Understanding The Different Types of Rhinoplasty & Which May Be Best For You
The road to outer beauty and confidence can be a long journey. A rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgeries people get, also known as a nose job or nose reshaping. Below, we’ll discuss all the different types of rhinoplasties so you can feel confident about enhancing your natural beauty with a procedure that will significantly enhance your looks — in just a small amount of time.
Types of Rhinoplasty
The right rhinoplasty procedure depends on your goals, your ethnicity, and more. We’ll dive into each type so you can learn more about what to expect.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
A cosmetic rhinoplasty is one of the most common types, and it is typically done for aesthetic purposes. If you don’t love your natural nose shape and it’s affecting your life in some way, a cosmetic rhinoplasty will help smooth out bumps, reshape large noses, and fix anything that bothers you about your nose.
This surgical procedure is performed under anesthesia where a plastic surgeon will make incisions inside the nose or outside the nose to modify the underlying bone and cartilage to achieve your desired shape. The result? You wake up to a more refined nose, whether the changes are big or small. This can enhance your beauty, confidence, and even make you excel in your profession. However, it is an invasive procedure, meaning it takes down time after the surgery to recover, and complications could arise. The best thing to do is to find a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon that comes highly recommended to ensure the process is seamless.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Also known as septoplasty, functional rhinoplasties address breathing problems that come from structural abnormalities in your nose. This could include a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates. This surgery helps restore normal airflow by reshaping the bones and cartilage of your nose so you can breathe better and address snoring or congestion issues.
There are many benefits of functional rhinoplasties, including:
- Better breathing
- Improved sleep
- Reduced snoring
- Less frequent sinus infections
- Increased athletic performance
- Better-looking nose
The downside of this type of rhinoplasty is that it is an invasive procedure, which requires downtime to recover afterward, and it could be costly.
Revision Rhinoplasty
This rhinoplasty surgery was created to correct previous rhinoplasty surgeries that did not go well for a number of reasons: if you started experiencing breathing issues after your initial surgery, do not like the look of your new nose, your nose turned out asymmetrical, or if excessive scar tissue has formed.
Revision rhinoplasties are often more complex than first-time nose jobs as they often involve more scar tissue. That’s why it’s incredibly important to find an excellent plastic surgeon you trust, as there is an increased risk for more complications. However, the pros outweigh the cons.
Comparing Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Now that you’ve discovered the various types of rhinoplasties, there are two ways the surgery is administered: a closed rhinoplasty and an open rhinoplasty.
Open Rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella, the small strip of tissue that’s found between the nostrils (the nasal septum). This allows the surgeon to lift the nasal tip so they have a clear view of the underlying bone and cartilage, allowing for more viewing access when performing their work. This method is used for more complex procedures or if there are significant changes involved to the nose shape. This is also done when performing a revision rhinoplasty.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty is a slightly less invasive cosmetic procedure where incisions are made entirely in the nostrils. While this offers less scarring, it also comes with less visibility for the surgeon. Closed rhinoplasties are great for minor adjustments to the nose shape or nasal tip refinement.
It’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon about which method may be right for you and to know that many surgeons combine the two. This offers benefits from both techniques, and can minimize scarring in appropriate places, while expanding the view for surgeons to address problem areas. Both the open and closed technique offer pros and cons, and it’s best to consult with a trusted plastic surgeon to explore your options.
Deciding on the Best Type for Your Needs
If you’re ready to explore different nasal structures and fix any deformities, asymmetry issues, breathing problems, or bump issues when it comes to your nose, it’s time to seek out a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon that comes highly recommended. The process a plastic surgeon will take you through involves an initial consultation to discuss your medical history, a physical exam, a discussion of any past surgeries, the purpose of your desire for cosmetic surgery, as well as assuring you have the downtime needed to recover. A trusted plastic surgeon will gladly answer any questions you may have, walk you through the process, and address any concerns.
How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help
Our board-certified surgeon is here to answer any questions you have and to help you achieve your goals to feel more confident and healthy when it comes to your nose and face. Reach out and schedule a consultation today to discuss your rhinoplasty goals. We’d love to have you here to take a tour of our beautiful facility in Merritt Island, FL.