A nose job is more than cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty, the medical term for a nose job, refers to any procedure that changes the shape, position, or function of your nose.
Every year, plastic surgeons perform about 350,000 rhinoplasties in the United States. Women and men ages 20-50 are most likely to have the procedure. The gender balance favors women, who account for about 80% of the surgeries.
While often chosen primarily to balance a person’s facial features, rhinoplasty also addresses structural issues that interfere with breathing. In fact, some of the variations in nose shape that prompt people to seek cosmetic rhinoplasty are also associated with functional issues.
Often, rhinoplasty remedies both function and aesthetics.
Because the physiology of the nose is so complex, rhinoplasty is regarded as one of the most difficult plastic surgeries to perform. It requires extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and a keen eye for aesthetics.
That’s why choosing your plastic surgeon is the most important decision you can make when it comes to rhinoplasty. At Synergi Facial Surgery, skilled surgeon Robert Cristel, MD is an expert at functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty.
Performed correctly, rhinoplasty can be a life-changing procedure. Following are five common issues that rhinoplasty addresses.
1. Straighten a deviated septum
Your septum is the bone-like structure (actually composed of cartilage) that runs down the center interior of your nose, between your nostrils. Ideally, the septum is located centrally so each air passage is about the same size.
However, your septum may be pushed to one side due to a broken nose or other injury. You could also be born with uneven passages.
Correcting a deviated septum can improve airflow and maximize cardiovascular performance. It can also improve your sleep and may eliminate snoring.
2. Fix a broken nose
The most common non-cosmetic reason for rhinoplasty is perhaps repairing the damage of a broken nose. Repairs may involve reshaping cartilage or resetting broken nasal bones.
Rhinoplasty for a broken nose focuses on breathing function rather than on aesthetics. This type of rhinoplasty is called corrective or functional rhinoplasty. Despite this being functional, you will likely see some benefit in the cosmetic result as well.
3. Remove or smooth nasal humps
A prominent hump on the bridge area of your nose may make your nose look broken. That’s because unrepaired breaks may also cause humps.
However, excess cartilage can also form humps. Rhinoplasty can remove the excess, thereby reshaping, smoothing, and refining your nose.
4. Improve nostril shape
Some women and men feel their nostrils are too narrow, too wide, uneven, or unsatisfying in some other regard. Rhinoplasty can also address nostril shape.
Changing nostrils, however, is an invasive version of the procedure. The entire physiology and function of your nose must be considered. The shape and position of your airways may influence how much your nostrils can be altered.
5. Reshape a nose tip
The classic bulbous nose shape is one of the most common complaints in rhinoplasty. A large nose tip can also throw the look of your nose out of balance with the rest of your face.
As with nasal humps, the excess cartilage can be removed. A popular approach to nose tip alteration removes cartilage from within the nose, so resulting scars are hidden.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, call our office nearest you or reach us online. We have two locations, in Chesterfield Valley and West Chesterfield, and one in O’Fallon, Missouri.