In 2015, more than 217,000 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in the United States, according to one study. That ranks rhinoplasty as the third most common plastic surgery procedure, following breast augmentation and liposuction.
This procedure has become extremely common because it provides a comprehensive solution for a variety of conditions and challenges. Every patient is unique, but most rhinoplasties are performed for one of the following three reasons.
1. Rhinoplasty Can Improve the Appearance
Many of our patients, both men and women, are unhappy with their appearances. The nose is the centerpiece of the face, and rhinoplasty can reshape it and bring it into proportion with the rest of the facial features.
This helps to improve the overall appearance, but the power of rhinoplasty also contributes to psychological health. A beautifully shaped nose improves self-esteem, so patients gain confidence in both their social and professional lives.
Some common complaints involve a bump on the bridge of the nose, nostrils that are too wide and a nasal bridge that is too long or too short. All of these issues — and many others — can be corrected with rhinoplasty. For your best chance at beautiful results, choose a surgeon who is not only technically qualified, but has the artistic ability to give you a nose that suits your face.
2. Rhinoplasty Can Correct Breathing Difficulties
Did you know that 8 out of 10 people have deviated septums? Or, to put it another way, only 20 percent of the population’s nasal cartilage is positioned properly. For everyone else, these tissues are misaligned or damaged to some degree.
Not everyone has problems with their deviated septum. But in many cases, airflow is impeded through one nostril, resulting in breathing difficulties, especially during vigorous exercise and sleeping. The condition may also lead to repeated bouts of chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections.
A type of rhinoplasty known as septoplasty is highly effective for straightening the nasal septum to promote easier breathing.
3. Rhinoplasty Can Restore a Damaged Nose
For some patients, nose damage is congenital, or present at birth.
Rhinoplasty can be used to correct a variety of nasal and facial deformities. Changes occur in the nose as we age, however, so it can be challenging to perform this type of surgery on a child or adolescent. Experts caution that surgery before age 16 should only be performed after careful consideration. However, when a younger patient requires rhinoplasty, an experienced facial plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge of nasal anatomy can successfully correct the congenital damage.
More often, damage to the nasal structures occurs in the form of trauma. Patients may be punched in the nose, for example, or hit their nose on the steering wheel in a car accident. Since the nose is most prominent on the face, it commonly suffers more damage.
Rhinoplasty can be used to shift the bones and nasal cartilage back into the proper location and alignment.
Dr. Mobley and the professional team of Mobley MD Utah Facial Plastic Surgeon have extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty procedures, completing 40 percent more of these than the average facial plastic surgeon. They have the artistic ability to shape the nose for beauty and function.
Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a professional consultation. We look forward to helping you learn more about how you may benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure.