Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?

Frequently referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world. And one of the oldest. The procedure involves changing the shape of the nose in some way-whether to correct the effect of an accident or injury, or to improve the overall appearance of the face. Common types of rhinoplasty include removing a hump, increasing or decreasing the size of the nose, changing the shape of the nostrils or reshaping the tip.

A procedure originating in 7th century India, rhinoplasty has literally been performed for thousands of years. Thanks to advances in modern surgical techniques, rhinoplasty can now be performed to an extremely high degree of precision, with minimal scarring; and success rates are particularly high.

One of these surgical techniques, “closed rhinoplasty” is becoming quite popular with surgeons and patients alike. This technique involves no external scarring at all. Incisions are made inside the nostrils and are completely invisible once healed.

What Are the Benefits?

Because rhinoplasty can improve a patient’s appearance, it can also help to improve a patient’s self esteem. Improved self esteem, in turn, may have beneficial effects in other areas. Individuals who’ve undergone rhinoplasty may be more comfortable meeting new people or engaging in certain types of activities because they are no longer embarrassed about their appearance.

Rhinoplasty can also offer benefits beyond just cosmetic. Rhinoplasty can also be used to improve a patient’s breathing. Conditions such as a deviated (crooked or shifted to one side) septum, scar tissue resulting from an injury, or a problem with the cartilage in the nose can create difficulties with airflow in certain individuals. By reshaping the inside of the nose, surgeons are able to improve airflow and ease breathing problems.

One of the reasons for the popularity of rhinoplasty is its long history of safety and success. In fact, most people who’ve undergone rhinoplasty report that they’re happy with their results and have experienced an improvement in the overall quality of their lives.

Is It Right for You?

Rhinoplasty may benefit you if you are affected by snoring or sleep apnea. Since these conditions are often the direct result of issues directly related to the shape and structure of the nose, they can often be corrected by surgically altering that structure. Unlike other treatments for sleep apnea and snoring, rhinoplasty offers a permanent solution to the underlying problem.

You may also wish to consider rhinoplasty if you feel strongly that your appearance, and therefore your quality of life, is negatively impacted by the shape of your nose.

It is important, however, to enter into any cosmetic procedure with realistic expectations. While the procedure can certainly improve your appearance, anyone who expects that cosmetic surgery will dramatically improve relationships or lead to a more lucrative career may not be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. It’s important to speak openly with your cosmetic surgeon about your expectations in order to determine whether rhinoplasty is the best course of action for you.

In general, good candidates for rhinoplasty-cosmetic or therapeutic-are in good physical and mental health, and are old enough for their noses to have fully matured (usually 15-16 for women and 17-18 for men).