Nasal Surgery: Fixing Form and Function

Each year, thousands of people have nasal surgery. They choose surgery for a variety of reasons, such as to improve the shape of their nose, relieve breathing problems, correct a birth or injury deformity, or support an aging, drooping nose.

These reasons often combine to support the decision to consult a specialist in nasal function as well as cosmetic surgery. This will ensure that efficient breathing is as high a priority as appearance.
What Should I Know about Nasal Surgery?

Cosmetic—Plastic surgery for the nose (called rhinoplasty) has to do with the shape of the nose and how it balances with other features of the face. Because the nose is the most noticeable facial feature, even a slight change can improve appearance. Before surgery, it is very important that the patient have a clear, realistic understanding of what change is possible as well as the limits and risks of the procedure.

Rhinoplasty is an individualized surgery that involves a consultation with a surgeon to discuss the patient’s desired appearance of the nose and a breathing assessment. The patient and his or her surgeon should consider skin type, ethnic background, and age when discussing cosmetic nose surgery. The surgeon will also describe risk factors, which are generally minor, as well as where the surgery will take place—in a hospital, outpatient surgical center, or a certified office operating room. Except in cases of significant breathing impairment or to correct a deformity or injury, young patients generally should not have work on their nose until their facial bones are fully developed, at 15- or 16-years-old.