Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Should You Get A Nose Job?

It is impossible to open up a celebrity magazine these days without seeing somebody who has recently had their nose reshaped to improve their looks. In fact some people change their noses as often as they change their hairstyle. But what are the real facts about nose jobs and if you are considering getting one yourself what should you consider before going ahead?

What Exactly Is A Nose Job?
Nose reshaping, or to give it’s proper title, Rhinoplasty, is a procedure that is used for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Doctors may advise having your nose reshaped if you have difficulty breathing through your nose because of an obstruction or if you have had an accident that affects the nose. However, most people choose to have a nose job because they dislike the shape of their nose.

Here is a list of the most common complaints people have about their noses and why they want to reshape it:
• Their nose might appear too wide when viewed face on
• They feel that their nose is too large for their face
• They feel that their profile is out of proportion because of a long nose
• Some people have a distinct bump on the nasal bridge
• They have a crooked nose and want it straightened
• They feel self-conscious because their nostrils are excessively flared
• The tip of their nose droops downwards or is too thick

Age also can affect the shape of the nose. As you get older the nasal support structures of the nose can relax and cause the shape and position of the nose to change its shape. For example it might appear more bulbous and longer with the tip of the nose eventually drooping.

As the procedures become more common and advanced, it allows the cosmetic surgeon a whole range of options to reshape nose rather than being restricted to simply just reducing the size or shortening the tip.

For example, some noses need to lengthened, augmented or narrowed to achieve the best aesthetic results. Nowadays it is possible to have a much more natural look then 10 or 20 years ago when it was really obvious that a person had had their nose reshaped.

What happens if you decide to have your nose reshaped?
Rhinoplasty is normally performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision inside the rim of the nostrils, and in some cases, on the rim of the nose, to reduce the width of the nostrils.

If you are having an open Rhinoplasty procedure, an incision is made at the base of the nose and the soft tissues are separated from the underlying structures. This is so that the cartilage and bone can be reshaped. If you are having your nose reduced in size, the surgeon may fracture the nasal bones and reset into a narrower position to give the appearance of a smaller nose.

On the other hand, if you are having your nose enlarged or built up in certain areas, grafts of cartilage from the nose, ear, rib and in some cases from your hip will be used. Your surgeon will explain what is involved in situations like this. The skin and soft tissues will then re-drape themselves over the reshaped nasal bones.

If you are experienced breathing problems prior to the operation, these will be corrected by reducing the obstructions and removing the airway. Depending on the technique used by the surgeon, a splint may be placed on the bridge of your nose to hold the tissue in place and to protect your nose.