Rhinoplasty - an Overview of Nose Jobs
Rhinoplasty - or as it is more commonly known, a nose job - is plastic surgery to reshape or repair the nose.
As such a central feature of the face, flaws in the appearance of the nose can cause an individual to become very self conscious about their appearance, which can lead to a loss of confidence.
Although rhinoplasty can also be used to correct medical problems such as impaired breathing, it is the improvement of the appearance which motivates a majority of patients to seek surgery, and which makes nose jobs one of the most highly sought cosmetic surgeries.
When it comes to improving the nose aesthetically, a surgeon can improve the appearance by sculpting or filing the cartilage and adding implants to lengthen, shorten, increase the projection of the nasal tip, remove a hump or change the width of the nose.
In the case of narrowing the nose the bones are commonly broken and meticulously reset.
Where implants are required many surgeons prefer to use natural tissue, often taken from the patient's septum or inner ear, as the body is less likely to reject this than an artificial implant (often made from silicone).
Rhinoplasty is gaining immense popularity among teenagers and young adults, where peer pressure and bullying can often prompt individuals to seek out plastic surgery at a young age.
If the nasal flaws are minor, most surgeons prefer to wait until the patient is older and growth is complete.
However, in girls the procedure has been performed as young as 13 and in boys, who generally mature more slowly, at the age of 15.
Having surgery at this age can be extremely beneficial in terms of self esteem, but additional risks need to be taken into consideration, for instance if it is performed before growth has ceased then complications may arise that necessitate revision rhinoplasty later in life.
There are two methods of surgery for rhinoplasty.
The first is closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are made inside the nose.
This method means less trauma to the nose, with the beneficial result of less bruising and swelling post-operatively.
Because the surgery is performed 'blindly' it is best suited to nose jobs where little work is required, such as straightening the bridge of the nose, but the overall shape of the nose and nasal tip is good.
However, in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, closed rhinoplasty can sometimes produce outstanding results in more complex procedures too.
The second method is open rhinoplasty, which is well suited to more complicated surgery.
A small incision is made in the columella (the fleshy column between the nostrils) and the skin is carefully lifted back to expose the cartilage.
This allows surgeons to carry out more intricate work.
Once work is complete, the skin is pulled back down and stitched back into position.
The disadvantage of this technique is that it leaves a scar, although this is usually barely visible.
The swelling will also be more severe and will take longer to heal.
Rhinoplasty is often performed under IV sedation (light sleep), although general anaesthetic may be used for more complex procedures.
On average, surgery takes around 90 minutes.
After surgery a splint and dressing will be applied.
Nasal pads may also be required for a few days.
As is the case with all surgery, rhinoplasty carries inherent risks.
Some of these are general to all surgical procedures, such as having a reaction to the anaesthetic.
Other risks and side effects are more specific to nose jobs and can range from the banal such as excess mucus production (which can last several months) to more serious complications such as the nose healing in an abnormal shape.
The latter is commonly caused by the patient either bumping their nose before healing is complete or even seemingly minor factors as the patient favouring a particular side when sleeping, causing the nose to heal with a bias to that side.
Revision rhinoplasty may be required to remedy this.
A successful rhinoplasty can be extremely beneficial to your appearance and self esteem.
Therefore, it is imperative to find a highly qualified and experienced surgeon to carry out the nose job.
The initial consultation at a clinic is usually free so it is beneficial to visit several to find the one most suited to your needs.
Researching thoroughly to find a good surgeon will be time well spent.
As such a central feature of the face, flaws in the appearance of the nose can cause an individual to become very self conscious about their appearance, which can lead to a loss of confidence.
Although rhinoplasty can also be used to correct medical problems such as impaired breathing, it is the improvement of the appearance which motivates a majority of patients to seek surgery, and which makes nose jobs one of the most highly sought cosmetic surgeries.
When it comes to improving the nose aesthetically, a surgeon can improve the appearance by sculpting or filing the cartilage and adding implants to lengthen, shorten, increase the projection of the nasal tip, remove a hump or change the width of the nose.
In the case of narrowing the nose the bones are commonly broken and meticulously reset.
Where implants are required many surgeons prefer to use natural tissue, often taken from the patient's septum or inner ear, as the body is less likely to reject this than an artificial implant (often made from silicone).
Rhinoplasty is gaining immense popularity among teenagers and young adults, where peer pressure and bullying can often prompt individuals to seek out plastic surgery at a young age.
If the nasal flaws are minor, most surgeons prefer to wait until the patient is older and growth is complete.
However, in girls the procedure has been performed as young as 13 and in boys, who generally mature more slowly, at the age of 15.
Having surgery at this age can be extremely beneficial in terms of self esteem, but additional risks need to be taken into consideration, for instance if it is performed before growth has ceased then complications may arise that necessitate revision rhinoplasty later in life.
There are two methods of surgery for rhinoplasty.
The first is closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are made inside the nose.
This method means less trauma to the nose, with the beneficial result of less bruising and swelling post-operatively.
Because the surgery is performed 'blindly' it is best suited to nose jobs where little work is required, such as straightening the bridge of the nose, but the overall shape of the nose and nasal tip is good.
However, in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, closed rhinoplasty can sometimes produce outstanding results in more complex procedures too.
The second method is open rhinoplasty, which is well suited to more complicated surgery.
A small incision is made in the columella (the fleshy column between the nostrils) and the skin is carefully lifted back to expose the cartilage.
This allows surgeons to carry out more intricate work.
Once work is complete, the skin is pulled back down and stitched back into position.
The disadvantage of this technique is that it leaves a scar, although this is usually barely visible.
The swelling will also be more severe and will take longer to heal.
Rhinoplasty is often performed under IV sedation (light sleep), although general anaesthetic may be used for more complex procedures.
On average, surgery takes around 90 minutes.
After surgery a splint and dressing will be applied.
Nasal pads may also be required for a few days.
As is the case with all surgery, rhinoplasty carries inherent risks.
Some of these are general to all surgical procedures, such as having a reaction to the anaesthetic.
Other risks and side effects are more specific to nose jobs and can range from the banal such as excess mucus production (which can last several months) to more serious complications such as the nose healing in an abnormal shape.
The latter is commonly caused by the patient either bumping their nose before healing is complete or even seemingly minor factors as the patient favouring a particular side when sleeping, causing the nose to heal with a bias to that side.
Revision rhinoplasty may be required to remedy this.
A successful rhinoplasty can be extremely beneficial to your appearance and self esteem.
Therefore, it is imperative to find a highly qualified and experienced surgeon to carry out the nose job.
The initial consultation at a clinic is usually free so it is beneficial to visit several to find the one most suited to your needs.
Researching thoroughly to find a good surgeon will be time well spent.
Source...