A nose job, or rhinoplasty, is a simple and effective way to address multiple issues affecting your nose. Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in the procedure and five reasons it could be time to consider rhinoplasty.
More than 350,000 Americans get a nose job, or rhinoplasty, every year to correct problems related to both form and function of the nose. In other words, this popular procedure can fix damage from an injury or congenital problem, and it can repair cosmetic issues that impact your self-esteem.
At Advanced Speciality Associates in Baxter and St. Paul, Minnesota, we perform most rhinoplasties as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia. The surgery takes up to three hours, and you return home the same day as your surgery, though you’ll need to recover at home for about a week and should expect recovery to continue for several months.
Our experienced surgical specialists understand there are many reasons patients decide to undergo rhinoplasty. It’s best to book a nose job consultation with one of our providers to get a personalized assessment of how a rhinoplasty can help you.
In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the most common reasons people consider rhinoplasty and how a nose job can help.
1. You struggle to breathe through your nose
About 70-80% of people have a condition called septal deviation, or a deviated septum, although most don’t know it. This happens when the wall of cartilage running through the middle of your nose isn’t in the middle, creating uneven nasal chambers (septums).
The majority of people with a deviated septum are born with the condition. It’s possible, however, to develop septal deviation after a nose injury or because of a connective tissue disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus.
Most people don’t realize they have a deviated septum because it doesn’t always cause problematic symptoms. For some people, however, a deviated septum makes it hard to breathe through the nose—especially during exercise, sports, or when you have a cold or allergies. Rhinoplasty can correct this issue and help you breathe easier.
2. You battle chronic sinusitis
Another side effect of a deviated septum is often chronic sinusitis. This means you get recurring sinus infections, which not only make it difficult to breathe but also negatively affect your health, leading to missed days at work or school and more.
If other treatments to address chronic sinusitis haven’t helped, a type of rhinoplasty called a septoplasty can correct the interior structures of your nose, reduce the frequency of your sinus infections, and help you breathe better.
3. You’ve had a nose injury that caused disfigurement
If you’ve been in an accident or suffered a trauma to the face that broke your nose, you might struggle with issues related to nasal function (breathing or blood clot formation) and form (appearance). The good news is that a rhinoplasty can often correct many of these problems.
When possible, try to see a plastic surgeon within a few weeks of your injury or trauma. This gives you the best chance for restoration of normal function and appearance of your nose. If this isn’t possible, know that excellent results and significant functional improvements are possible when treating older injuries.
4. You have a hanging columella
Your nostrils are separated at the bottom of your nose by a bridge of tissue called the columella. In most cases, the columella is positioned so that only a little (up to 4mm) of your nostril is visible when looking at your profile.
If more of your nostril is visible from the profile view, you have a hanging columella or “columellar show.” Some people are born with this condition (congenital) or develop it as their nose grows if the septum is especially long.
Other times, a hanging columella results after a prior rhinoplasty. Fortunately, rhinoplasty can repair issues related to the columella that develop congenitally or because of a previous nose job.
5. You want to address aesthetic issues
Since your nose lies at the center of your face, it serves as an anchor for your other features. Aesthetic issues with the appearance of your nose disrupt the balance of your face.
Put another way, when your nose is asymmetrical, especially large, or has other distracting aspects, like bumps or an irregular shape, it creates a sense of disharmony. This draws people’s attention, shifting the focus to your nose and away from you.
After a rhinoplasty with a skilled surgeon at Advanced Specialty Associates, your nose will be in better balance with your facial features. This means people will look at you—not just your nose.
Some of the aesthetic issues we can address with rhinoplasty include:
- Nose size
- Nose symmetry
- Bridge width
- Profile issues (e.g., bumps or depressions)
- Issues at the tip of the nose (e.g., shape, reduction, augmentation)
- Nostril size and position
Learn more about rhinoplasty and whether it’s right for you by scheduling a consultation online or over the phone at the Advanced Speciality Associates location in Minnesota nearest you.
