At Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, nose surgery (medically called rhinoplasty) is one of the most popular procedures we perform. Rhinoplasty is also one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide.
Many think of rhinoplasty as a beauty-enhancing technique. And while this is true, the benefits of rhinoplasty go far beyond the superficial. Rhinoplasty can play a significant role in helping you increase your confidence and self-esteem. For many of our patients, rhinoplasty improves their quality of life. So let’s get into it: What is rhinoplasty, what are its benefits, and how does it work?
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a nose job and is a surgical procedure designed to resize, reshape, or correct structures of the nose. Patients choose rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, including:
- Aesthetics: A nose job adjusts the proportions of the nose to harmonize better with other facial features
- Corrective Measures: This surgery can rectify birth defects or restore the nose shape after an injury
- Structural Issues: Rhinoplasty can alleviate physical issues that obstruct normal breathing mechanics
Because the nose is centrally located on the face, it plays an integral role in defining facial symmetry. This means that any modifications to the nose can significantly affect your entire appearance. Therefore, rhinoplasty can have a profound impact on your self-perception and self-confidence.
How Rhinoplasty Surgery Works
Rhinoplasty surgery involves sculpting the cartilage and bone of the nose to align with either functional needs or your desired results. The complexity of the procedure depends in large part on the patient’s specific needs. With any nasal surgery, we take care to hide incisions inside the nose or along its natural creases.
Sometimes, rhinoplasty surgery is as simple as removing a small hump on the bridge of the nose. Other times, rhinoplasty surgery requires extensive reconstruction using grafts and advanced surgical methods. But you can think of rhinoplasty as having two general categories: primary and revision rhinoplasty.
Primary Rhinoplasty
Primary rhinoplasty refers to the initial nose surgery. Sometimes, the primary rhinoplasty doesn’t yield the right outcome, or there are complications. In these cases, a revision rhinoplasty is needed.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is also called secondary rhinoplasty. This surgery is performed to correct issues that arise during primary nasal surgery.
Primary Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty offers a range of benefits, both aesthetic and functional.
Aesthetic Benefits
Central to the aesthetic benefits of rhinoplasty is the ability to sculpt facial proportions to create balance. Some people find that a large nose dominates other facial features, so rhinoplasty could shape the nose so that it blends in better with the rest of the face. If someone feels that their nose is too small, the size of the nose can be enhanced to fit their face better.
Refining the shape of the nose is also a common goal of rhinoplasty. Some types of nose reshaping include:
- Removing bumps on the nose bridge
- Narrowing a nose that’s perceived as too wide
- Reshaping the tip of the nose
Additionally, if someone’s nose is crooked or asymmetrical as a result of injury or genetics, rhinoplasty can correct the alignment. Rhinoplasty provides many options to modify the appearance of the nose.
Functional Benefits
Beyond nose reshaping and other aesthetic benefits, rhinoplasty has numerous functional benefits, particularly for those who experience difficulty breathing due to structural issues in the nose.
We frequently perform rhinoplasty to correct deviated septums. In this condition, the septum (the wall between the nostrils) is displaced to one side. A deviated septum leads to an imbalance in the nasal passages and can cause difficulty breathing.
When we perform rhinoplasty for deviated septums, we straighten the septum and reposition it at the center of the nose to improve airflow. If you suffer from sleep apnea, a functional rhinoplasty could alleviate the root cause of this common condition.
Boost in Self-Esteem and Confidence
Perhaps one of the most profound benefits of rhinoplasty is the boost you receive in self-esteem and confidence from the physical change. Your appearance can have a big impact on your self-image, your confidence, and how you interact with the world. Reshaping your nose according to your desired results can help you feel more comfortable in your skin, leading to increased confidence and overall life satisfaction.
Having a nose that is in better harmony with your other facial features can help reduce self-consciousness and feelings of insecurity. Rhinoplasty offers you the opportunity to discover self-confidence so that you can thrive in other areas, like your career and social life.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
If you decide to move forward with rhinoplasty, you need to prepare properly so that you can have not only a successful surgery but also a smooth recovery. Your rhinoplasty journey starts with a consultation and medical evaluation. During the consultation, we’ll review your medical history, current medications, and allergies. We’ll also discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns so that we can set realistic expectations for your results.
We might recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
- Quitting smoking for a certain period before and after surgery
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements
- Making sure you have someone who can help you after surgery
Aside from these steps, you should make sure your recovery space at home is ready before surgery, as you’ll want to be cozy and comfortable throughout your recovery process.
Nasal Surgery in Naperville, IL
At Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we are leading nose surgery professionals in the Naperville area. To learn more about rhinoplasty and to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.