Rhinoplasty is the most commonly performed in facial plastic surgery. The name is a blend of the word rhino (nose) and plasty (to shape). Rhinoplasty also commonly called a nose job. The goal of Rhinoplasty should be a nose that looks and feels natural. Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet anesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes to correct defects or breathing problems.

Rhinoplasty was first developed by sushruta, an important physician, who lived in ancient India circa 500 BC. He and his later students and disciples used Rhinoplasty to reconstruct noses that were amputed as punishment and for crimes. He developed the techniques of forehead flap Rhinoplasty which is practiced almost unchanged to this day. This knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India up to late 18 century. The first intranasal Rhinoplasty in the west was performed by john Orlando roe in 1887. In 1898 Jacques Joseph used it for cosmetic purposes to help those who felt that the shape or size of their nose caused them embarrassment and social discomfort.

What can Rhinoplasty achieve?

Many features which are not desirable in a nose may be improved through cosmetic surgery. Noses may be made narrower, straighter, longer or shorter. Humps may be removed and the shape, size and angle and definition of the tip of the nose may be altered. Breathing problems caused by a deviated septum may be corrected. Rhinoplasty may be performed at any time after facial growth has been completed that is age 15-16 for women and age 16-17 for men. The ideal outcome in Rhinoplasty is a natural appearing with balance and harmony, enhancing beauty of the eyes and lips.

Risks involved:

Because of the special nature of the blood supply to the nose and surrounding area, it is possible for retrograde infections from the nasal area to spread to the brain. To reduce the risks follow the doctors advice both before and after the surgery.

Surgical procedure:

Surgery can be performed under general anesthesia with local anesthesia depending on patient or doctors preference. Incisions are made inside the nostrils sometimes; tiny incisions are also made on the columella, the bit of skin that separates the nostrils. The surgeon first separates soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures, then reshapes the cartilage and bone which causes the deformity.

In some cases the surgeon may shape a small piece of the patients own cartilage or bone to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. This is done for cosmetic reasons or to improve breathing and function of the nose. In rarer cases a synthetic implant may be used to reconstruct the nose if the normal structure of the bone and cartilage is badly damaged or weakened. Alloplastic synthetic are often associated with long term complications alternatively, cartilage from the septum, ear on rib may be used.

A tape dressing will cover the nose for one week, there may be some discoloration and swelling around the eyes which will improve over 5-7 days. One week is usually enough time for returning to work and social activities.