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Are There Any Serious Risks Related to Having Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery, or a “nose job,” is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Apostolakis. Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as to change the shape of the nose, or for functional reasons, such as to improve breathing. This complex and delicate surgery has become increasingly common over the years; however, like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries both potential benefits and risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of rhinoplasty before deciding on nose surgery. 

Bleeding and Infection 

Bleeding and infection is a common concern among rhinoplasty patients. While infection and severe bleeding are rare, it is not unheard of for plastic surgery patients to experience them. Being aware of this complication, Dr. Apostolakis knows the steps to take to minimize these risks and ensure your safety. For instance, before your rhinoplasty operation, Dr. Apostolakis will ask you to cease using medications, anti-inflammatories, and some supplements. Discontinuing the use of these will decrease your risk of bleeding after surgery. To prevent infection, you may take an antibiotic before surgery. Antibiotics will also be offered after surgery for you to continue as your rhinoplasty heals

Breathing Complications 

Functional rhinoplasty is a common surgery to help patients breathe better. Cosmetic rhinoplasties usually are used to make the nose smaller, which may come at the expense of nose function. Surgery may weaken the nasal septum and result in poor breathing, snoring, and sleeping issues. As a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as a fellow of The American College of Surgeons, Dr. Apostolakis is trusted to improve the appearance of your nose without sacrificing your nose function. Not only will your breathing be unchanged after rhinoplasty, but in many cases, your breathing may be enhanced after surgery. 

Rhinoplasty scars

Some individuals voice fears of slow or poor wound healing after a rhinoplasty, which can result in noticeable scars or delayed recovery. These fears are valid. Poor scarring can lead to complications and aesthetic dislikes. Aggressive scar tissue inside the nose can look bulky, which can result in an irregular nasal contour. Visible and unsightly scars outside of the nose detract from your overall appearance and make it clear that you had a nose job performed. Knowing the concern about rhinoplasty scarring, Dr. Apostolakis’ attention to detail makes sure cuts and incisions are properly healing on time to give you the results you want. 

Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo

Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off. 
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!

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Rhinoplasty Is Not Appropriate for Everyone, But It May Work for You

One of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries is rhinoplasty. Also known as a nose job, rhinoplasty procedures remove or alter the bones and cartilage in your nose to make your nasal structure more appealing to you. 

A nose job is an ideal solution in many cases, but there are certain times it is not the best course of action. If you are considering rhinoplasty, learning which situations it may or may not work for is essential.

When Is Rhinoplasty Not Recommended?

While most people who want to enhance their nose make great candidates for rhinoplasty, there are some instances in which the procedure is not appropriate. In these cases, a rhinoplasty may even do more harm than good.

Patients Under 18

One instance is in patients who are too young. Even though teenagers may be unhappy with the way their nose looks, rhinoplasty should not be performed on anyone under the age of 18. 

This is because the bones and cartilage are still growing and shifting, meaning the nasal structure is not in its final placement. Having a rhinoplasty before the nose is finished growing will only hinder the results of the surgery and can even lead to an unfavorable outcome as time goes on.

Certain Medical Conditions

Another time when rhinoplasty may not be recommended is when patients have certain underlying medical concerns. If you have nasal polyps or cancer within the nasal structure, you should not have rhinoplasty performed until you are fully recovered. 

Other issues that are unrelated to the nose can also prevent you from having a rhinoplasty. Chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, may prevent you from going under anesthesia to have any facial plastic surgery.

Incorrect Expectations

Additionally, a rhinoplasty will not be recommended if you have unrealistic expectations. During your nose job consultation, your surgeon will ask what your desired outcome is. If you simply hope to decrease your nasal bridge or resolve any asymmetry of the nose, rhinoplasty is likely a good option. 

If you want a complete and total transformation of your nasal structure, however, this may not be possible. The goal of rhinoplasty is to alter the nose in a way that still looks natural and flatters the rest of your face. If your surgeon does not feel this can be achieved to your liking, they may not recommend a rhinoplasty for you.

Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a beneficial procedure that can amend the appearance of the nose and create a more flattering look. Some rhinoplasty procedures can even improve your breathing by correcting a deviated septum. Many people make great candidates for rhinoplasty, including those who have:

  • Nasal asymmetry

  • An enlarged bridge hump

  • A wide bridge

  • An elongated or downturned nasal tip

  • Wide nostrils

  • A deviated septum

To qualify for a nose job, you must be at least 18 years of age and in general good health. Since rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, you will need to receive complete medical clearance from a general physician before you can have your surgery.

