Rhinoplasty: The Popular Techniques

Rhinoplasty is a changing science, as with any other form of cosmetic surgery, constantly being honed and refined by top surgeons and medical professionals. The procedure is used not only to correct problems with the nose that can interfere with proper functioning such as breathing and excessive snoring, it is always used by patients who simply want to look better. Today, there are several different types of nose jobs, with each of them being used according to the surgeon’s preference, according to the goals of the procedure, and according to the patient’s expectations.

One of the most common types is the closed rhinoplasty. In this variation, the surgeon may choose to perform the surgery under either general or local anesthesia, giving it to the patient through an IV system. Once the patient is numb (or under), they will then make their incisions just inside the nostrils, making the scars invisible to a third party once they have healed up. How the surgery proceeds from there depends on the goals of the outcome. If, for instance, the surgeon is aiming to correct a breathing problem, they will use this opening to manipulate the soft tissues within. For advanced cartilage and bone work, they will use tools to reshape this in an effort to bring about a more aesthetic result.

Contrary to the closed version, the open rhinoplasty involves making the incision directly across the skin between the two nostrils. Making the cut here allows the surgeon to peel back the skin and get a much better view of his working conditions. This allows for greater precision. Surgeons who are not as skilled will choose this method to give them the best chance at success. Although the scar from the open version is visible in the immediate future, it will typically heal to the point that it is barely noticeable.

As with many other forms of cosmetic surgery, the trend in the field of rhinoplasty is heading in a more natural direction. The nose jobs of the 70s, for instance, would be the basis for a malpractice suit in today’s day and age in many cases. Patients seldom want to “look” like they had anything done, a way of thinking that holds true for nose jobs, breast implants, facelifts, and more. It is the surgeon’s job to refine his skill to the point where he can do work that makes a dramatic difference, yet would be undetectable by a stranger (unless they happened to be a plastic surgeon themselves).