Introduction

Corrective nasal surgery, often referred to as a nose job is a procedure performed worldwide. Not only is it a popular means of improving one’s appearance, but it also tackles a number of physiological issues. Deformities in the nasal structure may hinder a person’s ability to breathe comfortably – this and other factors contribute to one’s decision to undertake this surgery. In this essay, the reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty, as well as the course of the surgery and post-operative outcomes will be discussed.

Reasons for Undergoing the Procedure

Some people choose to have nasal surgery to improve the harmony of one’s facial features in their perception. For people who have trouble breathing due to a deviated septum or any other reason, the procedure may be particularly bothersome. The nasal deformity may also be the outcome of an injury or previous surgeries. It may also be the case that a person wishes to conform to a particular standard of beauty. There are also cases when a person’s nose is malformed from birth. Social pressure is also a factor influencing people to undertake this procedure, although it is not as prevalent as one may think. All of the abovementioned reasons for rhinoplasty may have different impacts on one’s psyche and influence the motivation for the surgery.

Some people wish to achieve facial harmony. For them, bumps or irregularities on the bridge or the tip of the nose are an annoyance provoking self-consciousness each time they pass by a mirror. Subtle adjustments during the procedure allow the surgeon to make sure that the final appearance corresponds to the patient’s vision. After a certain period of time has passed since the surgery, it becomes easier for a person to look at themselves in a mirror without concealed dissatisfaction.

A person may have been born with anatomical irregularities in the nasal region affecting not only the appearance but breath as well. These irregularities may present with a deviated septum or uneven nasal walls. Surgery to correct the shape of the nose as well as the appearance of the upper lip may improve the situation in both aesthetic and physiological terms. The correction of the nasal structure may also lead to positive changes in the breathing pattern after the surgery.

After an injury, the nasal region may swell considerably. If the nasal septum is displaced due to the injury, the appearance of the nose may change considerably as well. Due to the importance of the nasal region for the breathing process, such an injury may require surgical intervention as well. Although the shape of the nose is of particular importance to some people, the alteration of the breathing pattern due to nasal trauma is of particular importance for most individuals. The restructuring of the nasal region requires time to heal and adapt to the new conditions, yet the positive results of the surgery can be noticed once the swelling subsides several weeks after the procedure.

Some people are unable to breathe freely due to anatomical irregularities in the nasal region. Due to the displacement of some of the nasal structures or the tissues surrounding the nasal cavity, breathing may be impaired due to insufficient air flow. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the irregularities in question. In some cases, a combined approach tackling both the aesthetic and physiological aspects of the irregularities may be required. Such procedures may involve reshaping the nasal septum and reducing the volume of specific tissues in order to reduce the swelling and allow for a free air passage. The restructuring of the nasal region may remain unnoticed following the procedure, although most cosmetic irregularities are resolved during the surgery.

The reasons for undergoing nasal surgery can vary from person to person. While some are more concerned with achieving facial harmony, others put greater emphasis on the physiological aspects of the procedure. Some people have a strong desire to improve the appearance of their nose, while others are particularly concerned with the ability to breathe comfortably. Following the procedure, individuals may notice several positive changes in the appearance and the functionality of their nasal region.

The Procedure

There are two approaches to rhinoplasty – open and closed. The choice between the two is made depending on the complexity of the case, as well as the personal experience of the surgeon and their preferred technique. Prior to the surgery itself, a number of preparations are made, including a detailed discussion of the desired outcome, an assessment of the individual’s current health status, and a number of other measures. During the surgery, precision is of particular importance, just as during the pre-surgical preparations.

The location of the incisions made during the procedure is hidden within the nasal region, and may only be visible during the healing process. Although they require great precision, the method allows the surgeon to access the nasal region without damaging the external structures of the nose. Incisions are also necessary for the reshaping of the nasal region – their location will determine the final outcome of the procedure. The delicate tissues of the nose are lifted to reach the underlying tissues and structures, allowing for their reshaping. As a result of the surgical intervention, the patient obtains a nasal region featuring external dimensions and characteristics that differ from the original ones.

Most commonly, an open approach to rhinoplasty involves an incision on the lower part of the nose – the columella. Due to the location of the incision, the visibility and access to the nasal region is increased – although a minor scar will be visible on the lower part of the nose following the procedure. At the same time, greater precision and access to detail are necessary in some complex cases. Greater precision and control are required when the anatomical irregularities that dictate the course of the surgery are particularly intricate. Following the procedure, the healing process occurs, and the final result of the surgery becomes apparent – in most cases, it corresponds to the desired outcome.

Following the administration of anesthesia, the reshaping of the nasal region is performed to achieve the desired result. Depending on how severe the discomfort following the incision is, as well as the patient’s tolerance for the anesthesia, local anesthetics or a general anesthetic prior to the surgery may be introduced. Once the desired result is achieved, the incisions are closed, taking into account the desired changes in both the external dimensions and the internal structures of the nose.

Outcomes of the Surgery

Following nasal surgery, most patients are satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. A large number of them notice that their facial harmony has improved. The final result of the surgery rarely differs significantly from the desired outcome – most people obtain a nasal region that is more harmonious than before. The swelling following the procedure gradually subsides, unveiling minor details of the new nasal region. Some people notice that the ability to breathe freely has also been improved following the procedure. Although there are variations between individuals, most are satisfied with the final result of the surgery.

The majority of people who undertake rhinoplasty are particularly pleased with the changes in the bridge of their nose. Due to the removal of bumps, it obtains a more harmonious shape, and its width corresponds better to the shape of the rest of the face. The reshaping of the tip of the nose allows for additional improvements in facial harmony. Symmetry is yet another quality that benefits from the surgical intervention – the nostrils narrow to improve the overall harmony. Although they remain aesthetically pleasing, these changes ensure that the face is symmetrical and harmonious.

Following nasal surgery, most individuals experience greater self-confidence and an improved ability to cope with day-to-day challenges. The enhanced image they obtain following the procedure positively impacts their ability to communicate with other people.

The structural abnormalities which can be resolved during nasal surgery also have a positive impact on a person’s ability to breathe comfortably. Adjustments to the walls of the nasal cavity or the nasal septum eliminate the blockage of the air passage, thus improving the air flow during inhalation. After the resolution of anatomical irregularities, a person’s ability to breathe freely is improved – this benefit is especially noticeable during the nighttime hours. A person who was previously troubled by irregularities in the nasal region now experiences greater comfort while sleeping – this has a positive effect on their quality of life. Obstructive irregularities in the nasal region which prevent adequate breathing during sleep are resolved during the surgery – the new arrangement allows for the unrestricted passage of air. The resolution of these irregularities brings not only visual improvements, but also physiological comfort, which positively affects an individual’s quality of life. Although the outcomes of the procedure vary between individuals, these changes are usually long-lasting, and can be permanent in certain cases.

All changes begin with respect – changes which correspond to the patient’s desired outcome. An individual obtains a harmonious shape of the nose which seamlessly blends into the face without disrupting its other features. Minor alterations which improve the appearance of the nose are introduced individually to achieve natural results. The culture of the individual remains apparent in their facial features and mannerisms – although certain undesirable qualities are resolved, facial harmony is preserved. The outcome of the surgery corresponds to the natural appearance of a person, and does not hide under the alterations imposed by the procedure.