Rhinoplasty Surgery -- a Highly Skilled Procedure

A rhinoplasty is a medical term used to describe the plastic surgery commonly known as a nose job. With this procedure, the plastic surgeon uses a number of techniques to shape the nose to bring about the patient;s desired look. Although it is popularly known as a cosmetic surgery, it was first introduced to patients as a reconstructive plastic surgery. The nose is a delicate organ, and as a result, the margin of error for this surgery is much smaller than with other procedures. Finding a skilled surgeon is crucial, since statistics show that almost 20 percent of patients must undergo a second procedure in order to achieve their desired look.

Rhinoplasty surgery has been around since 500 B.C. when the Indian physician Sushra, wrote about different surgical technique to reconstruct the nose. Once such technique involved using skin flaps from the forehead. In fact, this technique, known as skin grafting, is still used today on patients seeking the procedure for reconstructive reasons. Another technique known was the “closed” incision. This technique is precise in that it involves making incisions within the nasal cavity, without making an incision in the fleshy exterior of the nasal septum.

This technique is also used today, along with the “open” incision, which was introduced in the 20th century by the pioneering plastic surgeon Dr. Jacques Joseph. A number of these techniques, including the “closed” incision are still used today. With this technique, the surgeon makes in an incision in the nasal septum to perform the plastic surgery procedure. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages over one another. For instance, the closed incision is less traumatic to the nasal cavity, which instinctively reduces recovery time and scarring. However, the “open” procedure allows the surgeon to look directly into the nasal cavity, which helps to reduce errors and the need for additional surgery.

Although the rhinoplasty surgery is popular as a cosmetic procedure, many patients have found benefits from reconstructive surgery. A fractured nose can close off the nasal passages, making it more difficult to breath. A rhinoplasty can correct this problem by either widening the nasal passage or removing obstructions.

The nose is a delicate organ that requires an artistic approach to correct a deformity, or create a different shape. Furthermore, many patients will find the need for additional surgery, especially if the first surgery did not fully correct the existing issue. Needless to say, a rhinoplasty surgeon should be highly skilled and focused.