Non-Cosmetic Reasons to Consider Rhinoplasty

Colloquially called a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure. It’s performed to change the shape or structure of your nose, repair damaged tissues, improve facial symmetry, and/or correct structures that impair breathing. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty is the most common facial surgery, with over 220,000 procedures performed yearly.

At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dustin Heringer performs rhinoplasties for his patients in Scottsdale, Peoria, and Phoenix, Arizona. His goal is to achieve the most natural-looking results using conservative treatment methods.

While many of the procedures he performs are for cosmetic reasons, rhinoplasty really shines in the medical area. Here, Dr. Heringer explains the non-cosmetic reasons you should consider rhinoplasty.

Non-cosmetic reasons for rhinoplasty

Here are some non-cosmetic reasons for which Dr. Heringer may recommend a rhinoplasty.

Breathing issues

If you’ve developed a nasal obstruction that prevents you from breathing –– or breathing well –– through your nose, you may experience medical complications ranging from difficulty exercising to obstructive sleep apnea. A rhinoplasty can correct the problem, and Dr. Heringer tailors his approach to the specific obstruction.

If you’ve developed polyps (soft, fleshy growths) in the nasal passages, he removes them. If you have a deviated septum –– the cartilage that splits the right and left nostrils is bent –– he performs a septoplasty as part of a rhinoplasty; it straightens the tissue, correcting the problem. If your deviation is too severe, or if it interferes with nasal support, the doctor uses cartilage grafts strategically placed during a rhinoplasty to alter your nose’s shape and improve breathing.

Cleft lip and cleft palate

Dr. Heringer also has extensive experience using rhinoplasty to fix a cleft lip and palate. A cleft lip/palate is a common congenital disability that affects about 1 in 1,600 babies in the US. During development, the facial tissue fails to close completely, forming a split in the mouth’s upper lip and soft palate that sometimes extends up to the nose. The rhinoplasty becomes part of a more extensive procedure to reconstruct the child’s features and solves both functional and cosmetic problems.

Broken nose

Broken noses are common, often resulting from car accidents and fist fights. While the break may not be cosmetically appealing, it can also be a medical issue. It may lead to chronic breathing problems and sinus infections and cause you to lose your sense of smell. Rhinoplasty restores the nose’s normal position and shape, while at the same time opening blocked airways and allowing for proper drainage from both the nose and sinuses.

If you’re having difficulty breathing through your nose or sustained a facial injury that includes the nose, a non-cosmetic rhinoplasty may be right for you. To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Heringer, give us a call at any of our locations, or book online with us today.