Rhinoplasty And Nose Surgery To Enhance Your Appearance

Most patients have a definite idea as to how they would like to improve or refine the shape of their nose. The common concerns are the nasal hump on the bridge, the thickness of the nasal tip, and the width of their nose. The most important step in the process of learning about rhinoplasty or nasal surgery is for the prospective patient to have an in-depth consultation with a plastic surgeon.

The nasal septum, the structure that separates the two nostrils inside the nose, is composed of cartilage and bone. The septum may become deviated or twisted, thereby causing a smaller nasal passage on one side or the other, or both. Various reasons account for this deviation, such as trauma at birth or accidental injury. This deviation may alter or impede the pattern of airflow through the nose, making it difficult to breathe. In addition, the nose may appear crooked with a hump as a result of this deviation.

The three basic procedures that involve alteration of the nose are: rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and tiplasty.

Rhinoplasty is surgery of the nose to augment, shorten, elongate, thin, straighten, or otherwise balance the overall impression of the face. Patients who seek nasal surgery for more cosmetic reasons often elect rhinoplasty, which includes alteration of the nasal bone and cartilage.

Septoplasty is surgery of the nose that restores or improves its functionality in terms of breathing more easily. This procedure corrects a deviated nasal septum as mentioned earlier.

Tiplasty is surgery of the cartilage of the nasal tip. Patients elect this procedure to refine and define the tip of the nose.

Because rhinoplasty refers to the overall reconstruction of the nose, it may also include straightening of the nose, refinement of the nasal tip, narrowing of the nose width, or reduction of the nasal hump, as a combined surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty is surgery performed to correct the results of a previous nasal surgery.

Unfortunately, subsequent surgeries to the nose are more difficult than the preceding one(s) due to the formation of scar tissue that lessens the options during a revision surgery. In order to assess his or her nasal condition for rhinoplasty, the prospective patient should set up a consulation with a plastic surgeon.

To eliminate visible scarring, the rhinoplasty is performed entirely from within the nostrils. This technique is referred to as closed. The goal is to achieve a more natural appearance without evidence of scarring. To remove the nasal hump, the plastic surgeon uses a chisel or rasp, and then brings the nasal bones together to form a narrower bridge. Trimming the nasal tip cartilage refines and reshapes that area.

Facial proportions may be divided into thirds. From the hairline to the top of the nose represents the upper third; the full length of the nose is the middle third; and from the base of the nose to the chin is the lower third. To establish these proportions harmoniously, other procedures can be performed in addition to nasal surgery. These options may include a chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, or even a facelift.

For instance, a chin augmentation may provide a balance in the profile of a patient along with rhinoplasty, which softens the facial angularity. A chin implant is surgically positioned to enlarge the chin from within the mouth, which allows no visible scars. Placement of this implant adds approximately one half hour to the nasal procedure.

Because there is no universal perfect nose for every patient, a good result for each individual differs, depending on his or her facial proportions and expectation. This expectation usually relates to the facial features, which determines the natural dimensions of the nose.

Plastic surgeons consider these ethnic features while simultaneously enhancing their appearance and/or functionality. No matter what ethnic characteristics are involved African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern the goal is still to achieve an overall balanced, natural appearance.