Of all facial features, it’s most often the nose that seems to not quite fit in. The nose can interrupt the harmony or balance of your appearance, distracting others from your eyes or mouth. Sometimes it simply seems that Mother Nature put the wrong nose on the right face, or perhaps you’ve had an injury that affects the way your nose looks.
More than 200,000 rhinoplasties are performed in the United States annually. Commonly knowns as a “nose job,” the procedure can correct most shape and size flaws. In some cases, rhinoplasty is recommended for medical reasons, such as straightening a deviated septum to improve breathing.
The importance of a skilled surgeon
Rhinoplasty, though frequently performed, can be a difficult procedure. In the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon, rhinoplasty results are natural and subtle. You may not look like you’ve had work done, only that you now have the “correct” nose for your face.
As a surgeon certified in both plastic and head-and-neck surgery, I have the knowledge and expertise to get the results that you desire. As many as 70% of my rhinoplasty procedures use a closed technique with no external incisions, and it’s my preference when the necessary work supports the approach.
Every rhinoplasty is different in both expectation and procedure. I’ll guide you through your treatment options, preparations for surgery, and post-procedure recovery. Each stage is crucial for achieving the best result, and we will work together through every step.
Some may wonder if their nose shape lends itself naturally to rhinoplasty. Chances are that whatever displeases you about your current appearance can be improved. Some of the most common problems I see with my patients include the following concerns.
Whether a genetic trait or the result of injury, humps and bumps on the bridge of the nose are frequently the reason to seek rhinoplasty. There’s no need to completely eliminate these prominences, either. Some patients choose to keep a slight bump, particularly if it’s a feature that runs in the family.
Again, this is a problem that may result from trauma as much as genetics. While few human faces are completely symmetrical, a nose that shifts to one side may have a disproportionate effect on upsetting the balance of your facial appearance.
An extremely long nose can often attract too much negative attention, as well as creating an unbalanced and unnatural appearance. Both profile and front views can benefit from rhinoplasty to reduce the overall length of your nose.
Certain ethnicities tend to feature low or flat bridges for which you may desire augmentation. Bridge implants are used in some circumstances to help build up a more prominent bridge, giving your nose a more substantial appearance.
Sometimes the cartilage of the septum projects too far forward, resulting in a pointed look that may give you a pinched appearance. Reducing and reshaping the tip of the nose often produces a dramatically softer and more natural result.
A round, wide nose responds easily to a reshaping of the lower lateral cartilages of the nose. A disproportionately sized nose can be brought back to a less prominent triangular shape.
Dr. Robert A. Guida is an experienced plastic surgeon with offices in Park Avenue and Staten Island, New York. Are you unhappy with your nose? Contact him today for a rhinoplasty consultation.
