An attractive face requires a balance of features, all centering around the nose. When the nose shape does not blend well with the other facial features, it can be distracting and result in the loss of harmony. Rhinoplasty has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for decades due to its ability to improve the balance and beauty of the face.
When completed with artistry and skill, rhinoplasty can create a new nose shape that enhances the other features of the face. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD, has spent many years helping his patients achieve the appearance they desire through cosmetic surgery and rhinoplasty. His expertise and talent can create a nose that perfectly matches the symmetry of the face, helping improve the self-confidence of his patients.
Common Nose Shape Problems
There is not one nose shape or size that is right for everyone. A nose should blend with other features of the face, including the cheekbones, eyes, mouth and chin. When the nose seems too large, flat or small, it draws attention away from the other features. An odd shape can also be distracting. Some of the common issues that patients want resolved when they are considering rhinoplasty include:
- A large hump or bump on the bridge
- Flared nostrils
- A lifted or projected tip
- A bulbous or round nose tip
- Flat or “Asian” nose
- A droopy nasal tip
- Narrow or pinched nostrils
- Crooked nose
Not only do these nose shapes impact the appearance of the face, but some can also impact the function of the nose. Some people with pinched or crooked noses may have nasal valve or septum disorders that impact breathing. Rhinoplasty can help improve the appearance. During surgery, functional issues can also be addressed to open airway passages for better breathing and health.
Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures
There are various options that are used to change the shape of the nose. Most rhinoplasties are performed as “closed” procedures, meaning the incision is made inside the nasal passage. This hides any scars and can be used on many alterations to the bridge and tip. A few types of nose jobs may require an “open” surgery, which is where the incision is made by the base of the nose. Even with an exterior incision, the scar is hidden and almost invisible once it is healed.
To change the shape of the nose, it is usually the cartilage that is reformed. Excess can be removed or shaped, or cartilage grafts can be used to add height or width. Stents, spreader grafts and other techniques can be used to alter the shape and size of the nose, as well as repair deformities that impact breathing. Due to the uniqueness of the nose, each surgery should be customized to the patient to create the best version to match their other facial features.
More Information About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty – Nose Job Surgery
Two Greek words, rhis (nose) and plassein (to shape), are the roots of the term “rhinoplasty.” Shaping the nose is what rhinoplasties, also known as nose jobs, are all about. These surgeries include procedures to not only make the shape of the nose more appealing, but they also include those that address medical concerns. Breathing trouble through the nose is often corrected with surgery. Rhinoplasty is also used to restore a natural look to the nose that has been damaged by trauma, an accident or cancer treatment.
Decades ago, cosmetic rhinoplasty focused on creating a smaller nose. This singular approach to the procedure proved problematic over time. Some individuals developed breathing problems, and the surgeries often left noses looking pinched or scooped after a while. Surgeons realized that a one-size-fits-all approach to rhinoplasty was not sufficient and, in some cases, could be detrimental. That realization forged the way for a more sophisticated approach.
Today, surgeons like Dr. Rosenberg not only balance the aesthetics of rhinoplasty, they also factor in the need to preserve or restore the functionality of the nose. Ethnic preferences are taken into consideration, as well. Today’s rhinoplasty is a more exacting discipline with better outcomes and more satisfied patients.
Are Rhinoplasty and Nose Job the Same Thing?
Rhinoplasty, in many respects, is the same thing as a nose job. They are both umbrella terms used for a variety of nasal surgeries addressing the appearance and function of the nose. The term nose job is usually indicative of the aesthetic realm of surgery. It can also include more common medical surgeries like the correction of a deviated septum; however, on average, when people speak of a nose job, they are talking about changing the appearance of the nose.
Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, includes both the aesthetic improvement of the nose shape and size as well as the broader aspects of medical surgeries. When skin cancer is removed from the nose, often, a rhinoplasty is performed to restore a natural look. A septoplasty (repair of the septum) can be performed as a single procedure without including other nasal structures in the surgery. Nasal structures involved in a rhinoplasty include the cartilage on the upper and lower part of the nose as well as the bone.
Reshaping and Restoring Function
Rhinoplasty includes various procedures to make alterations to the nose. These surgeries are often very complex, particularly when they involve both the aesthetics and function of the nose. Even when only cosmetic changes are involved, the surgeon must keep in mind the function. The surgery must be performed in such a way as not to impede breathing through the nose in any way.
The cartilage is usually the main part of the nose structure that is manipulated in rhinoplasty. Cartilage is limited in this area, and therefore, care must be taken to prevent complications or weakening of the nasal passages. Problems can develop when there is too much manipulation. For this reason, it is always best to combine procedures into one surgery when possible. A patient desiring a change in shape or size who also requires repair to the septum should have both procedures done in one surgery, if at all possible.