Should You Have Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Are you wondering if rhinoplasty is right for you? The only way to find out is through a facial plastic surgery consultation. A plastic surgeon can accurately assess your nasal structure and discuss your desired outcome to determine whether you’d make a good candidate for a nose job.

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A Rhinoplasty Consultation Can Change Your Life for the Better

Have you ever thought that facial plastic surgery could have a positive impact on your life? Procedures like rhinoplasty are a great way to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. Find out how a simple rhinoplasty consultation can change your life for the better.

What Happens During a Rhinoplasty Consultation?

Rhinoplasty procedures are among the most popular plastic surgical treatments because they can significantly improve the quality of life for many people. Your consultation is the first step in a journey toward better breathing, an enhanced appearance, and increased self-esteem. 

When you come in for a facial plastic surgery consultation, several things will happen. First, you will discuss your aesthetic desires and any issues you have with your nasal structure. Then, your surgeon will review your medical history and any other relevant information you have provided to determine whether you are a candidate for rhinoplasty.

Your surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your nasal structure, both internally and externally. This helps them gather information about your unique nasal anatomy that will dictate what your treatment plan looks like. From there, you will have a straightforward conversation about what rhinoplasty entails and the types of results it can achieve. 

The Benefits of Rhinoplasty

People choose to have rhinoplasty when the appearance or structure of their nose has negatively impacted their life. When you get a nose job, you can experience all of the following benefits and more:

Improved Appearance

The main purpose of rhinoplasty is to amend the appearance of your nose and create a shape that suits your face. Many people struggle with natural imperfections in their nasal structure, including any of the following issues:

  • Asymmetry

  • Enlarged nostrils

  • Prominent bridge hump

  • Downturned nasal tip

When you get rhinoplasty, these abnormalities or imperfections can be corrected to create a nose that flatters your overall appearance.

Increased Confidence

Another benefit of rhinoplasty that can change your life for the better is the boost in confidence it provides. Once your nasal imperfections are amended, you should feel like an enhanced version of yourself. Many people find that they are more eager to have their photo taken, visit with friends, and even go on vacations now that their self-esteem is higher.

Better Breathing

If you suffer from sleep-disordered breathing or snoring, you may have a deviated septum. Your septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates your nasal passage into two open nostrils. When the septum deviates to one side more than the other, it can reduce airflow and lead to problems breathing while you sleep.

A rhinoplasty procedure can correct your deviated septum and lead to better breathing overall, most notably during sleep. This eliminates snoring and sleep apnea caused by septum deviation.

Experiencing Your Own Rhinoplasty Transformation

If you want to change your life for the better by enhancing your appearance, facial plastic surgery could be for you. Facial procedures like rhinoplasty help people feel increased self-esteem and a major boost in confidence. Rhinoplasty can even improve your breathing and lead to better-quality sleep at night. 

To begin your rhinoplasty journey, you can schedule a consultation appointment with an expert facial plastic surgeon in your area.

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What Is Rhinoplasty, and Who Can Benefit from the Process?

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about how your nose looks, you may have considered rhinoplasty surgery.

More commonly referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is the only way to permanently alter the appearance of your nose and resolve issues like asymmetry or a downturned nasal tip. Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct a deviated septum and resolve disordered breathing during sleep.

A nose job can offer many benefits, from improved aesthetics to better breathing. If you’re curious whether it’s the right option for you, it will be helpful to learn what factors make someone a good candidate.

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the nose or resolve certain breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasties are performed by removing or repositioning the cartilage, bones, and other tissues within the nose to alter both the internal and external structure.

A rhinoplasty can be either “closed” or “open” in nature. Closed rhinoplasties are performed entirely within the nasal passages and show no external evidence of the procedure. By contrast, open rhinoplasties are performed on the outside of the nose and involve small incisions in discreet areas around the nasal structure.

Factors that Make an Ideal Candidate for Rhinoplasty

Would you benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure? If you have any of the following imperfections or abnormalities, a rhinoplasty could help you enhance your appearance and experience better breathing.

