The upper part of the structure of the nose is the bone; the lower part is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin, or all three. But, apart from cosmetics, there are also some medical reasons that may require rhinoplasty or a nose job.

Rhinoplasty is often associated with the ‘beautification’ of the face, which makes it a cosmetic procedure. According to the Mayo Clinic, rhinoplasty is essentially a surgery that changes the shape of the nose. It could be done to alter the appearance of the nose, improve breathing, or both. The upper part of the structure of the nose is the bone. The lower part is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin, or all three. But, apart from cosmetics, there are also some medical reasons that may require rhinoplasty or a nose job, which is why it is important to get the procedure done from a certified expert to avoid complications.

Rhinoplasty: Cosmetics Vs Medicinal

Also known as nose reshaping surgery or a nasal refinement surgery, rhinoplasty is used to rectify cosmetic problems involving the nose like genetic, disease, and damages that happen during accidents, which can make the nose appear large, asymmetrical, crooked, bent, and unsightly. According to Dr Debraj Shome, senior cosmetic surgeon and director, The Esthetic Clinics, the following are various factors that often lead to the need for medical rhinoplasty; read on.

• Damage from accidents, birth defects like cleft lip or cleft palate, deviated septum, nasal cavity blockages like polyps or masses, inflammation, structural irregularities, and challenges with nasal breathing.
• Persistent sinus problems, frequent sinus infections, and obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by structural issues in the nasal passages. “Rhinoplasty can address these issues by correcting the root causes and enhancing proper drainage,” said the doctor.
• Individuals who have undergone a nose surgery for cancer may need reconstructive procedures to ‘restore the function and aesthetics’ of their nasal features. The doctor explained that cosmetic reasons for this procedure might include a ‘bump or a dorsal nasal hump’ that the patient would want to be removed to make the nose look ‘more appealing’.
• Nose cartilage may also be modified to create a more appealing look — something to give the face a whole new attractive look.

The Process Of Nose Job Surgery

Dr Shome explained that rhinoplasty procedure is done either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia throughout which the patient is sedated. “We prefer general anesthesia for all rhinoplasties in which the nasal bones are modified,” he said, adding that one of two different techniques will be used: an open rhinoplasty technique that entails an incision being made between the nostrils at the bottom of the nose. In a closed technique, an incision is made inside the nostrils (in the mucosal lining).

The Difference Between Open Rhinoplasty And Closed Rhinoplasty

“The difference between the two techniques is the presence of an external nasal scar. Surgical tools are used to rearrange or shape bone or cartilage to reshape the nose. Then, the incisions are closed. After the surgery, the patient may find their nose to be splinted or covered with gauze or a cast. They wake up and can go home after about an hour or two post surgery,” the expert concluded.