Up and center, the nose is one of the most prominent features of the body and the most important one too. To be unhappy with the appearance of the nose or to be suffering from issues like snoring and blocked airways is a very disturbing and discouraging reality.
Facial cosmetic surgery for the nose, or rhinoplasty or the nose job, is a life-changing procedure for many that offers an opportunity to change the shape, size, and balance of the nose to make it more in sync with other facial features. This greatly helps in getting a more attractive look, and improved self-esteem comes as a bonus.
With the use of advanced rhinoplasty techniques, renowned rhinoplasty surgeons are helping lakhs of people worldwide get the most aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound results possible with the procedure. However, there is no one technique, shape, or size that fits all, and this makes rhinoplasty one of the most complex surgeries of all time. Determining the beautiful nose shape and which nose job will suit you remains topmost in rhinoplasty consultation.
Do I need a nose job?
The nose is a complex organ, and the decision to undergo nose reshaping surgery needs deliberate consideration. For many, this decision stems from a lifetime of dissatisfaction with the appearance or function of the nose and its impact on their daily lives.
Before you set about designing a beautiful nose shape for yourself, understanding the nasal anatomy is important. It acts as the cornerstone of good rhinoplasty. Even a slight change in the anatomy can greatly modify the facial shape.
The external nose consists of
- Nasal Bones And Cartilage: These form the upper third part of the nose. The bony pyramid of the nose has auricular cartilage attached to it. The cartilages attach to the septum at an angle of 10–15 degrees, which is essential to maintaining the airflow. The shape and size of the cartilage determine the shape and size of the nasal tip, and they frame the nasal valves. The upper part of the nose, which has the bones, is the focus of changes to correct the dorsal hump or bump on the nose and to reduce the wide nose. The aim of the surgeon will be to match the angle between the top of the nose and forehead with the nasal bones without overdoing it.
- Muscles: The importance of muscles is often overlooked, but it is important that their integrity is maintained in order to keep the airway open.
- Skin And Soft Tissues: the tissues in the middle zone of the nose are the thinnest, then comes the upper nose part, and then the lower third is the thickest. The thickness of skin and tissues plays an important role in rhinoplasty planning. For people who have thin skin, even the smallest rhinoplasty change can be very noticeable. Patients with thick skin and tissues need a more aggressive rhinoplasty approach to make changes visible. Unlike other plastic surgeries, the skin is not trimmed in rhinoplasty procedures. The cartilage, bone, and tissues are worked on, and the skin is left as it is. Over time, the skin slowly heals, contracts, takes on a new shape, smooths, and tightens itself. It takes about a few weeks to fully heal. Hence the stress on giving ample time to recovery post-nose surgery.
- The Tip Of The Nose: this is also mainly formed of the cartilage and often plays a major role in defining the shape and projection of the nose as a hole. You can decide whether you want a tip change or not, depending on your expectations with the rhinoplasty. As a rule, the tip line should be equal to the height of the profile line from the side view. Some common rhinoplasty changes for the tip or the tip plasty include: changing the tip projection using grafts and cartilages; reducing the over-projection of the tip; reducing the boxing tip; and making the tip symmetrical.
The internal parts of the nose include
- Septum: This is a part of the cartilage and is located in the midline of the nasal cavity. Its main function is to act as a separator between two nostrils and provide support to the nose. Cosmetically, its shape and size are important in determining the nasal septum projection. The septum helps maintain the airway. Since the septum is cartilaginous and thick, it is also used as a first choice for cartilage harvesting in rhinoplasty.
- Turbinates: These are small bony outgrowths that are covered by the nasal mucosa. Their function is to warm and humidify the air and prevent particles from entering the nose. The turbinates contract and expand to control the airflow. In cases of septal deviations or allergies, the turbinates can swell and cause difficulty breathing.
- Vascular Network: The blood supply to the nose is controlled by profuse arteries.
Most functional issues with the nose are caused by obstruction of nasal breathing. Hinderance in breathing can cause discomfort in sleeping, exercising, and your overall health. Whatever nose shape you choose, your skilled surgeon will make sure that it is done in such a way that breathing problems do not occur now or in the future.
The decision to undergo nose reshaping surgery or rhinoplasty is a personal one. The most common reasons that patients seek the help of a rhinoplasty surgeon are
- Size of the nose
- Shape of the nose
- Dorsal hump
- Convex shape of the nose bridge
- Wide nose bridge
- Crooked or asymmetrical nose
- Boxy nose tip
- Droop or upturned nose tip
- Deviated septum
- Difficulty breathing
- Snoring
Types of Rhinoplasties
Top rhinoplasty surgeons are experts in different types of rhinoplasties and use one or a combination of them to make sure you get the beautiful nose shape that you desire. The common types of nose reshaping surgeries include
- Open rhinoplasty
- Closed rhinoplasty
- Ethnic rhinoplasty
- Tip plasty
- Septoplasty
- Liquid rhinoplasty
Five Tips For Selecting A Beautiful Nose Shape For You
Once you have decided to get a rhinoplasty (either temporary or permanent), it is important to know the nose shape that will work for you. So, the question arises: how can you figure out the answer to this all-important question? Here are some tips to help you with it:
- Look Around For Ideas: Maybe there is a celebrity nose shape you like, or there is a specific concern that needs fixing. Find your inspiration by looking for the type of nose shape that you would love. Save the pictures and take them with you when you go to consult your surgeon. Effective communication with your surgeon is key. Be open and honest about your goals, concerns, and expectations. A skilled surgeon will listen to your desires and provide a realistic assessment of what can be achieved.
- Assess the before and after photos. Start by searching for before and after photos of people who have similar face shapes like yours. This will give you an idea of the difference that the nose job will make in your life. It also gives you information about the different types of options for rhinoplasty.
- Consult a Board-Certified Surgeon: If you’re considering a nose job (rhinoplasty) to change the appearance of your nose, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon. They can assess your facial features, discuss your goals, and provide expert guidance on what changes can be made to enhance your nose’s appearance.
- Ask To Preview Your Nose: All top rhinoplasty surgeons have access to the latest 3D imaging software that can give you a fair idea of how your nose will look after surgery. Your surgeon will mark the areas that will be changed and how they will bring out the other facial features.
- Understand the Procedure: If you decide to undergo rhinoplasty, educate yourself about the procedure, including its risks and benefits. Knowing what to expect during recovery and understanding the potential outcomes is crucial for a successful experience.
The surgeon will plan the surgery after examining the structure of the nose and the skin characteristics, and then advise you on the changes that can be made. The results of rhinoplasty take some time to appear. In three to four weeks after the surgery. You have to be careful with recovery. Over the months following rhinoplasty, your nose will feel more natural, softer, and slender.