Rhinoplasty is a surgical operation that alters the appearance and structure of the nose. Some people undergo this cosmetic surgery to improve facial harmony and achieve a more balanced side profile. Others may do it for medical reasons, such as to fix breathing problems. Here are eight conditions a plastic surgeon can address with a rhinoplasty:
1. Nasal Asymmetry
Nasal asymmetry refers to when one part of the nose looks different from the other. This can be due to genetics, injury, or trauma. Nasal asymmetry is fixed by rearranging the cartilage and bone of the nose during a rhinoplasty procedure. A surgeon may remove or add tissue, straighten the nasal septum, or refine specific areas to improve aesthetics and function. This cosmetic surgery aims to achieve a natural-looking outcome that aligns with the patient’s facial features.
2. Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum, the cartilage that divides the two nostrils, shifts. If severe, this condition causes breathing problems, snoring, and other sleep disorders. A septorhinoplasty is a procedure that improves the function and appearance of the nose. This surgery involves adjusting the cartilage to straighten the nasal septum and open the nasal passages.
3. Nasal Hump
Nasal humps may be present at birth or develop due to an injury or severe trauma. Rhinoplasty can help remove a nasal hump or reduce its size. During the procedure, a surgeon will remove or reshape the bone and cartilage that contribute to the hump, smoothing the nasal profile.
4. Wide or Flared Nostrils
Large or wide-set nostrils can present an aesthetic concern, as they may make the nose appear larger or out of proportion with the rest of the face. This issue can be congenital, caused by trauma, or result from previous nasal surgeries. Rhinoplasty reduces the size and reshapes the nostrils, restoring balance to the facial features. Alar base reduction is one of the procedures that surgeons employ to correct the size of the nostrils in relation to the entire face.
5. Bulbous or Drooping Nasal Tip
A bulbous or drooping nasal tip may give the impression of a larger and less natural nose. A bulbous tip is characterized by its round and wide shape, while a drooping tip slopes downward. Both conditions can disrupt facial harmony and affect the overall appearance of the face. Rhinoplasty helps change the shape of the nasal tip, making it more defined or uplifted for an aesthetically pleasing profile.
6. Injury-related Nasal Deformities
Nasal deformities caused by car accidents, sports injuries, or other forms of trauma can affect the shape of the nose and its function. These deformities may include fractures, injuries to the cartilage, or alterations in the nasal septum. Rhinoplasty helps restore the nose’s shape after an accident while making sure the patient is able to breathe comfortably. During the procedure, a surgeon can repair damaged cartilage and even remake passageways in the nose.
7. Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are small, bony structures located inside the nasal passages. Enlarged turbinates can reduce airflow, leading to chronic nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. Incorporating turbinate reduction into a rhinoplasty procedure lets surgeons improve nasal function and alleviate these symptoms.
8. Saddle Nose Deformity
A saddle nose deformity refers to when the nasal bridge has collapsed, creating a depressed or flattened portion of the nose. The degree of depression varies from minimal to major, depending on the amount of support provided by the nasal bridge. This condition can be caused by an injury, operation, infection, or autoimmune disorder. Plastic surgeons use rhinoplasty to treat a saddle nose deformity by placing cartilage or bone grafts in the collapsed area. The procedure allows them to rebuild the nasal bridge and provide adequate structural support to the nose.
Alter Your Appearance With Cosmetic Surgery
Rhinoplasty is a personalized cosmetic surgery that helps correct various cosmetic and functional issues related to the nose. Plastic surgeons use this procedure to enhance the nose’s shape, size, and overall appearance. They also conduct the surgery to address breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities. Plastic surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and develop a surgical plan that aligns with their unique facial features and proportions. If you are thinking about rhinoplasty, contact a reputable plastic surgeon to review their recommendations.
