The surgeon then lifts the tissue away to access the structures underneath.Closed rhinoplasty. For minor re-shaping, the surgeon can make an incision inside the nose in order to access the bone and cartilage. Revision rhinoplasty. Also called secondary rhinoplasty, this is a second nose job procedure when the first surgery did not fully correct the problem, or the patient was not satisfied.
Injection or filler rhinoplasty. With this technique, the doctor injects filler agents such as Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse to smooth out a bump or imperfection rather than surgically altering it. The results are not permanent.
Good candidates for rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations of what their surgery can achieve, and meet with a surgeon who has a large experience in dealing with nasal surgeries and can show prospective nasal surgery candidates a wide variety of results achieved by the surgeon. It is also extremely important that the surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
