What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to alter the shape of the nose. This surgery is highly popular for cosmetic reasons. In cases of injury where the shape of the nose gets affected or deformed, Rhinoplasty can be used to correct those conditions as well. Sometimes the procedure is also performed in combination with facelift surgery in order to enhance the overall looks of the face and reduce the signs of aging.

Rhinoplasty, or a “nose job” can make a crucial difference to a person’s facial aesthetics. The nose is a very strategic part of the facial features and the slightest of change in its shape or size can have a big impact on the overall aesthetics of the face. Rhinoplasty involves increasing or decreasing the size of the nose, making alterations to the tip or bridge of the nose, or narrowing or altering the shape of the nostrils. The procedure may also be performed to reduce the dorsal hump, reduce the overall width of the nose or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. The ultimate goal of the surgery is to refine the beauty of the face by reshaping the nose.

In some cases, the patient may be suffering from breathing difficulties due to the faulty position of the septum. There is a special procedure known as Septoplasty to correct this condition. Sometimes this procedure may be performed in conjunction with Rhinoplasty to improve the shape of the nose as well. The different types of Rhinoplasty procedures are categorized as follows:

Reduction Rhinoplasty: The bone or the cartilage size is reduced with an aim of decreasing the size of the nose.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty: If the nose is smaller in proportion to the rest of the face, or there is a loss of structure due to an injury, Augmentation Rhinoplasty may be performed. This augments the size of the nose by adding cartilage, bone or implant material.

Closed Rhinoplasty: This procedure enhances the contours of the nose. The incisions are made inside the nose in order to reshape or re-position the bone and cartilage.

Open Rhinoplasty: The incisions are made along the nostrils and across the columella to reshape or re-position the bone and cartilage.

Rhinoplasty is a highly intricate procedure. It must be done only by a plastic surgeon who is thoroughly experienced in performing this surgery. A good surgeon will not allow even the slightest room for error, which can make all the difference to the final outcome of Rhinoplasty.

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