Noses come in all shapes and sizes. If you are not happy with your nose, your lowered self-esteem can trigger every feeling from embarrassment to withdrawal. Some people inherit unattractive noses; others notice their noses gradually losing their pleasing shape with the passage of years. Some noses are injured in accidents, or have internal deviations that can cause difficulty in breathing, headaches, nosebleeds or sinus trouble. These are candidates for rhinoplasty – surgery that restructures the nose.

“Rhino” means “nose”; “plasty” means “to shape.” Rhinoplasty is the most popular cosmetic operation. Techniques have been so improved and refined in recent years that results are better than ever before. The procedure demands great skill and attention to detail on the surgeon’s part. Excess bone or cartilage must be carefully sculpted to reshape the nose’s framework.

When the operation includes straightening a deviated septum (inner wall of the nose), it is called “septorhinoplasty.” This is considered corrective surgery for a functional disorder, for which insurance may cover some of the costs.

As with all cosmetic procedures, there are limits as to how much tissue can be removed. For example, we cannot make you nose so small that it would impair your ability to breathe. It may not be possible to completely straighten crooked noses. Thick oily skin can also hamper results or slow healing.

Photos of others are helpful in determining what you like and don’t like in noses; however, one should not pick a model’s picture out of a magazine and ask us to duplicate that person’s nose on your face. Photos of others are helpful in determining which you like and don’t like in noses. You will also be given ample opportunity to look over “before” and “after” photographs of former rhinoplasty patients, so you will have a clear idea of what can and can not be done.

While significant changes are possible, the surgeon will have to deal with YOUR particular facial features–not only the nose, but the cheeks, chin, mouth–all of which must harmonize afterwards. Facial development is complete at about age 14 for girls and age 16 for boys; before these ages, rhinoplasty is not advisable unless it is medically necessary. It is also contraindicated for those without adequate internal nasal support and those with chronic, major health problems.