Downturned Nasal Tip

A downturned nasal tip leads many people to seek rhinoplasty procedures. As part of the procedure, a surgeon can shave down the cartilage within your nasal tip to make it smaller. They can then manipulate the remaining tissue into more of an upwards position to create an attractive, slightly elevated nasal tip.

Large Nasal Hump

A large hump on the nasal bridge is one of the most common reasons people get rhinoplasties. This elevation is usually due to excess bone in the area. With a rhinoplasty, this bone can be shaved down to make the bridge more straight or sloped, depending on your desired outcome.

Asymmetry

Almost everyone has some level of asymmetry to their nasal structure — it’s just a matter of how pronounced it is. If you have a very noticeable asymmetry, you may benefit from a nose job. A rhinoplasty can manipulate the bones and cartilage to give your nose a more even look.

Deviated Septum

Another way to benefit from rhinoplasty is by having a deviated septum corrected. People with deviated septums often struggle with labored breathing or sleep disorders because their septum strays off to one side. Rhinoplasty procedures can correct this and improve respiration both while awake and asleep.

Should You Get a Rhinoplasty?

You may benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure if you have a deviated septum, large nasal hump, or downturned tip. However, the only way to find out whether such a procedure is right for you is by consulting with a plastic surgeon, who can assess your nasal structure and develop a unique treatment plan that addresses any imperfections.

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Is Rhinoplasty Permanent or Do I Have to Repeat the Process Annually?

Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that changes the shape and structure of your nose. If you dislike the appearance of your nose or you have medical problems with your natural anatomy, rhinoplasty could be a solution. 

Many rhinoplasty candidates wonder whether their results will be permanent. Here’s what you should know about getting a nose job. 

How Rhinoplasty Works

During rhinoplasty surgery, your surgeon alters the position, size, and shape of various pieces of tissue and cartilage in your nose. There are also different types of rhinoplasty

For instance, open rhinoplasty involves opening up your nose from the outside to reposition internal structures. Closed rhinoplasty, by contrast, is nearly invisible after surgery; the surgeons operate internally without opening up the outside of your nose. 

The type and method of your procedure will depend on your desired aesthetic, current nose structure, and breathing problems. Your surgeon will determine the best approach for you with these factors in mind. 

Why Patients Get Rhinoplasty

There are numerous reasons patients may decide to get nose jobs. Some reasons are personal and cosmetic, while others are related to breathing and the function of the nose. 

Patients with very large, bulbous, or bumpy noses may not like the way their noses affect the appearance of their faces. The current beauty standard involves slender, even, and proportionally small noses. 

Other patients may have deviated septums, which cause trouble breathing. In these cases, the center cartilage in their noses may be off-center and interfere with airflow. Breathing problems can be frustrating and, in some instances, unhealthy over long periods of time. 

Are Results Permanent?

No matter what your reasons for getting rhinoplasty are, you probably want to know: are results long-lasting? The short answer is yes. Unless you are unhappy with your rhinoplasty results after your nose fully heals, your results will be permanent. Repeat surgeries are not required to maintain your new nose. 

Some patients choose to undergo rhinoplasty revision, where a new surgeon will correct the work of a previous surgeon. This is only done in extreme cases, though, including trauma to the nose. 

The recovery process does require the use of stents and other fixtures, but these are temporary. Once your nose has healed, your results are there to stay.

Will I Like My Results?

According to research, chances are that you will indeed like your results. Between 80 and 90 percent of rhinoplasty patients are satisfied with the appearance of their noses after surgery. 

Cosmetic surgeons undergo a lot of training to practice their craft. When you go in for nose surgery, you can trust that your surgeon knows what they are doing. They have likely delivered satisfactory results to hundreds, if not thousands, of patients before you. 

Prepare for Rhinoplasty: Realistic Expectations

Remember that nose jobs can be great confidence boosters, and they look different on everyone. So make sure to come in with realistic expectations to ensure the best experience. If you’re looking to change the appearance or function of your nose, rhinoplasty could be an option for you. 

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5 Examples of the Positive Effects of Rhinoplasty

One of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures is rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty surgery aims to improve the appearance of the nose by removing or repositioning the bones and cartilage. 

