Our nose is one of the most commonly cited aspects of our appearance that we would most like to change, and thanks to rhinoplasty, it is now possible to do just that. A great cosmetic surgeon can take shape, size and overall look of our natural nose and turn it into a feature that we can be proud of. However, rhinoplasty isn’t just a cosmetic procedure. In some patients it is also able to improve respiratory function, enabling them to breathe more easily.

As such, rhinoplasty tends to fall into different types, and which is right for you will depend on exactly what issues you need addressed. 
 

Cosmetic rhinoplasty

This refers to rhinoplasty that is carried out with the intention of making cosmetic improvements to the patient’s nose. There are a variety of ways in which this can happen, including:

-         Making the nose smaller

-         Making the nose bigger

-         Smoothing a bump on the bridge of the nose

-         Altering the tip of the nose

-         Straightening a crooked nose

-         Correcting a deviated septum

-         Correcting enlarged turbinates

Exactly what will happen in your cosmetic rhinoplasty will depend on the main parts of the appearance of your nose that you would most like to change. This will be discussed with you during your consultation. In many instances, patients choose to address several aspects of their nose in order to achieve a complete transformation of the way that their nose looks.
 

Functional rhinoplasty

As its name suggests, functional rhinoplasty is primarily concerned with addressing how well the nose works as part of our respiratory system. Our nasal passages form one of the main entry and exit points of oxygen entering and carbon dioxide our bodies. If the airway is compromised in any way, the patient may find that their breathing is compromised.

There are a number of reasons why our airway might be compromised. Some people are born with naturally narrow nasal passages, while others might suffer an accident or injury that flattens their nose and restricts the flow of air.

Fortunately, functional rhinoplasty can rebuild the structure of the nose, widening the nasal passages and enabling the patient to experience improved respiratory function. This can reduce snoring, eliminate sleep apnea and enable the patient to enjoy more vigorous physical activity without feeling that their breathing is restricted.
 

Revision rhinoplasty

Unfortunately, rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly repeated of all cosmetic surgeries with around 15% of primary nose jobs needing further attention months or even years down the line. In many cases, this is nothing to do with the previous surgeon’s skill or experience but instead a result of a problem during the healing process, or a subsequent accident or injury.

Revision rhinoplasty can be much more complicated than the initial rhinoplasty procedure since your surgeon will have to work around anything that may have been put in place during the last surgery. This could include skin grafts, scar tissue and even implants. This means that for your procedure to be a success you must find a surgeon with exceptional skill and experience in secondary or revision rhinoplasty.

Whether you are interested in rhinoplasty for functional reasons, cosmetic reasons or both, you will need to attend a consultation appointment with your chosen surgeon to discuss your requirements. By electing a highly skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, you can enjoy a total transformation of the appearance of your nose and breathe easier.

With more than 25 years’ experience, our highly-accredited surgeon, Dr. Alan Matarasso, is considered an authority on many aspects of cosmetic surgery including rhinoplasty procedures. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Matarasso, please telephone our offices.