Nose surgery – which is medically referred to as rhinoplasty – can often be a great option for men and women who are interested in enhancing the shape, size, and overall appearance of their nose. In addition, the procedure can also be performed to improve the functionality of the nose by correcting issues that may be contributing to impaired nasal breathing.
Some of the most common reasons patients choose to receive cosmetic or reconstructive rhinoplasty include a desire to alter the nasal tip, nasal bridge, nostrils, and/or septum. As a result, good candidates for nose surgery generally have one or more of the following concerns:
- A crooked and/or misaligned nasal bridge
- A noticeable hump on the nasal bridge
- A bulbous and/or drooping nasal tip
- Nostrils that are misshapen and/or disproportionate in size
- A deviated septum
Along with the issues noted above, candidates for rhinoplasty should also be old enough that the face has finished growing (which typically occurs in the mid to late teens), be generally healthy with no unmanaged medical conditions, and be a non-smoker (or have quit a minimum of two weeks before surgery with no intention of restarting). Last but not least, individuals must have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. No two noses are alike, and it is important to understand that the goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance and/or function of your own nose as opposed to achieving the exact look of someone else’s.
Ultimately, there are many different approaches to rhinoplasty that can be employed based on an individual’s needs, desires, and even ethnicity (e.g. asian rhinoplasty). If you are interested in nose surgery, my advice is to seek the expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with various rhinoplasty techniques. At the time of your consultation, he or she will be able to thoroughly assess your concerns, medical history, and overall goals to determine if you would be an ideal candidate for this procedure.
Contact Art Plastic Surgery
If you have additional questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons, please feel free to contact Art Plastic Surgery today.
Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on January 7, 2016.