While many people look at rhinoplasty as a strictly aesthetic procedure, it can actually offer a wide variety of benefits. The following are just five examples of the positive effects you can experience after rhinoplasty surgery:

1. Enhanced Appearance

The most common reason that people seek rhinoplasty is to enhance their appearance. Many people are unhappy with the way that their nose looks due to any of the following factors:

  • Asymmetry

  • Prominent nasal bump

  • Abnormal nostril size

  • Crooked nasal bridge

  • Unbalanced nasal width

The biggest benefit of rhinoplasty is that it can resolve these concerns and more. During your rhinoplasty, the cartilage and bones within your nose will be altered to enhance the nasal structure. This creates a more appealing nose shape that flatters your overall facial structure.

2. Easier Breathing

Rhinoplasty is generally thought of as a cosmetic procedure, but for some patients, it can provide health benefits like better breathing. This is often the case for people who have a deviated septum. 

A deviated septum is a common malformation of the nasal structure that causes the thin wall between your nostrils to deviate to one side or the other. This can impact your breathing and cause chronic congestion. Rhinoplasty surgery can straighten the septum and help you breathe easier.

3. Better Sleep

Another positive effect of rhinoplasty is improved sleep. This is especially true for people who have a deviated septum or small nostrils. A rhinoplasty can straighten your septum or enlarge the opening of your nostrils to allow for easier breathing when you sleep. This could resolve certain cases of sleep apnea or disordered sleep breathing.

4. More Confidence

A major positive outcome of rhinoplasty is the boost in confidence that patients feel afterward. When you have aesthetic concerns like asymmetry, enlarged nostrils, or a pronounced nasal bump, you may suffer from low self-esteem or feel self-conscious. 

Rhinoplasty can successfully correct these issues and provide a boost in self-esteem and give you more confidence in your appearance. In fact, many people report that they feel more comfortable having their photograph taken after their rhinoplasty procedure because they are proud of how good they look.

5. A Younger Look

One of the more overlooked benefits of rhinoplasty is that it can produce a more youthful appearance. Some nasal concerns or abnormalities can give your face an aged appearance. These include a large nasal hump on the bridge or an elongated nasal tip. 

Rhinoplasty can address these issues and create a younger-looking nasal structure that enhances your overall appearance. Elevating the nasal tip and reducing the bridge may be necessary to achieve this goal.

Experience Rhinoplasty for Yourself

When you struggle with common concerns like an enlarged bridge or pronounced bump, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure. From increased confidence to smoother breathing, rhinoplasty can provide a wide array of positive effects that improve your quality of life.

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How Will Rhinoplasty Help Me Be Less Self-Conscious?

Feeling self-conscious about the size or shape of your nose can inhibit you from enjoying life to the fullest. A rhinoplasty, also called a “nose job,” can help restore your confidence. The surgery may not make all of your self-doubts disappear, but it is a highly effective procedure that can help you meet your aesthetic goals.

What Can Rhinoplasty Do?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Some people get rhinoplasty to correct breathing issues, and others opt to have surgery to change their looks. 

There are limits to how much rhinoplasty can change your nose, and a skilled surgeon understands those limits. The final result of rhinoplasty surgery depends on several factors, including the condition of your skin, the size of your nose, and your age.

In many cases, rhinoplasty can:

  • Straighten the septum (the interior part of the nose that separates the nostrils)

  • Alter the shape of the tip of the nose

  • Alter the shape of the nostrils

  • Increase or reduce overall nose size

  • Change the bridge of the nose


Whether you are unhappy with the look of your nose because of an injury or because you find its natural appearance unappealing in some way, rhinoplasty may offer the solutions you are looking for.

Can Rhinoplasty Improve Confidence?

Unfortunately, the pressure to look a certain way has never been more intense. Learning that self-confidence is not based on physical looks is an important lesson everyone could benefit from. However, it is completely possible to feel confident on the inside and still be unhappy with the way your nose looks. 

If a person is aware of the limits of rhinoplasty and is realistic about possible changes, rhinoplasty can help them feel less self-conscious. A study by the American Psychological Association found that cosmetic surgery patients with reasonable expectations for their rhinoplasties felt less anxious, were healthier, and had more self-esteem post-surgery.

Getting elective cosmetic surgery of any kind is a personal decision. Some patients have a history of being bullied for their looks, while others simply don’t feel the size or shape of their nose fits their face well. 

A positive outcome begins with an in-depth consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Any surgeon who promises miracles, drastic changes, or “bargain” surgeries should probably be avoided.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?

Rhinoplasty can level the playing field for some people, especially those on career paths where “good looks” are considered to be a priority. The surgery won’t address underlying emotional difficulties, but if your self-consciousness stems from your nose’s appearance alone, a rhinoplasty could help you feel more confident.

