The Nose Is The Most Prominent Feature Of Our Face

The nose is the most prominent feature of our face. Its size and shape influence our entire facial appearance. A well-shaped nose appears balanced and in harmony with all of a person's facial features. When the nose is too large or too small for the face it will seem out of balance or asymmetric. Even if the nose is properly sized, but the individual parts of the nose are not well proportioned to one another, then the nose will appear out of sync with the rest of the face. These problems can be due to trauma, genetics, or previous surgery. A well-balanced, proportionate and harmonious nose is essential for a beautiful or handsome appearance and it is for this reason that so many people seek to change and improve the shape of their nose. The Plastic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the nose is called a Rhinoplasty.

A Rhinoplasty is an appropriate procedure for people who have:

* Nasal deformity.
* Asymmetry of the nose.
* A history of trauma to the nose.
* Difficulty breathing through the nose.
* A nose that is too large for the face.
* A nose that is too small for the face.
* A history of previous nasal surgery.

The most important first step in preparing for a Rhinoplasty is during the consultation process. At this time a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will carefully evaluate your nose and determine exactly where the problems areas are. He will evaluate your nose in relation to your entire face and will use this information to develop a well thought out plan to improve your appearance. Preparing a proper pre-operative plan is essential to the successful outcome of Rhinoplasty.

During the procedure, attention will be focused on the underlying bone and cartilage, which make up the shape of your nose. It is on these structures that alterations will be made to give you your new shape. The operation can be performed through either an "open" or "closed" approach.

During a Rhinoplasty, any difficulty with breathing through your nose can also be corrected. A correction of a deviated Septum and/or enlarged Turbinates, structures that warm and moist air as it travels through the nose, can be performed at the same time.

At the conclusion of the procedure an external dressing, which, usually includes a splint, is applied. This dressing is usually removed at about one week after the procedure. Packing is often placed inside the nose to control any post-operative bleeding. The packing is usually removed after 2 or 3 days. Most patients experience some degree of swelling and bruising of the cheeks and lower eyelids following surgery. Interestingly, most patients complain of very little pain after this operation. Like all surgery, there is some degree of risk, such as bleeding, infection and the risk of anesthesia, which a well trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, will take every precaution to prevent.

Rhinoplasty offers an excellent opportunity to improve your appearance. The ability to have a well-shaped, well-proportioned nose can leave patients with a new sense of well-being and confidence. Many people who have felt stifled or inhibited because of the way they perceive their appearance have gone on to experience a sense of improved self-image and self-esteem following a Rhinoplasty.