Cosmetic surgery to restructure your nose

Procedure Summary

Surgeons in Europe and America were experimenting with various cosmetic procedures towards the latter part of the 19th century to enhance the appearance and function of the nose. However, it was during World War 1 that pioneering reconstructive facial surgery led to a greater understanding of the field of plastic surgery. The skills developed then, along with the dramatic technological advances of the last century, have enabled plastic surgeons to routinely perform nose reshaping surgery, improving the physical appearance, as well as the self-confidence, of a great many patients.

What can a nose job do for you?

The shape and structure of your nose is fully developed by the age of sixteen. If genetics has dealt you a raw deal, and your nose is making you seriously unhappy, then talking to a rhinoplasty specialist will give you a good idea about what can and can’t be done to help you. Alternatively, your nose may be misshapen by an accident or injury. In which case it is a matter of rebuilding the nose to its former shape.

The cosmetic surgeon can only work with the existing bone and cartilage structure, so there are limits to the extent that the shape can be altered. Importantly, it is a fundamental concern that the surgery does not interfere with your breathing.

As one rhinoplasty patient commented, “I inherited a huge nose from one side of my family and a small face from the other – the result looked completely out of proportion! The plastic surgeon explained that he couldn’t just give me a small ‘button’ nose as this would restrict my nasal cavity. However, he could reduce it here and there to restore some balance to my face. The end result is great – a normal nose. Not too big and not too small!”

Undergoing a nose reshaping procedure

Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery incorporates a number of distinct procedures, each achieving a particular objective. So, the exact nature of the operation will depend on your desired result. The operation may take place under a general or local anaesthetic, depending on the amount of surgery involved, and will take around two hours. If you are having more than one procedure, you may be required to stay overnight.

There are two main techniques used in nose reshaping operations: open and closed. In a ‘closed’ procedure, the surgeon will cut the skin inside the rim of the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. However, where more complex surgery is required, an additional cut across the base of the nose between the nostrils may be necessary. This is an ‘open’ procedure, leaving some visible scarring on the underside of the nose.

During the operation, the soft tissue is detached from the bone and cartilage. The bone may then be broken and reset, and the cartilage resculpted to achieve the desired shape. The nostrils are then packed tightly with splints and medical gauze to assist healing.

The face is an extremely sensitive area to undergo invasive surgery and therefore, depending on the extent of the surgery, may require a number of weeks before swelling and bruising subsides. Bandages and dressings are required for the duration of this healing period. Not until a few months later will the nose will be fully healed and the results clearly visible.

“I must confess, “ said one patient after her nose job, “I felt miserable for about 2 weeks after my surgery. I couldn’t sleep because of the amount of packaging in and around my nose and I didn’t feel like showing myself in public. Now that I’ve got through it, however, I’m delighted I had the operation. My nose looks, and functions, better than ever.”

As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Who should carry out a rhinoplasty?

Only plastic surgeons that are suitably trained, qualified and registered with the Healthcare Commission (in the UK) should perform a rhinoplasty operation. As well as plastic or cosmetic surgeons, specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons also perform the procedure.

A rhinoplasty can cost in the region of £3,000. If this is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Related Rhinoplasty Information

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