There was a period of time when rhinoplasty was considered as simply code for ‘nose job’ – a cosmetic procedure to alter the appearance of a person’s nose. However, rhinoplasty is actually an important procedure that can restore balanced function and aesthetics to the nose. Whether it is genetic or developmental, such as overprotection, nasal hump or obstruction, or you’ve acquired a traumatic injury that has altered appearance and functionality of your nose, a qualified ENT specialist can help. Smith ENT explains the benefits of well-performed rhinoplasty.
Deviated septum
The septum is the strip of cartilage that separates your two nostrils and should result in each nostril being of equal size. However, a deviation to the septum can result in one nostril being smaller/narrower than the other which can make breathing through your nose more difficult. A condition many people are born with, septal deviation can also occur through trauma to the face/nose. Rhinoplasty can be used to correct the uneven nostrils and allow for regular breathing to occur.
Trauma/Injury
It is easy for our noses to be damaged when facial trauma occurs. Injuries to our face can be quite upsetting and painful, and they may heal in an altered shape to what you had previously. Given its prominence on our faces, noses are often the first feature we look at when we see somebody; therefore, it’s understandable that you may wish to return your nose to what it looked like before the injury occurred. In many cases the nose can be straightened with the early weeks after surgery with a simple reduction procedure. (Push to straighten the nose under generaI anaesthetic). If the reduction is unsuccessful, or if the injury is more severe, rhinoplasty may be necessary to gain improvement 6 months or more down the track.
Rhinoplasty after trauma is usually about improving nasal airflow, just as much as improving the cosmetic appearance of the nose.
Collapsing nose
A frequent functional issue of the nose is collapsing of the nasal sidewall on taking a deep breath through the nose. This can cause severe nasal obstruction, especially noticeable when exercising or sleeping. Rhinoplasty surgery is likely to reinforce the collapsing nose, and improve your airflow.
Overprojection
Often a cosmetic decision, rhinoplasty for overprojected noses is a common procedure. In this instance, the nose has grown to a length that is disproportionate to the rest of your face. This is particularly evident in a profile view of a person’s head. An ENT surgeon may reshape the cartilage at the tip of the nose to give it a short, more rounded appearance, as well as reshaping the bridge to suit the new length.
Want to learn more about rhinoplasty? Get in touch with Smith ENT to book a consultation with Dr Edward Smith. We look forward to helping you achieve your ideal nose.