Nose Reshaping Sways from Cookie Cutter Method

When a nose is beautiful, it fits harmoniously with the other features of the face. It dosn't jump out at you; in fact, other features, such as the eyes or lips draw the eye more. There are many different noses as there are faces. Ethnicity and facial symmetry come into play. And, unlike decades ago, when most patients and plastic surgeons took a cookie-cutter approach to nose reshaping and one could spot a nose job at a party, today's perfect look is as varied as the face it is on.

"In our competitive business and active social environments, noses tend to be a great source of frustration. When the nose dosn't fit the face, one often feels self-concious, losing self-confidence. These people can often solve their image problems with rhinoplasty," says plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Jonathan R. Berman.

Nose reshaping surgery or rhinoplasty, is among the most commonly requested procedures for men and women from their teens through their 50's. Men undergo nose reshaping more than any other cosmetic procedure, according to statistics prepared by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Qualified surgeons can reshape the nose if it is too big, too small, has a noticeable hump in the bridge, is hooked, has a bulbous tip, or too narrow or wide a span between the eyes. Noses that are at an odd angle between the eyes and upper lip, or are too narrow or wide at the nostrils, can also be corrected through surgery.

"The most important results of today's nose surgery is that the surgeon achieves a look that is natural and elegant, rather than exotic. In no way should the nose look 'done.' Instead, the key is to choose appropriate techniques to augment the strengths of the patient's facial features and diminish its weaknesses," says Berman.

Berman, who is also a board certified otolaryngologist, says that the surgery may also relieve some breathing problems and, therefore, be covered at least in part by insurance.

The outpatient procedure, performed with either general or local anesthetic, involves making an incision inside the nostrils. The surgeon reshapes by cutting, trimming or manipulating the cartilage and bone through the nasal incision. The procedure takes about 90 minutes, and patients go home with nasal packing, which the doctor removes in about two days, as well as a nasal splint, which comes off in about seven days.

"Patients experience little pain and swelling, and can go back to normal activities in about 10 days. Since the surgery is done from inside the nose, there are no visible scars," says Berman. According to Berman, unhappiness about one's nose usually begins early in life. Nose reshaping, however, should not be attempted until one is 16 or 17 years old. Other cosmetic procedures, such as cheek or chin implants, can be done in conjunction with rhinoplasty to enhance the results.