A disproportionate nose (above) can upset facial harmony whereas a nose in proportion (below) gives balance to the face.
The nose is the most prominent feature of the face, and one
that is too large, deviated or in some way misshapen can
detract from an otherwise handsome face. As such, cosmetic
surgery on the nose or rhinoplasty is one of the most common
procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Because of the many
advances in this field, excellent results are now being achieved. And, what is even better, the improvement in aesthetic appearance is permanent. But, like any other cosmetic procedure, patients must have reasonable expectations of the outcome. This, as always, depends on good communication between surgeon and patient and the nature and extent of the correction to be made.
Rhinoplasty more specifically, refers to a family of surgical procedures used to reshape or sculpt noses to improve overall facial balance. This could involve removing a dorsal hump, narrowing a wide nose, lifting the tip of a drooping nose, rounding the tip, straightening a crooked one and/or shortening a long one. Any or all alterations can be done in one surgical session. At the same time, the nose is an important breathing organ and maintaining its functionality is essential. Young patients should be at least fifteen years of age for rhinoplasty. Alterations to an aging nose can do much to revive a youthful appearance, and middle age patients are becoming more common in a rhinoplasty practice. Whatever the age, patients should be prepared to attend at least two pre-surgical consultation meetings before surgery. In the initial visit, a medical history and an extensive evaluation is made, and photographs are taken. It is important that the newly shaped nose fit the other features of the face and appear natural. For those patients with mechanical obstruction of the nasal passages, nasal endoscopy may be performed to allow the surgeon to visualize the internal anatomy of the nose in case corrective surgery is required there. The surgeon then has the basis for determining the best surgical approach and the results that can reasonably be expected. The second meeting is scheduled for sharing this information, the risks involved and the plans for pre and postoperative care.