Your New Nose: Improvements Made With Rhinoplasty
Dr. Roberto Garcia | 07/23/2019
The nose is the most prominent facial feature and can play a big role in determining how confident one feels about their appearance. It's no wonder why so many men and women turn to rhinoplasty to correct specific features about their nose. Wide nostrils can be reduced and bumps on the bridge can be eliminated. These and a host of other aesthetic issues may be addressed with nose reshaping surgery.
Do you know that many breathing problems also can be improved by this popular surgery? Dr. Roberto Garcia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. A rhinoplasty expert, he details the aesthetic and functional issues that can be corrected with rhinoplasty.
Surgery specifics
Three styles of rhinoplasty procedures can be performed:
- In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils, which helps to avoid noticeable scarring. This is ideal for Jacksonville area patients who desire modest changes to the appearance of their nose.
- When the nose is to be reshaped significantly, open rhinoplasty usually is necessary. During this procedure, an incision is made between the nostrils and the base of the nose to allow Dr. Garcia better access to its interior structures. Minimal scars can be expected following this procedure.
- Finally, septoplasty can be performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty to surgically correct breathing issues. For example, a deviated septum requires that the nasal septum be repositioned or straightened to improve the flow of oxygen.
Cosmetic reasons for rhinoplasty
Ideally, your nose should complement your face, not distract from it. When you are displeased with the size, shape, or features of the nose, it can diminish confidence about your appearance.
If you dislike the appearance of your nose, surgery can address numerous cosmetic concerns, including:
Nose shape - A nose that looks great on one face may not flatter another. The shape of the nose can be adjusted so that it better suits the individual.
Nasal bridge - Bumps and depressions on an uneven bridge can be straightened to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Nose width - When the nose is too narrow or too wide, it may look out of balance on the face. Rhinoplasty can work to help the nose appear more proportionate.
The angle of the nose - The appearance of your facial profile is largely impacted by the angle of your nose. This can be altered with rhinoplasty.
Nasal tip -The tip of the nose is a concern for many patients in the Jacksonville area. Tips that are too fat, pointed, or bulbous can be improved for a better appearance.
Nostril size - When the nostrils are wide or unusually large, it can make the nose appear a bit odd. Interestingly, narrow nostrils can have the same effect. When the nostrils are adjusted accordingly, they may look more proportionate on the nose and face.
A nose job for medical reasons
A variety of medical issues can also be corrected with rhinoplasty. The surgery can be a real game-changer for patients in the Jacksonville area when it is performed by Dr. Garcia to improve breathing issues, deformities, or repair damage resulting from an injury. In most cases, it works to restore proper nasal function and provide patients the relief they desperately seek. Conditions that can be addressed include:
A broken nose - When a nasal fracture is suspected, it's recommended to see a plastic surgeon as soon as possible. If the displaced bones make breathing difficult, a septoplasty may be required.
Enlarged turbinates - Turbinates are the tissues that line the interior of the nasal passages. These tissues can swell from time to time, usually due to environmental allergies. However, chronically enlarged turbinates can cause the nasal passages to become obstructed and prompt breathing problems. Surgery may be necessary to remove part of the turbinates.
Deviated septum - The nasal septum, which separates the nose's left and right airways, is considered deviated when the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity is crooked. This can cause one of the nasal passages to close, making breathing a challenge. With septoplasty, this can be corrected.
Middle vault narrowing - It can be difficult to breathe when the middle vault (or sidewalls) of the nose become weakened and collapse when a patient inhales. Rhinoplasty can correct this condition.
Nasal polyps - Benign, painless growths called polyps can form inside the nasal passages, usually due to chronic inflammation caused by allergies, infections, asthma, and other respiratory issues. When polyps are large or numerous, breathing can be obstructed. These growths can be removed by Dr. Garcia during a rhinoplasty procedure.
Sleep apnea - Millions of people are affected by this dangerous condition that is marked by excessive snoring. It can result when the nasal cavities feature structural irregularities. During rhinoplasty, the inner nasal passageway is reshaped so that breathing can be improved, and patients will be able to get a good night's sleep.
Cleft palate or lip - Birth defects such as a cleft palate or lip also can be improved with rhinoplasty. If it is not corrected, children likely will experience difficulty eating and may suffer from malnutrition. The surgery also will improve a person's facial appearance.
Chronic infections - Recurrent sinus infections may become an issue if, following colds and allergies, nasal blockages and swelling prevent the nose from draining properly. When mucus builds up inside of the nasal tissues, an ideal breeding environment for bacteria is created. Rhinoplasty may work to eliminate the symptoms of Jacksonville-area patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis.
Can a nose job help you?
The benefits of rhinoplasty are far-reaching. Not only does this procedure address cosmetic concerns, but it also can work to restore proper nasal function to patients searching for relief from breathing difficulties. Find out more about rhinoplasty by scheduling a consultation with double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia, founder of Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He is dedicated to helping patients look their best and breathe a whole lot easier.