Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. In fact, in 2015 the top three plastic surgery trends were people requesting natural-looking rhinoplasty results (74%), a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures (72%), and eyelid procedures that make the patient look less tired (71%). Here, we’ve crafted a beginner’s guide to rhinoplasty that covers all the basics associated with the procedure.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a nose job plastic surgery which improves the shape, size, and symmetry of a person’s nose. The overall goal of the procedure is chosen by each individual patient, giving each person a personalized reshaping or enhancement. By reshaping the bone, cartilage, and skin, a rhinoplasty can:
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Smooth a bump in the bridge of the nose
- Reduce or refine the size of the nasal tip
- Reduce or enlarge the size of the nose
- Restore symmetry to the nose
- Correct breathing problems
With the help of an experienced plastic surgeon, the patient can undergo a life-changing procedure which will enhance their overall facial aesthetics and give them confidence in their new nose.
Types of Rhinoplasty
While each individual rhinoplasty procedure is personalized to fit the desires of the patient, there are three common types of rhinoplasty procedures.
Tiplasty: This procedure involves reshaping rather than making incisions. Like the name suggests, tiplasty entails reshaping the nasal tip only. Because of that, the other nasal structures remain unaffected.
Open Rhinoplasty: This approach is done by making a small incision under the nasal tip between the nostrils. Doing this gives the plastic surgeon complete access to the nasal structures. This allows the surgeon to complete more extensive reshaping as well as ensures the scars are as well-hidden as possible.
Closed Rhinoplasty: This method is commonly used to make minor adjustments to the nasal structure. Because incisions are made inside the nostril, this procedure may not be fitting for more extensive procedures. However, one major benefit of this approach is that there is no visible scarring after the surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
In order to be a good candidate for rhinoplasty, the nose must be fully developed. This means the youngest age is typically 14 for girls and 16 for boys. However, a plastic surgeon will take extra care in determining if such a young patient is ready for this type of procedure. With that in mind, for patients of any age or gender, it’s important to have realistic expectations for this procedure. Patients need to remember that a rhinoplasty procedure can only improve their existing nose, it cannot give them a whole new nose.
To find out more information about rhinoplasty and if this procedure is right from you, contact a qualified plastic
surgeon. An experienced surgeon will be able to provide information on what is possible with your nose and what steps to take to get your dream nose.