Rhinoplasty (also known as a nose job), remains one of the top five cosmetic procedures in the nation, with more than 213,000 performed last year alone. For years, people have been changing their noses to achieve the face of their dreams. But is a perfect profile the only reason to consider a nose job?
Definitely not.
There are several medical reasons that warrant a surgical nose correction. When facing nasal issues, patients throughout New York seek the help of Dr. Robert A. Guida, who is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. From our offices in Carnegie Hill and Staten Island, he helps you understand exactly what’s happening with your nose, what constitutes a cosmetic versus a medical procedure, and what to expect from beginning to end.
Dr. Guida is known for his signature approach that takes into account every aspect of his patients’ unique stories and medical histories. He listens carefully to your symptoms, your fears, and your aesthetic goals. When it comes to noses, he’s the authority. Here are some of the reasons you might need to consider surgery for your crooked nose.
Few people (only about 20%) sport a perfect nose. The rest of us walk around with some degree of crookedness. Here are a few of the culprits that cause a crooked nose:
Under most circumstances, a crooked nose is merely a matter of looks, and those who don’t like what they see in the mirror often opt for rhinoplasty to straighten it, shorten it, smooth it, or reshape it. Although this cosmetic procedure is extremely popular, it’s generally not necessary.
But there are also several medical reasons why you may need a nose job.
Although the nose gets a lot of attention for the part it plays in your appearance, let’s not forget the real reason it’s there — to help you breathe. And anyone who’s had a common cold understands the frustration of a plugged nose. Now, imagine having blocked nasal passages for life.
When your nose has structural issues that make it hard for you to breathe normally, it constitutes a medical problem. If you have significant nasal obstruction, you may have trouble sleeping, exercising, and speaking. It may also be the underlying cause of heavy snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Guida can help alleviate these symptoms with rhinoplasty.
The most common reason for a crooked nose with nasal obstruction is a deviated septum. Your septum is the piece of cartilage that forms a divider between the left and right sides of your nose. If your septum is crooked or misaligned, it’s called a deviated septum, and Dr. Guida can make some adjustments through a procedure called septoplasty.
He makes a small incision inside your nostrils, so you won’t have any visible scarring, and you can generally expect to recover in about a week.
If you want Dr. Guida to make a couple of changes to the look and shape of your nose while he’s at it, this combination procedure is called septorhinoplasty. It involves packing and a splint, and it calls for a slightly longer recovery period.
If you break your nose, chances are Dr. Guida can realign it manually. But if the break is severe, it may require surgery.
In addition to difficulty breathing, a broken nose can lead to medical complications, such as a nasal hematoma, chronic sinus infections, perforated septum, and lost or decreased sense of smell. Insurance companies generally cover the costs of repairing a broken nose.
If you have severe allergies that constantly cause sinus infections, congestion, and difficulty breathing, Dr. Guida can perform a procedure that widens your nasal passages so that air flows more freely even when they are inflamed.
People born with a cleft palate or cleft lip suffer from more than a visible abnormality. The condition also affects the nasal cartilage and the inner lining of the nose, causing obstructed breathing and even difficulty eating and drinking. Rhinoplasty can restore function to the nasal cavity while also addressing physical appearance.
If you have a crooked nose and are wondering whether rhinoplasty or septoplasty are right for you, give us a call at either of our locations or book an appointment online today to get some answers.
