3 Reasons Why You Might Need Nose Surgery
There are hundreds of different cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures out there, and together they can address literally thousands of different areas of concern. However, one that has consistently been popular for generations is rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to alter the size or shape of the nose. One of the main reasons for the enduring popularity of nose surgery is its versatility. While some plastic surgery procedures (like breast augmentation) are usually only performed on patients of a single gender, and others (like eyelid surgery) are far more common among patients over the age of forty, nose reshaping can benefit both men and women of any age. This is because rhinoplasty is one of the few forms of plastic surgery that has both cosmetic and reconstructive applications, allowing it to potentially improve both appearance and overall health. Here are three reasons why a patient might need to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure.
Correcting Breathing Difficulties
When the central cartilage of the nose, or the nasal septum, is not perfectly aligned and instead deviates to either one side or the other, patients can often experience trouble breathing and sometimes even an increased incidence of sinusitis or sinus infections. While this displacement is usually most severe in patients who were born with a cleft lip or palate, it is also relatively common in the overall population. In fact, it is estimated that more than eighty percent of people are born with some degree of deviated septum that can be easily corrected with a form of rhinoplasty called a septoplasty.
Repairing Damage from Accident or Trauma
The prominent position of the nose in the center of the face can leave it very vulnerable to accidental (or intentional) trauma. When the internal bones are broken and the cartilage shifts, problems can develop that are similar to those experienced by patients with a naturally deviated septum. This can be particularly true if the injuries occur when the patient is young and the nose is still developing. Although nose surgery on adolescents is extremely challenging, it can be safely and effectively performed by a skilled plastic surgeon with experience performing facial procedures.
Improving the Appearance of the Face
Finally, there are also many men and women who are simply unsatisfied with their nose’s size or shape. Rhinoplasty can potentially improve the appearance of the nose by removing a bump on the bridge, lengthening or shortening the bridge, or even narrowing the base of the nostrils, depending on the individual patient’s preferences. It is also the most effective way to correct cases of rhinophyma, a severe form of rosacea characterized by an enlarged, red, bulb-shaped nose.
Although cosmetic and reconstructive nose surgery can accomplish a great deal, it is important to remember that every patient is unique, and that only a thorough consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons can really determine which plastic surgery procedures may be right for you. During that consultation, you can have an opportunity to view before and after pictures and learn about the many forms of insurance that we accept and the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we can offer. Please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta area offices located in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs (Northside), Newnan, or Cumming, to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