The best rhinoplasty results are those that look natural and barely noticeable. You will notice that the unwanted hump on your nose is smaller or a long nose tip is now shorter, but most people will only notice that your nose looks natural and in proportion to your face. Not being noticed for your nose may be the biggest confidence booster of all. 

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Top 5 Milestones of Healing that Typically Occur After Rhinoplasty

If you have ever wanted to change the way your nose looks, you’re not alone. Many people want to alter the shape, size, or structure of their nose to enhance their appearance. The nose tends to be the focal point of the face, and if there are certain imperfections in the nasal structure, they can distract from your other facial features.

While contouring with cosmetics can give the illusion of a different nose shape, rhinoplasty is the only way to change the way your nose looks permanently. For this reason, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures in the world. 

The procedure works by removing or repositioning the bones and cartilage in your nose to change the way it looks. 

When seeking a rhinoplasty procedure, most patients are concerned about the recovery process. Find out what it’s like to heal from rhinoplasty by reading about the 5 milestones that occur during the recovery process.

1. Returning Home After Surgery

The first milestone in your rhinoplasty aftercare journey is returning home after surgery. Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can return home the same day as your procedure. 

You will be monitored for several hours in an aftercare area before being discharged to return home. This is to ensure that you wake up fully from anesthesia and feel well after surgery.
In some cases, you may need to stay overnight for monitoring after your rhinoplasty. This is rare and typically applies to patients who are getting extensive procedures or have extenuating circumstances.

2. Removal of Sutures and Dressing

Once you’ve returned home after your rhinoplasty, the next milestone in your recovery will be having your dressings removed. 

You will have sutures, bandaging, and potentially a small splint in place when you go home from your surgery. These provide added support to the vulnerable skin, cartilage, and bones of your nose during the first few days of recovery. 

About one week after your treatment, your sutures and bandaging can come off. If you have a splint in place, it may need to remain for another week for additional support.

3. Reduced Swelling and Bruising

After a rhinoplasty procedure, it is normal to have some swelling and bruising around your nose. The swelling and bruising are due to the manipulation of your nasal tissues during the surgical process. 

These typically last for one to two weeks after your procedure. When the swelling and bruising begin to subside, you will know that you’re reaching the next milestone in your healing process.

4. Returning to Exercise and Other Activities

The cartilage, bones, and other tissues in your nose are delicate. When your rhinoplasty is complete, these tissues will be especially vulnerable for several weeks. For about four to six weeks after your rhinoplasty, you will need to avoid strenuous activities that could cause stress or trauma to the nasal tissues. 

Strenuous activities include exercise, contact sports, heavy lifting, and other similar tasks. About one month after your procedure, your surgeon will evaluate your healing process to determine whether you can resume your normal activities again. If you are cleared for exercise, you have reached another milestone in your healing journey.

5. Seeing Your Final Results

The last milestone of your rhinoplasty journey will be seeing your final results. It takes several weeks for swelling and bruising to completely subside and for your nasal tissues to settle into their new placement.

For most patients, final results are visible in six to eight weeks. Once you have reached this point, you have completed all of the milestones in your rhinoplasty recovery.

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Will Rhinoplasty Help Me Get More Rest at Night?

Struggles with nasal breathing are a clear contributor to insomnia and sleep disturbances. Those with a deviated septum, nasal obstruction, or other structural abnormalities in the nose may not be able to breathe easily, which could affect their ability to eat, sleep, and exercise normally. 

Rhinoplasty offers the opportunity to resolve nasal obstructions and other concerns that may affect your quality of life. 

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Often referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty changes the shape and structure of the patient’s nose. 

While cosmetic rhinoplasty is an aesthetic operation that aims to restore balance to the face and improve the overall shape of the nose, functional rhinoplasty focuses on shaping the interior nasal passages and improving breathing.

What Medical Concerns Does Functional Rhinoplasty Fix?

Those seeking functional rhinoplasty often have nasal passages that may be too narrow, crooked, or misaligned. While some patients suffer from these concerns from birth onward, others develop misalignment or narrowing of their septum due to trauma. 

When patients undergo a functional rhinoplasty solely to straighten the septum, the procedure is also called septoplasty. 

