5 Reasons to Consider a Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is the most common facial plastic surgery in the United States, where 220,000 of these procedures are performed each year. You might consider rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, medical reasons, or a mixture of both. 

Regardless of your motivation, our team is here to help. At Koch Facial Plastic Surgery in San Mateo, California, R. James Koch, MD, offers expert rhinoplasty procedures to improve the contours of your face for a host of reasons. 

Let’s delve into this popular surgery, starting with five reasons behind it.

Why people get a rhinoplasty

Your nose plays an important role in your health by filtering the air you breathe and keeping harmful irritants and germs out of your airways. Your nose also moistens and warms the air you inhale to keep other parts of your respiratory system from drying out. And the nerve cells in your nose allow you to smell, which enables you to perceive flavors in food too.

From an appearance standpoint, your nose may be among the first things others notice about you — especially if it doesn’t quite seem to suit your face or match up with your beauty ideals. It is often said by rhinoplasty surgeons that a nose that “fits” a person’s face, highlights their eyes. Some people choose surgery because they look in the mirror and think, That isn’t my nose.

Whether your nose bothers you from a wellness or aesthetic standpoint, rhinoplasty can help. 

Five specific reasons people opt for a rhinoplasty include:

1. To correct breathing problems
2. To correct an internal nasal deformity, such as a deviated septum
3. To change the size
4. To reshape the tip
5. To adjust the profile

If you have sleep apnea and other treatments haven’t sufficed, you may be a candidate for a septoplasty (straightening of a deviated septum) or rhinoplasty. Addressing narrow nasal passageways through surgery can improve your nighttime breathing, reduce snoring linked with sleep apnea, and stave off potential complications.

What to expect from the rhinoplasty procedure

Before your rhinoplasty begins, you’ll receive an anesthetic to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout.

During your surgery, Dr. Koch makes incisions inside your nose to minimize visible scarring. Using specialized techniques, he adjusts the shape and size of your nose based on your agreed-upon goals and performs any needed repairs. By removing small amounts of bone and cartilage at specific places, he can also improve the overall contours of your nose.

Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Koch uses sutures to close the incisions. You may leave with bandages or splints to keep your nose in place as you heal.

Once your swelling has completely diminished, which may take several weeks, you’ll experience the full effects of your surgery. Following your aftercare instructions from Dr. Koch helps ensure the best possible recovery.

Also be sure to review Dr. Koch’s previous Blog - “Before your rhinoplasty – costs, before & after, liquid nose job vs. surgery” for more information.

To learn more about rhinoplasty or get started with the medical or cosmetic treatment you desire, call 669-279-3663 or book an appointment online today.