The shape of the nose is largely inherited, and many patients may not like the shape of it or may feel that it is not in proportion with the rest of the body.



Many individuals also undergo the surgery to correct breathing problems or injury, especially when a nasal passageway is obstructed, thus making breathing difficult. A common cause of breathing problems is a deviated septum which affects the dividing wall in the nose. Nasal obstruction can lead to snoring, dry mouth, postnasal drip and nosebleeds.

Also, the surgery corrects injuries to nasal bones and the septum when they are fractured or disrupted. Plastic surgeons generally recommend that patients wait until they are at least sixteen to undergo the surgery.

The Consultation

When an individual comes in for consultation, the surgeons must be prepared to answer all questions about the changes they want to be performed on the sensory organ. Do you care about only the shape of your nose or are you most interested in improving the breathing? Patients must think about what they want to be specifically changed about their nose, such as the size of the tip.

Also, many want to take a bump down or widen it. It is helpful to decide what you do not want your nose to look like. Show the plastic surgeon, the photos that you do not like about the nasal structure to make sure that they can avoid those characteristics as best as possible. When you come in for a consultation, the doctor can show the images of the nose by changing its shape on the computer.

A good doctor will try and understand what each individual patient wants since rhinoplasty can be made unique for each individual as per their requirements.

If an individual aims to correct a previous surgery, it is very important for the plastic surgeon to know as many details from the previous surgery. They may also ask for a copy of the operative reports to help them plan. In your consultation, the doctor will ask you medical questions to determine if you are a safe candidate for the surgery and to maximize your possibilities to have a healthy positive outcome.

An issue that you and your plastic surgeon should discuss during the consultation is whether open or closed rhinoplasty is best for you. During open or external rhinoplasty, a small incision is made in the central column that separates the nostrils. The nasal skin is lifted off the tip of the nose through this incision.

During the more traditional closed surgery procedures, several cuts are made in the nostrils, extending over the column. The open technique allows the surgeon better exposure to the nasal anatomy. The closed surgery causes less disruption of the nasal tip blood supply, which lessens post surgical nasal tip swelling, as well as reduces the risk of nasal tip complications.