Another form of functional rhinoplasty is a turbinate reduction. Those with chronic allergies and sinus infections may experience swelling and enlargement of their turbinates. Enlarged turbinates can restrict airflow in the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. 

Functional Rhinoplasty and Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs as a result of restricted airways during sleep and causes snoring, fatigue, and breathing pauses. Those with chronic nasal congestion are much more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea due to narrow nasal passages. 

While the most common treatment for sleep apnea is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping, sleep apnea rhinoplasty is an effective solution for patients with nasal structural abnormalities. For the right candidate, sleep apnea rhinoplasty is more effective than a CPAP for reducing sleep apnea.

Can Rhinoplasty Improve My Sleep if I Don’t Have Sleep Apnea?

If you commonly experience nighttime nasal congestion, sinus infections, sinus pressure headaches, and snoring, clearing your nasal passages through rhinoplasty can alleviate your symptoms and prevent them from progressing into sleep apnea.

Snoring is a common symptom of poor breathing while you sleep, so those who snore regularly and loudly should seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine whether they have a nasal obstruction. 

While there are numerous causes of nighttime breathing issues, a functional rhinoplasty offers an effective solution for people who experience poor sleep because of nasal obstruction. 

Can Functional Rhinoplasty Change the Shape of My Nose?

Every rhinoplasty is customized to the individual needs of the patient. A surgeon can tailor functional rhinoplasty to address your specific obstruction type and ultimate aesthetic goals. 

Many patients choose to enhance their nose’s function and form in one procedure. A qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon can improve your facial balance and enhance your appearance by combining cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty into one surgery. 

The benefits of rhinoplasty extend beyond aesthetics. For those suffering from decreased nasal airflow, functional rhinoplasty can improve their quality of life.

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How Can I Decide Whether Rhinoplasty Is the Right Choice for Me?

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, is among the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Patients undergo rhinoplasty for reasons that range from difficulty breathing to purely aesthetic reshaping. 

While it’s not uncommon to find fault in the function or appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty isn’t for everyone. Choosing to undergo any surgery is a personal decision, and understanding the procedure can help you decide whether rhinoplasty is right for you.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose surgically by altering its cartilage and bones. The surgery can offer the following benefits:

  • Adjust nose size to restore facial balance

  • Reshape nose profile to eliminate visible humps or depressions

  • Narrow nose width

  • Reshape and reposition nostrils

  • Correct nasal asymmetry

  • Reshape a nasal tip that’s overly bulbous, large, drooping, or hooked

In addition, patients with difficulty breathing through their noses may undergo rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum or other structural defects.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Qualities of a good candidate for a nose job include patients:

  • Whose facial growth is complete

  • Who are in good physical health

  • Who are in good mental health

  • Who do not smoke

Additionally, patients need to understand the rhinoplasty procedure, be prepared for the recovery process, and have realistic expectations for their outcome. 

Why Rhinoplasty?

The first step in determining whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for your needs is clearly understanding what you want to change about your nose. Nose shapes vary widely, and choosing a shape and size that will best suit your other facial features is a complex process. 

There are four different areas of the nose to evaluate when choosing rhinoplasty. 

The Upper Nose

The bony area close to the eyes is often reshaped to remove a bump or narrow a broad nasal bridge. In addition, many patients undergo rhinoplasty to create symmetry between the height of the nasal bones and the angle between the forehead and the top of the nose, making a straight nose.

The Middle Nose

The middle part of the nose is where patients with a deviated septum will need reshaping. Many patients want the central nose to appear straight and even from the front and equal to the nasal bones in height from the side. 

The Tip of the Nose

Of the four areas of the nose, the tip receives the most reshaping in a rhinoplasty. 

Ideally, the tip of the nose creates an aesthetically pleasing line when viewed in profile. In some cases, it can project slightly beyond that line. For example, when the nose tip droops, it can appear curved or hooked. Similarly, the tip can point too far upward if it lacks cartilage.

The Nasal Airway

The nasal airway is the most critical element of a rhinoplasty, though it has little effect on the nose’s appearance. Often patients can have their nose’s aesthetics altered while treating nasal blockages due to structural defects in the airway. 

Therefore, it’s essential to choose a surgeon skilled in maintaining the integrity of your airway while aesthetically reshaping your nose. 

The best way to decide whether rhinoplasty is right for you is by working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will accurately assess your goals and explain what to expect after a rhinoplasty.

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