The “Nose Job”
Background
Your nose is obviously a significant feature of one’s facial appearance, as it is the most prominent structure and central on the face. So if you feel your nose is too large, angulated, your nasal tip is not proportional to the rest of your nose, or a number of other possible concerns, then you may have considered a “nose job.”
- A nose that is too large or wide
- A nose that is crooked, bent, or has a bump in the nasal bridge
- Protruding or pinched nostrils
- Protruding or enlarged nasal tip
- A nose that is unbalanced with the rest of one’s facial features
- A nose that does not fit with one’s current gender identity
Patients can also have breathing problems due to previous trauma, allergies, deviation of the septum, or several other causes. So a nose job can both enhances the aesthetic appearance of the nose, but also can correct functional problems. This means that a nose job can be an aesthetic or reconstructive procedure, or often both. This can help you achieve an attractive nose that adds symmetry, beauty, and harmony with the other features of your face. Surgery of the nose is also known as rhinoplasty, a term made from the Greek word “rhinos,” meaning “nose,” and “plastikos,” meaning “to shape.” Rhinoplasty is usually performed by a surgeon with advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Kristopher Day, MD, completed both plastic surgery training as well as advanced training in craniofacial surgery, making him especially adept at rhinoplasty procedures for both cosmetic and nasal breathing reasons.
Rhinoplasty
The nose can be thought of in parts, with the upper third made of bone, the middle third made of “upper” cartilages, and the lower third made of “lower” cartilages. The deep central portion of the nose is the septum, which is also composed of cartilage. A nose job involves the surgical manipulation of these nasal bones and cartilages. We often even harvest a small piece of the patient`s own cartilage or bone and use it to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Alternatively, cartilage from the ear or rib may be used. Such management of this anatomy can then help you breathe better, improve your self-confidence and overall quality of life, especially if you’re currently bothered by the size, shape, and appearance of your nose. Of note, other surgeons may use synthetic materials, but these are often associated with long-term complications such as infection, migration or extrusion, so Dr. Day does not generally use these materials.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure that straightens the nasal septum, the midline structure that separates the two nasal cavities, or nostrils. Turbinates normally help clean and humidify the air as it moves through the nose to the lungs, but when they are abnormally large they can block nasal passages. Turbinate reduction surgery decreases the size of the turbinates, which are structures that can block the nasal passages.
Surgery
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and commonly takes from 2-5 hours. Patients should be in decent health, have their medical conditions treated, be non-smokers, and have any relevant allergies previously treated. Rhinoplasty is more commonly performed in a surgical center but can also be performed in a hospital. At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery we perform nose surgery for men and women in the Seattle and Bellevue area at both our surgical center and area hospitals. The results of your nose job will depend on the specific goals of the procedure. However, most patients treated with a nose job often enjoy a more attractive nose, improved facial balance and symmetry, a nose in harmony with other facial features, and better nasal breathing.
Reach Out to Us
If you’re interested in a rhinoplasty surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue, we encourage you to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Dr. Day is a highly rated, board-certified plastic surgeon in Bellevue and can design a customized surgical plan for your specific needs and goals. We will help you determine whether you’re a good candidate and educate you on any questions you have about your procedure. Call for a consultation today!
