Nose Surgery-Rhinoplasty, What it is?

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It was the first time that liposuction was outpaced by another procedure. There were some 350,000 clients in the United States alone that year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

Who is rhinoplasty for?

Rhinoplasty is for people who want to change the size or shape of their nose. Rhinoplasty can:

• Straighten the bridge of the nose
• Reshape the tip of the nose
• Reduce or add to the overall size of the nose
• Change the angle between the nose and upper lip

Rhinoplasty can also repair defects following an injury, correct a birth defect or improve some breathing difficulties. Surgeons dissuade teenagers from opting for this surgery as they have many years left before full growth. People who are willing to go for nose surgery should ascertain the qualifications and efficiency of the surgeon. They also should make full enquiries about the healthcare risks involved in rhinoplasty, however minor they might be.

How is rhinoplasty done?

A typical rhinoplasty takes approximately 1-2 hours. Rhinoplasty is usually done inside the nose, with the surgeon readjusting the bone and cartilage underneath the skin. The surgeon usually makes cuts inside the nostrils. Sometimes he or she makes cuts in the septum between the nostrils. Then the surgeon separates the skin from the underlying bone or cartilage and mucous membranes, and follows a series of steps to cut, trim or augment (build up) the nasal bone or cartilage. Upon completion of the surgery, the surgeon may apply a splint to maintain the new shape. To make the septum stable, nasal packs may also be placed inside the nostrils.