What is the most popular type of plastic surgery among teenagers ages 13 – 19? According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, it is rhinoplasty or what is commonly referred to as a “nose job.” It is also the third most popular plastic surgery procedure among adults, right after breast augmentation and liposuction.
Why is rhinoplasty so popular? First, there is the group that undergoes the surgery for cosmetic reasons. You may be displeased with the nose you were born with or dislike the changes as you age. Because your nose is a prominent feature on your face, it may cause you to be self-consciousabout your appearance. After all, who wants to be stuck with a nose they don’t like for 70+ years?
Then there is the group that has rhinoplasty for medical reasons. Maybe your nose was broken and it is inhibiting your airways and ability to breathe. In this case, a rhinoplasty is performed for functional reasons.
No matter the reason, rhinoplasty is a surgery that can dramatically change your appearance and make your breathing much easier.
Rhinoplasty for Cosmetic Reasons
Rhinoplasty is often referred to by different names – “nose job”, “nose reshaping” or “nose surgery” being the most common. While the shape of your nose is often determined by heredity, it can be enhanced for people who want to change:
• Nose size, in terms of reduction
• Nose width at the bridge
• Nose tips which may be bulbous, drooping or too upturned
• Nostrils that are wide, large or upturned
• Nose with a deviated septum
Here are some facts you should know about nose surgery:
• About The Surgery.You surgeon will first look at the bone and cartilage supporting your nose, making tiny incisions inside the nose that are invisible. Next, depending on what you are trying to achieve, the underlying bone and cartilage is reduced, augmented or rearranged to create a newly contoured nose. For instance, if you don’t like your profile, the surgeon may reduce the size of your bridge. If any portion of the nose seems too small, cartilage or soft tissue grafts can be placed to create better harmony.The tissues are then re-draped over the new frame and the incisions are closed.
• Risks.As with any surgery, there are risks involved. The difference between a good plastic surgeon and a great, experienced plastic surgeon is how he/she handles any complications. Risks may include: small surface vessels in the nose rupturing, nose bleeds, poor wound healing, bleeding, numbness in the nose, and pain.
• Surgery Times.Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Depending on the circumstances, it may be done as an outpatient procedure or may require an overnight stay. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
• Recovery Times.When you wake up from surgery a splint, packingor tubes may be placed inside your nose (to reduce the swelling) and bandages or a splint will be placed outside of your nose for protection and stability. You may have slight difficulty breathing for the first few days after the surgery. This is due to intranasal swelling and once the swelling subsides, your breathing will improve. You may also experience swelling or bruising around the eyes which will go away in 3 – 5 days and can be treated with cold compresses. Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and do not blow your nose.
Rhinoplasty for Medical Reasons
Then there is another group of people for whom rhinoplasty is a medical necessity, essential for their health.
Deviated Septum.If you have ever had your nose broken, it is not only painful, it can cause major breathing problems. According to WebMD, the septum separates your two nasal passages, supports the nose and helps to direct air flow. It has two main components: bone in the front and cartilage in the back. If the bone or cartilage is not straight, it makes it harder to breathe and easier to snore or have sleep apnea. Plastic surgery to repair a deviated septum is called Septoplasty. When a plastic surgeon is performing a septoplasty, he may also remove any nasal polyps which can obstruct breathing.
Chronic sinusitis.If your nose drips all year long or you have year-round allergies,you may have a condition called chronic sinusitis. Their nasal airways could be blocked, causing congestion, chronic facial pain, headaches and more. If a prolonged course of antibiotics, nasal steroids, and other treatments do not work, a rhinoplasty to correct nasal obstructions is often recommended.
Does Insurance Pay For Medical Rhinoplasty?
When a rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons, health insurance does not pay. However, depending on your type of insurance, most health insurance companies will pay for a medically necessitated rhinoplasty, particularly if you are having breathing difficulties.
What Should a Patient Look For In A Plastic Surgeon?
Whether you’re having rhinoplasty for cosmetic or medical reasons, remember that not all plastic surgeons are created equal. In fact, many do not perform a rhinoplasty because of the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Jeffrey Marcus, an assistant professor of surgery and fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics was recently interviewed by Duke.org, about the risks and benefits of a rhinoplasty. He commented: “rhinoplasty is among one the most challenging procedures to perform. In fact, many plastic surgeons choose not to perform rhinoplasty. Therefore, relative to other procedures, a smaller number of surgeons perform a large proportion of rhinoplasties.”
It is imperative that the surgery be performed in an accredited medical facility, whether you’re looking for cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty.It’s also essential to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your nose procedure. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or anxiety about the surgery itself. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon. The more candid you are about your medical history, lifestyle and health, the better your outcome will be.
Rhinoplasty is a permanent procedure; however, your nose’s appearance may change as you age. A nose may be one of the most important features on your face. An appropriate nose balances and harmonizes all the other features on your face. There is no doubt that a nose job can dramatically change your facial appearance and self-confidence or open up your airways. In the rare event that you do not like your nose, revisional surgery may be needed.
About The Author
Dr. Justin Yovino of Ideal Face and Body is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializing in the most advanced surgical techniques in the field, including aesthetic, reconstructive, and hand surgery. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Yovino has been published in respected peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals, has presented his clinical work at plastic surgery meetings, and is an expert plastic surgery contributor for realself.com.