What Is Rhinoplasty?
Author: Gray Rollins

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a type of cosmetic
surgery designed to repair or reshape the nose. As one of the
most prominent features on your face, your nose has a large
bearing on your appearance and can impact how you feel about
yourself. Individuals who are displeased with the size or shape
of the nose can benefit from rhinoplasty because of the
opportunity it offers to completely alter the appearance of the
nose. Rhinoplasty has the ability to increase or reduce the size
of the nose in its entirety, removing a bump, altering the shape
of the bridge or the tip of your nose, narrowing the nostril
openings, and modifying the angle between your nose and your
lips.

Rhinoplasty cannot be successfully performed until the nose has
stabilized and nasal bone has stopped growing. This typically
occurs around age 14 to 15 in girls and age 15 to 16 in boys.
Any surgery performed before this point runs the risk of having
to be redone once nasal growth has ceased, since the nose has
the potential to continue to change and develop until that
point. Rhinoplasty is occasionally performed on younger
children in the case of severe trauma to the face, so that the
nose can be restored as close as possible to its original shape
and size.

Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient
basis under general anesthesia. There are exceptions to this
rule, though. Patients undergoing severe reconstructive surgery
may be monitored overnight to ensure that no complications
arise. Individuals seeking to have their nose "set" after a bad
break will occasionally receive local anesthetic only.

During the procedure the cosmetic surgeon makes an incision
either inside the nostrils or through the columella, the
external strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. The skin
is then separated away from the framework of the nose itself so
the doctor can access the underlying cartilage. In order to
reshape the nose, the soft flexible cartilage and bone are
manipulated into the proper position and shape. Depending on
the desired results, tissue may be removed or added to change
the angle or contour of the nose. A chisel or file may be used
during the procedure, most frequently to remove a hump from the
bridge of the nose. Once the nose has been sculpted into the
desired shape, the skin is resituated and the nose is splinted
to protect it. Nasal pads may be used for the first few days
following the surgery to pack the nose and protect the delicate
septum.

Rhinoplasty, as with all other surgeries, is not risk-free. In
addition to the standard bruising and swelling, patients should
be aware of a number of potential side-effects that could result
from the procedure. These include an infection of the nose,
nosebleeds, numbness, scarring, and a reaction to the
anesthesia. Some patients report the bursting of small blood
vessels on the surface of the skin and hematomas, or
collections of blood that pool under the skin. The possibility
also exists that a follow-up procedure will be necessary in
order to remedy an over-correction or under-correction of the
nose.

When successfully performed by a highly-qualified surgeon,
rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of your
nose and improve your self-confidence. If you are considering
rhinoplasty and would like more information about this
procedure, contact a reputable cosmetic surgeon in your area
and arrange for a personal consultation.


About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
CosmeticSurgeryHelp. To learn more about Rhinoplasty, visit
http://www.cosmeticsurgeryhelp.com/rhinoplasty and
http://www.cosmeticsurgeryhelp.com/bestnosejobs/