Rhinoplasty surgery is incredibly common. In fact, it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed every year. Patients’ motivations for undergoing a rhinoplasty are as varied as the patients themselves, but there are some common goals among them.
Often, patients are simply interested in having a nose that is in better balance with their other features. Rhinoplasty can correct both a nose that is too large or too small. An overly large nose can be corrected by removing some of the cartilage within the nose. If the nose is too small, implants or grafts can be added to increase its overall size.
Sometimes, the shape is more at issue. Commonly, a patient may be unhappy with a hump or convex shape to the bridge of the nose. This is easily corrected by filing down the cartilage and bone, thus reducing the hump and resulting in a flatter nose. The same process is used for patients unhappy with a bump or uneven shape left by an old break.
Other aspects of nasal shape can be changed as well. Some patients feel that the base of their nose is too wide. This can be adjusted through the removal of excess tissue and repositioning the nostrils. The tip of the nose may be at issue as well. A tip that is droopy or too long can be corrected by removing underlying cartilage. Conversely, a tip that is too flat or a nose that is too short can be extended through the addition of cartilage grafts.
Whatever aspects of your nose you desire to change, it is important to discuss everything with your surgeon to be sure you have realistic expectations for what rhinoplasty can achieve. Your surgeon can evaluate your particular situation to recommend the best course for treatment.
If you’re interested in learning more about how rhinoplasty can benefit you, contact facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sheldon Kabaker of Oakland, California, at (415) 379-9015.