Rhinoplasty, one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States, involves sculpting the bone and cartilage of the nose to reshape it. It is an effective, safe, and time-tested solution for a misshapen and unappealing nose.
The procedure can be used to correct functional and visual defects in the nose. It can make the nose smaller or larger, change the angle of the nose, correct bumps, correct issues that cause breathing problems, and help fix other defects that can occur in the nose.
Candidacy
You are an ideal candidate for the surgery if:
• You have a nose that you feel is too small or large in comparison to your other facial features.
• You have a bump on the bridge of your nose.
• You have a wide nose and want it to be narrower.
• Your nasal tip protrudes, droops, or is enlarged.
• You have a bulbous nasal tip.
• Your nostrils are excessively pinched or flared.
• Your nose is off-center or crooked.
• You have suffered an injury that has made your nose asymmetrical.
• You have breathing problems due to irregularities with the internal structure of your nose (a deviated septum or any other such problem).
Different Types of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can be divided into different categories depending on the patient’s goals:
• Reduction Rhinoplasty – This is performed to address bumps on the bridge of the nose, on an elongated tip, and on excessively flared nostrils. The doctor will remove a small amount of cartilage or bone to achieve the desired result.
• Augmentation Rhinoplasty – The doctor will perform cartilage or bone grafting to build the nasal bridge/tip. He might use cartilage from other parts of your nose or your ears. If you don’t have enough autologous donor tissue in those area, your surgeon might use your rib cartilage or synthetic material.
• Reconstructive Rhinoplasty – If your nose has suffered extensive damage because of skin cancer, an accident, or a serious illness, a surgeon can rebuild your nose using flap techniques, skin grafts, and other reconstructive methods.
• Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty – If you have a nose injury, this procedure can address the functionality and appearance of your nose. The doctor will straighten the nose and fix the deviated or broken septum.
• Ethnic Rhinoplasty – While the original rhinoplasty procedures catered to the Caucasian nasal structure, this procedure was specifically developed to cater to individuals of Afro-Caribbean, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern descents. The surgeon will take special care to preserve their unique features and sense of ethnicity.
Is It Safe for Teenagers?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular surgeries among teenagers. Teenage patients and surgeons need to consider whether reshaping the nose is the appropriate cosmetic option. It is recommended that boys and girls wait until the age of 15 before they undergo a rhinoplasty procedure.
Initial Consultation
Once you have decided to go through with the surgery, your surgeon will schedule a comprehensive consultation. He will thoroughly go over your medical history and ask you about any medications you’re currently taking.
Smokers aren’t disqualified from the treatment, but you will need to quit for a few weeks before and after the surgery. Your doctor will examine every aspect of your nose, from the shape and skin quality to the condition of the septum and the amount of tissue.
Contact Our Office
Contact us to learn more about the rhinoplasty procedure and the benefits it can provide to you. During your consultation, Dr. Richard Lee, an experienced plastic surgeon, will assess your goals and work toward a solution to help you get the results you desire.
