Rhinoplasty - Aesthetically Improving the Nose

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose job, is a cosmetic procedure which aims to improve the shape and appearance of the nose. But in some cases, this surgical procedure is also used to improve the function of the nasal structure and correct breathing problems caused by deviated septum which is the wall that separates the left and right nostrils.

With the advancement in plastic surgery, rhinoplasty has become safer and provides a more natural result compared to previous decades. This is why the procedure is increasingly becoming popular among patients of ethnic descent who were once concerned of losing their ethnic features from plastic surgery.

Depending on the “aesthetic” problem of the nose, rhinoplasty may involve the following: increasing or decreasing the overall structure; changing the tip of the nose; removing the humps in the bridge; and altering the size and shape of the nostrils.

The Right Candidate for Rhinoplasty

Because the procedure is for aesthetic improvements, patients who are not satisfied with their nose are the ones who will benefit most from this surgery. But since it involves an incision, they should be physically healthy and have no medical problems that would increase the risk of complications.

For individuals who are smoking, they should realize that they are at higher risk of complications compared to non-smokers because the presence of the nicotine in their body prevents them to recover normally. With this consideration, most doctors advised smokers to quit the habit at least several months before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications such as skin necrosis and gangrene.

Aside from being physically healthy, patients should also be psychologically and emotionally stable which will allow them to cope with the drastic physical change they will experience after this plastic surgery procedure.

It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations which may determine their likelihood to be satisfied with the procedure. With this consideration, people should realize that the surgery’s result will still depend on the cartilage (the hard connective tissues), size of the nostrils, and the overall nasal structure.

The Result of the Rhinoplasty Surgery

Experienced plastic surgeons use different techniques and alterations when performing rhinoplasty in order to create a nose that would complement and enhance the face rather than overpower the other features. With this, some doctors have specialized in “ethnic enhancement” procedures that would preserve and highlight the ethnic features of their patients while improving their appearance.