Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Also known as nasal surgery or a nose job, rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to correct or alter the size or shape of a nose. Facial surgery is becoming increasingly popular with many celebrities instigating the trend and desire for perfection.
Numerous surgeons now specialize in this field and further sub-specializations include operating on various ethnic groups including African American and Asian rhinoplasty. The cost of a nose job, as with any procedure, varies among surgeons and ranges between $3,000 to $10,000 depending on operational difficulty.
The possibilities
Potential changes can be customized to suit your unique structure and requirements. Whether you have deformities due to an accident, birth defect or genetics nose surgery can be performed to ease your breathing or just to boost your looks. However, plastic surgeons are not magicians; there are limits to reshaping a nose.
Possible modifications include:
- Narrowing wide nostrils, bridge and/or tip
- Enhancing and refining the tip
- Removing a nasal hump
- Shortening or reducing nose size
- Straightening nose or septum
Considering the options
Most of us will have some idea of our desired changes. Computer imaging technology has made it possible for plastic surgeons to show you realistic surgery outcomes.
Some limitations may arise depending on your physical characteristics such as the size and shape of your nasal bones, cartilage and skin thickness. Your surgeon should discuss this with you.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Like with any operation, risks do exist and potential complications can occur. Some of these include infection, scarring, bleeding, extreme swelling or bruising, persistent pain or encountering problems with anaesthetic. Most nasal surgeries require incisions inside the nose making scarring undetectable. Sometimes revision surgery is required to correct a problem or deformity caused as a result of the first procedure.
The most important decision making aspect is to choose a well known reliable plastic surgeon. Your specialist will take you through all the pre and post-operative instructions, physical limitations, anaesthetic options and risks.
