Rhinoplasty or cosmetic plastic surgery of the nose can be performed when a person feels their nose is not in balance with the rest of their face. They may feel that it is disproportionate or that some aspects of their nose don’t fit the rest or when an injury has left it misshapen.
Considerations
• This procedure should not be performed until the mid-teen years, as the face should be fully developed.
• The decision to have the procedure should be the patient’s, no one else’s.
• Surgery to change the appearance of the nose may also offer the opportunity to correct other physical problem, such as breathing difficulties caused by the shape of airways.
About the procedure
Depending on the shape desired, incisions will be made either on the inside or outside of the nose or both. Small amounts of tissue may be removed or repositioned. The doctor may also reposition or remove small parts of bone or cartilage to achieve the agreed upon shape.