There are several types of rhinoplasty used to restore or improve the nasal function and to reshape the nose. Depending on the patient’s needs, one or more of the surgeries can be performed at the same time. This is especially true when trauma is involved. Breathing issues often accompany certain types of injuries to the nose. These types of injuries may cause the nose to become crooked, which can interfere with the symmetry of the face.
Some common types of rhinoplasty include:
- Removal of nasal obstruction
- Nasal valve repair
- Alar base of nostril reduction
- Asian or ethnic rhinoplasty
- Reshaping of the tip of the nose
- Straightening the nasal bridge
- Hump removal
Rhinoplasty provides you with a new, more desirable look, and it can improve your ability to breathe comfortably through your nose. Many people experience a newfound sense of self-confidence with their new look. When the surgery enhances the balance and harmony between other facial features, it can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you.
Nasal Structures Affected in Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty involves specific nasal structures which must be taken into consideration when planning surgery. The skin, soft tissue, blood vessels, cartilage and bone must all be handled delicately in order to produce the desired results with minimal or no scarring.
The skin on and around the nose can be rather thin. In some individuals, imperfections below the skin can show. On the other hand, thin skin also tends not to swell as much as thicker skin. The fine details and shape of the nasal cartilage may be more prominent if you have thin skin. Individuals with thicker nasal skin can expect more swelling and better masking of imperfections.
The nose has a rich blood supply. The internal and external carotid arteries supply the nasal area, and care must be taken to avoid complications which could lead to problems such as skin loss. Your surgeon will work to minimize bleeding before, during and after your rhinoplasty.
As mentioned before, there is a limited amount of cartilage in the nose. However, this cartilage is responsible for most of what we see in a person’s nose. The midvault (upper lateral cartilage) and nasal tip (lower lateral cartilage) support the structure of the nose. The septum is also primarily cartilage. It is also a critical structure in shaping a strong and beautiful nose.
Three bony structures define the nose. At the top are the nasal bones; the ethmoid bone is at the back, and at the bottom is the maxilla. Each of these bones help support the cartilage and soft tissue of the nose.
The Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty provides a host of benefits for those who elect to have the surgery. One of the most common benefits is the sense of self-confidence people experience when they change the appearance of their nose. It can be challenging to live with a feature that elicits teasing, ridicule or other negative comments or actions from others. Addressing the issues and creating a harmonious, balanced look is a great motivator for electing to have rhinoplasty.
Other benefits of the surgery include:
- Repairing a broken nose – Falls, accidents and fights can leave a person with not only pain but also a nasal deformity that affects their appearance and possibly the ability to breathe comfortably through their nose.
- Sinus problems – Rhinoplasty can improve sinus issues and resolve the constant feelings of congestion and severe headaches they cause.
- Improved breathing – Those who have suffered from breathing issues long-term often find that rhinoplasty can relieve the discomfort and make nose breathing easy again. It has even helped people whose breathing issues were congenital.
- Correcting a previous rhinoplasty – If you have had a nose job in the past and it did not work out as well as you envisioned, revision rhinoplasty may be the solution you need. Redoing a rhinoplasty for improvement takes skill and an eye for aesthetics. People often seek out the expertise of Dr. Rosenberg to provide the look they are hoping to attain.
- Correct birth defects – The difference a rhinoplasty can make in the life of one who has a birth defect is nothing short of miraculous. Clefts, lumps, masses and underdeveloped structures can be addressed surgically, producing stunning results.
- Restoration of facial symmetry – A feature as simple as a bulbous nose can throw off the symmetry of your face. If you have a crooked or misshapen nose, rhinoplasty may provide the facial symmetry you desire.
- Snoring relief – In some cases, snoring can be stopped with rhinoplasty. This sleep disruption affects not only you; it also impacts those who hear you. Snoring affects your sleep, and it can have an adverse impact on your relationships.
As you can see, there are many benefits for the patient undergoing rhinoplasty. Not mentioned is the fact that if a rhinoplasty gives you a younger look, it can help with your level of confidence in your job. A more youthful appearance is a plus when you are seeking to improve your career status. Regardless of fairness, younger-looking attractive candidates are often favored over their counterparts.
Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Nose Job
While most facial plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty, not all have the same skills or training. Dr. Rosenberg belongs to an elite group of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons that are dual board certified and have extensive experience in facial reconstruction. Whether rhinoplasty is needed to repair a nose affected by trauma, disease, genetic birth defects or strictly for cosmetic purposes, Dr. Rosenberg uses the most advanced techniques to create a balance of form and function. His artistry in creating a balanced appearance through rhinoplasty has met or exceeded the expectations of his patients.
If you are interested in learning more about rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Rosenberg’s office in NYC or Upper East Side to schedule an appointment. You can expect the highest level of professionalism and expertise to ensure you acquire the new nose shape you desire.
