Dr Michael Kaplan - Missouri Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, often called a "nose job" in social circles, is a cosmetic surgery that alters and/or improves the function of the human nose. This procedure can be done by a plastic surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, or a otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon). Whether the need for reconstruction is trauma, birth defect, or breathing problems, rhinoplasty can be an effective tool to augment the nose and help make the face more functional, as well as more pleasing in appearance. There are also other reasons/categories of people who seek this surgery, such as people in the entertainment industry, ethnic alterations, and at times revision rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty dates back to 500 BC when Sushruta in India used the method to recreate noses that were amputated as a punishment for crimes. The surgery has developed into one of the most convenient procedures that produces a pleasing outcome to the patient and their quality of life.

Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to a specific trend in the common shape of the nose and bridge. East Asian patients often seek rhinoplasty to narrow their nose and make the bride higher. Patients of African descent commonly desire the narrowing of wide nostrils (called alar base reduction). The tip of the nose can be reconstructed by either taking out or adding cartilage as needed. Revision rhinoplasty is sought when there has been an unsatisfactory outcome from a previous surgery, and this is often called a secondary rhinoplasty. In some cases, a third or fourth surgery has been needed. Reconstructive rhinoplasty restores the shape and function of the nose following trauma, cancer, intra-nasal drug abuse, autoimmune disease, or congenital abnormalities.

Basic procedure for the rhinoplasty begins with an incision inside the nose and a small incision across the base of the nose (both offering minimal scarring), allowing the surgeon to see the size and shape of the cartilage and bones on the inside so that they can be altered. A scalpel is used in cases where a "hump" is being removed, and the bony part is often chiseled away. The remaining bone is filed smooth and the rhinoplasty is finished up, which is one example of various types of nose jobs being met. After every procedure, the nose is dressed and allowed to heal with a secured splint. Usually, a dressing will be removed after one week.