Who Can Benefit From a Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty or nose job is a surgical procedure that can change the appearance or structure of either or both the outside or inside of the nose.  As a rhinoplasty expert in Charlotte, there are many reasons why patients choose to undergo a rhinoplasty.  Generally speaking, there are 2 general categories that patients benefit  when undergoing a rhinoplasty:

1.  Improve Function of the Nose
2.  Improve the Appearance of the Nose

Functions of the Nose

The nose has many functions that include:

1. Smell
2. Cleaning Air
3. Humidifying Air
4. Breathing

The responsibility of the sensation of smell is by a series of small nerves that are located in the most superior aspect of the nose.  The nerve is called the olfactory nerve and the olfactory bulb is the out pocketing of the nerve in the nose.  As air passes by the olfactory bulb, it senses different molecules that stimulate the sense of smell.  A rhinoplasty should have limited to no effect on the sense of smell.  The most common cause of a decreased sensation of smell is chronic sinusitis.

The air we breathe in through our nose is composed of particles and debris.  The nose is responsible for cleaning the air before it reaches the lungs.  The hair and mucous in the nose, captures most of the debris inside of our noses.  Rhinoplasty surgery should have a limited to no effect on the ability of the nose to clear the air we breathe.

The nose has an incredible ability to humidify air as it travels through the nose.  The air traveling through the nose reaches 100% humidity as it passes through the nose.  If air is not humidified it can cause a dry or scratchy throat.  Nasal surgery should have no effect on the ability of the nose to humidify air.

We have 2 passageways to breathe air, the nose and mouth.  I believe the function of breathing through the nose is rather obvious.  Patients that have breathing difficulty through their nose may be great candidates for a rhinoplasty.

Benefit #1 of Rhinoplasty—Improved Breathing Through the Nose

There are many causes of impaired breathing through the nose.  If the main reason for impaired breathing is secondary to a small nasal passageway, then a rhinoplasty is the recommended procedure to open the nasal airway.  The nasal airway can be narrowed by:

1. Deviated septum
2. Septal spurs
3. Enlarged Turbinates
4. Narrowed nasal valve

During an evaluation, a rhinoplasty expert can identify the narrowing of the nasal passageway and the recommended treatment.

Benefit #2 of a Rhinoplasty—Improved Appearance

A beautiful nose is one that blends in with the face.  The beautiful features of the face are the eyes, smile, and skin.  If there is an aspect of the nose that does not “fit” the face, then it can draw attention away from the other beautiful features.  The goal of a rhinoplasty is to improve these areas that are drawing attention to the nose.  In viewing the nose in the mirror, the rhinoplasty should not change the character of the face and should create a nose that the patient could have been born with.

Benefit #3 of a Rhinoplasty—Improve Confidence and Self Esteem

There have been numerous studies that have shown that patients that have undergone successful rhinoplasty procedures have experienced improved confidence and self-esteem.  This can be life changing to individuals that have been teased about the appearance of their nose.  These patients benefit from improving a facial feature that they may be self-conscious about.

There are numerous benefits to undergoing a rhinoplasty.  The goal of a rhinoplasty is to improve the function and/or appearance of the nose.  There is a relationship between the form and function of the nose.  As a rhinoplasty expert in Charlotte, I have to balance these 2 issues to give my patients the best possible outcome.  If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a rhinoplasty, please call our office at (704) 842-3644 or fill out the online contact form.