Rhinoplasty Overview
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which is usually performed in order to improve the function or the appearance of a person's nose. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of person's nose as well as modify its shape.
The word rhinoplasty comes from the Greek word "rhinos" that means "nose" and the word "Plassein" which means "to shape". A rhinoplasty is also commonly referred as a "nose job" or "nose reshaping".
Rhinoplasty can change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Rhinoplasty may also correct an aesthetically unpleasing nose, birth defects, injury caused by an accident, or some breathing problems.
Not all rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons; rhinoplasty can correct structural abnormalities. One of the most common conditions that can be corrected with rhinoplasty is a deviated septum, which can lead to breathing problems, chronic stuffiness, post-nasal drip and even snoring.
Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals (cosmetic surgery) or for reconstructive purposes to correct trauma, birth defects or breathing problems (reconstructive surgery). Rhinoplasty can be combined with other surgical procedures such to enhance the aesthetic results that the patient can obtain.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of plastic surgery procedures and the most common type of facial plastic surgery today.
Nose reshaping candidates should be at least in their mid teens — 14 to 15 for girls, and slightly older for boys. At these ages, the nasal bone has matured and the shape of the nose has stabilized. All rhinoplasty patients should have realistic expectations for their surgery. It is helpful for the surgeon to know, prior to surgery, what the patient hopes to look like after rhinoplasty, but it is important that those expectations be aligned with what is surgically possible. Before the rhinoplasty surgery, you'll have a chance to discuss your personal goals in detail with your rhinoplasty surgeon.
Risks and Benefits of Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty carries the same risks as any other surgery. Bleeding, infection, and reactions to medications or anesthesia are possible side effects of rhinoplasty surgery. In addition, there are several risks that are unique to plastic surgery of the nose. These include burst blood vessels that can lead to red spots and small scars on the underside of the nose. You might also require a revisionary second procedure at some point in the future to remove or correct tissue. Explore this site to learn more about the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty surgery.
Closed Rhinoplasty
One of the most common rhinoplasty techniques is called "closed rhinoplasty." In a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions used for the surgery are hidden inside the nostrils. This, of course, if a benefit because it means that the scars will be entirely invisible to the casual observer. Although this surgery does not offer quite as much freedom to the rhinoplasty surgeon as an open rhinoplasty, it still offers a number of possibilities. For some patients, this surgery provides them with everything that they need. Even with all of the incisions made within the nostrils, the surgeon can still remove or implant cartilage and bone to reduce or increase the size of the nose.
Open Rhinoplasty
The open rhinoplasty technique is a procedure that has more incisions then the closed technique and the incisions are external where as the closed incisions are internal. In the open technique the rhinoplasty surgeon cuts the columella which separates the nostrils and that is where the tissues are located. Rhinoplasty surgeons use this technique more because it is easier to visualize how the nose will become. Also, more patients have open rhinoplasty technique performed on them when they have previously had rhinoplasty surgery.
Differences Between Open & Closed Rhinoplasty
Although the closed rhinoplasty technique sounds better due to no visible scarring, this technique is limited to those who can have this surgery and qualify as good candidates. This rhinoplasty technique works better for patients that are looking for minor changes. This would be good for those that need to remove the small bumps on the bridges of their nose. If there is more work to be done on the nose, patients are most likely getting an open rhinoplasty.
The open rhinoplasty technique is better for those that need more work done on their nose. However, there is more scarring and there is a scar that is on the columella which is more noticeable. However, taking care of the scar properly it will lighten up and look barely noticeable.
Sources:
http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/face/rhinoplasty
http://www.rhinoplastyguide.com/
