Rhinoplasty Overview – Nose Surgery

Popularity of facial plastic surgery procedures has ballooned in recent years due to the desire of the baby boomer population to have a rejuvenated appearance and the dramatic advances in surgical techniques and technology. The recovery times and aesthetic results from surgery have improved due to these changes. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures in the US and around the globe. Other popular procedures include breast augmentation surgery, breast lift and breast reduction. Improvements in the design and composition of breast implants have also created a greater demand for surgery. Post weight loss surgery cosmetic procedures are common as well.

Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty, otherwise referred to as nose reshaping surgery or a nose job, is a common type of cosmetic plastic surgery procedure used to modify the size, shape or width of the bridge or tip of the nose. Although nose surgeries are often performed for cosmetic purposes, they can also serve as a surgical means to correct breathing irregularities associated with airway constriction or a misshapen nose caused by injury or birth defect. Rhinoplasty surgeons are able to correct such issues in addition to providing subtle cosmetic changes that can significantly alter the appearance of the face.

The nose is the most prominent feature of the face, making it such that it can significantly affect a person's overall appearance. Many people feel self-conscious about the shape or size of their nose and believe that the slightest of changes would significantly impact their appearance.

Rhinoplasty is a relatively minor type of plastic surgery when considering the invasiveness of some of the other common surgeries (tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift, etc.) As such, nose surgery can be performed under local or general anesthetic, dependent on patient preference and surgeon's suggestion. Recovery from rhinoplasty can take several weeks as the swelling and bruising subside. The recovery time depends on the extent of change to the nose shape.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

As with all types of plastic surgery, the best candidates for rhinoplasty are those who are simply looking to enhance their appearance as opposed to drastically changing it. Prospective rhinoplasty patients should not expect perfection, nor should they expect the surgery to transform them into a different person. Rhinoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgery procedures that is desired by younger women, oftentimes prior to completion of the growth period that takes place between their 14th and 15th years.

Nose surgeries are often performed in conjunction with additional plastic surgery procedures in order to elicit a sense of balance. Chin augmentation is commonly performed concurrently with a rhinoplasty procedure.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

Rhinoplasty is a commonly performed type of plastic surgery. Some of the other common types of plastic surgery procedures include: liposuction (suction lipectomy), facelift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast augmentation. To get information about these common procedures and more, consult an informational guide like the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

This webpage describes the plastic surgery procedure called rhinoplasty, who are the best candidates and how to find a nose surgeon.