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Most people think of rhinoplasty or a nose job as a method to change the appearance and shape of the nose. Hundreds of thousands of patients have rhinoplasty procedures each year. Patients vary, but tend to be between the ages of 20 and 50, with a slight predominance in women over men.

Rhinoplasty can be used for aesthetics as a way to balance facial features. However, it also acts as a way to address structural issues which cause breathing abnormalities. There are numerous uses for rhinoplasty, but we will address five of the most common below.

1. Large Nasal Tip

A bulbous (or rounded, enlarged) nasal tip can make the middle third of the face seem unbalanced compared to the rest. Rhinoplasty surgery involves removing or rearranging some of the bone and cartilage to create a more natural and harmonious facial appearance. One of the most popular methods to alter the nose tip is by accessing the cartilage from inside the nose. This has the benefit of minimal to no visible scar.

2. Deviated Septum

The septum is the part of the nose between the two nostrils; however, it also continues to the very back of the nose, and all the way to the bridge of the nose. In most cases, it is in a central location and air moves through each passage evenly. However, genetics or injuries can cause the septum to be pushed to one side or the other.

Active individuals may want to correct the deviated septum to create better airflow and cardiovascular performance. With rhinoplasty, the internal structures of the nose can be rebuilt, which results in a septum that is centered. This can improve breathing, so that it is equal through each of your nostrils.

3. Nasal Bridge Humps

Another use of rhinoplasty is for a bump or hump on the bridge of the nose. When this bump is large, it can make look as if your nose has been broken or can give the perception that your nose is larger than it really is. If the nose has been broken, this can also create a hump or a bump in this part of the nose. Even if you have not had a broken nose, excess bone and cartilage can create the same look. Rhinoplasty can remove excess bone and cartilage to eliminate the bump and reshape the nose.

See our article on preservation rhinoplasty.

4. Nostril Shape and Size

Some people dislike the appearance of their nostrils. They might find them to be too wide, too narrow, or unsatisfying in some other way. Rhinoplasty can be used to change nostril shape, but this is a more invasive procedure since the entirety of the nose is taken into account. Breathing is the primary function of the nose, so the changes that are made for nostril shape surgery can be limited by this factor.

5. Broken Nose

One of the most common reasons for a rhinoplasty that is not only aesthetic, but functional, is repairing damage from a broken nose. This may involve resetting the bones inside the nose, reshaping the cartilage, or both. In most cases, rhinoplasty for a broken nose focuses on breathing function, but can also address aesthetic concerns at the same time if desired.

Final Thoughts

Due to the many uses for rhinoplasty surgery, and the extreme technical skills needed to perform rhinoplasty, it essential to work with an experienced surgeon dedicated to rhinoplasty procedures like Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith has performed thousands of rhinoplasty procedures, and routinely recreates and rebuilds new noses for cancer patients. He is well-versed in all aspects of the nose, from aesthetics, to structure and function. Schedule a consultation today to create a more aesthetically pleasing nose or improve your breathing function.