Introduction to Rhinoplasty

The facial area is the most prominent and recognizable feature of a person's body. The shape of the face is defined by the profile of the nose and the symmetry between the nose and the rest of the facial areas. Plastic surgery to correct the shape of the nose, called rhinoplasty, can dramatically improve the appearance and can boost self-confidence.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Through this surgical procedure, the shape of the bridge or of the nose tip can be modified or the nose can be made larger or smaller. The development of rhinoplasty occurred primarily as a technique to correct for breathing problems associated with airway constriction or to restore the nose shape after injury or due to a birth defect. Advancements in surgery technology allow skilled nose surgeons to correct these issues and to provide very subtle cosmetic changes to nose size and shape.

For many patients who are considering rhinoplasty, the nose of their birth makes them self conscious and unhappy. For others, they are unhappy with how the nose has aged. In some cases, patients have suffered injuries to the nose and the surgery is used to restore or enhance the previous nose shape. Even slight changes to the shape of the nose can have a dramatic effect on a person's appearance and can change others' perceptions.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

The best candidates for nose reshaping surgery are those looking to improve the nose appearance, not those who seek perfection. The ideal candidate should be otherwise happy with their lives and should not expect cosmetic plastic surgery to transform them into someone else. If the surgical candidate would like the new nose size and shape to fully integrate with the contour of the face, then other facial procedures may be considered at the same time. Chin augmentation is a procedure often performed concurrently with rhinoplasty.

For those younger persons considering rhinoplasty, it is important that the procedure be performed after the growth period occurring in the mid teens. This growth period occurs typically in the 14 to 15 age range for girls and somewhat later for boys.

Discuss Surgery with a Qualified Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Before deciding on rhinoplasty, it is best to fully discuss the options with a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon. A full discussion can provide answers to your questions and help make the proper decision for surgery. During your discussions with the surgeon, he or she should provide information on the type of anesthesia to be used, where surgery will take place and the extent of the nose reshaping during surgery. Also, based on the shape of your face and nose, provide an idea of the expected outcome. The recovery period and your activities after surgery should be described as well. The surgeon can also discuss the cost of rhinoplasty.

Many rhinoplasty surgeons also offer other types of plastic surgery. Breast reduction surgery is similar to rhinoplasty in that it can be performed for medical reasons or cosmetic reasons or both. Breast augmentation surgery, breast lift, tummy tuck and lipoplasty are procedures that are performed almost exclusively for cosmetic reasons. Breast augmentation is a procedure to place breast implants into or in front of the pectoral muscles, and is sometimes referred to as breast enlargement surgery.

More online details about Rhinoplasty Surgeons is available at the Rhinoplasty Surgeon Directory or the Rhinoplasty Tutorial.

The most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures are rhinoplasty (nose surgery), liposuction and breast augmentation. Other popular surgical procedures include tummy tuck and facelift. Learn more about face, breast, nose and tummy procedures from the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

This webpage discusses information about rhinoplasty, who are the best candidates and how to find a nose surgeon.

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