Rhinoplasty is typically performed to improve the appearance of a nose that is excessively large or small, crooked or otherwise out of harmony with the rest of the face. Done correctly, the procedure can improve the patient's appearance and self-confidence. The best results occur when the nose looks entirely natural and does not appear to have been refined via a surgical procedure.
Rhinoplasty is performed to reshape the nose for both aesthetic and corrective purposes. Aesthetic goals may include reducing or increasing the size of the nose, reshaping the bridge and tip, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. Corrective goals may include improving breathing function or repairing a birth defect or injury.
While there is little risk for the patient, rhinoplasty demands a high degree of surgical skill, as it involves changing the delicate bone and cartilage framework of the nose.
The procedure usually takes about two hours, though complicated cases may take longer. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its framework of bone and cartilage. This enables the surgeon to sculpt the underlying structure and remove any irregularities. Once the sculpting is complete, the skin is re-draped to the bone and cartilage. In some cases, tissue may also be added to enhance certain features. The result is a more natural appearance, with less likelihood of long-term complications.
While there is no one perfect nose, there is an ideal nose for each individual. This ideal is dictated by face shape, ethnicity, age and other factors. The "ideal nose" creates a balance among the attributes of the face.
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