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.