Maybe you have been unhappy with your nose for as long as you can remember, or perhaps you are having difficulty breathing; either way, rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, may be an option for you.Rhinoplasty can change many things about your nose, including your nose size (in relation to your face), nose width at the bridge, the size and position of the nostrils, and nose profile (by downsizing visible humps, bumps or depressions on the bridge). Some plastic surgeons specialize in ethnic rhinoplasty, a great option for people of different ethnicities and backgrounds who are looking for a subtle change to their nose.

Rhinoplasty can also reshape the nasal tip, improve the appearance of large, wide or upturned nostrils and correct nasal asymmetry. From a functional standpoint, rhinoplasty can correct certain breathing difficulties such as those due to a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty is also an option for certain birth defects and for noses that have been injured in car or sports accidents.Here’s what you need to know now about rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Defined

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose. Sometimes referred to as a “nose job”, it can be performed to correct a structural deformity (such as a bump or hook), to improve your appearance by making subtle changes to nose size and shape, or to correct a functional problem (such as difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum).

The septum is the wall between the two nostrils. Composed of cartilage and bone, it divides the nasal cavity into halves. The ideal nasal septum is straight, separating the left and right sides of the nose into passageways of equal size. In contrast, a deviated septum occurs when the septum is shifted away from the midline. In severe cases, a deviated septum may cause difficulty breathing through the nose.

Are You a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Nose surgery is one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States,Europe. If you’re self-conscious about your nose, you may be a good candidate. Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for aesthetic and corrective purposes. Whether the issue is birth defect, injury, or age-related changes, rhinoplasty can help provide balance and proportion to your nose and face.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty

Your surgeon will likely give you a list of instructions before you undergo rhinoplasty. In general, there is no eating or drinking after midnight on the evening before.

If you smoke, you should quit in advance of your nose surgery. Your surgeon may be able to provide tools to help you quit. In addition to all the other negative health effects associated with smoking, it severely compromises blood flow to the skin. This means there is less oxygen to aid in wound-healing, and necrosis (death) of skin can occur. Drinking alcohol during the week before rhinoplasty is also discouraged, as alcohol can also impair the healing process.

Your surgeon may also discuss discontinuing certain medications in the days or weeks leading up to your rhinoplasty. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding. While considered natural, certain vitamins and herbal preparations such as Vitamin E, gingko biloba, omega-3 fatty acids and green tea can also increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your surgeon about everything that you are taking. Never stop taking any medications without first discussing it with your doctor.

Some surgeons may prescribe homeopathic therapies before your rhinoplasty, such as arnica (an herb that can minimize bruising). Some surgeons also prescribe steroids before rhinoplasty to decrease the initial swelling.

Rhinoplasty Risks

It is important to understand the possible rhinoplasty risks associated with this procedure. Be sure to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing rhinoplasty to help achieve the best possible results.

Risks of rhinoplasty include:

Infection
Bleeding
Breathing issues (nasal obstruction)
Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results
Additional touch-up surgeries

Rhinoplasty is one of the top five cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed each year.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a nose-reshaping plastic surgery. There are several types of rhinoplasty, including two types of primary rhinoplasty (“open” and “closed”), secondary rhinoplasty and filler rhinoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty. For major nose reshaping, the incisions are made in the vertical strip of skin separating the nostrils. This is called the columella. The skin and soft tissue are then elevated off the underlying structures of the nose so the surgeon can see the nasal anatomy.

Closed Rhinoplasty. For minor reshaping, many surgeons make incisions within the nose. The skin of the nose is then separated from the bone and cartilage, which form its supporting framework. Once exposed, bone and cartilage can be removed, reshaped, augmented or rearranged to achieve the desired new shape.

Secondary Rhinoplasty. Also called revision rhinoplasty, this is performed to correct problems that persist or develop after a previous rhinoplasty. Although the problems may be minor and easily corrected, often the problems are major, which makes the secondary rhinoplasty more difficult. Revision rhinoplasty can be done as an open or closed procedure.

Filler Rhinoplasty. This involves the use of injectable fillers to fill depressions, smooth out sharp angles or change the angle of the tip of the nose, restoring symmetry and making your nose appear smaller and more attractive. Instead of removing a bump, a surgeon would use an injectable filler to even it out. The results are not permanent. Some plastic surgeons may use injectable soft tissue fillers such Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse, to smooth out post-nose job irregularities.