What Are the Different Types of Nasal Cosmetic Surgery?

A nasal cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed on the nose. In general terms, a cosmetic or plastic surgery is intended to correct a perceived facial abnormality. In nasal surgeries, however, surgery may also have the added benefit of treating a structural problem that causes breathing problems. Primary surgeries are known as rhinoplasty, and these procedures may either be classified as open or closed. Additional measures include septoplasties and injections.

Individuals who seek a nasal cosmetic surgery have a number of diverse concerns about nose appearance. Some of the common reasons for nose surgery include removing bumps or spots on the nose, correcting crookedness in the bone structure, or reducing the overall size of the nose. Each type of problem may necessitate a different surgical approach; for example, rhinoplasty nasal cosmetic surgery procedures address a nose’s general size and shape. Practitioners in this arena may perform such techniques as nostril narrowing and reducing or enhancing the space between the nose and nearby parts, such as the lips or the eyes. Specific procedures will often depend on the patient’s individual needs, profile, and medical history.

There are two main types of rhinoplasty surgeries: open and closed. During an open rhinoplasty surgery, small incisions are made on the nostrils and the skin is peeled back to expose cartilage. A closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, takes place when the surgeon does not make cuts on the outer portion of the nose, but rather works solely from inside the nose. While the latter approach is less prone to scarring, it also takes more skill and is only feasible if the amount of work required is minimal. Procedures may be further classified as primary rhinoplasties or secondary rhinoplasties, depending on whether the patient is having a procedure done for the first time or whether he or she is a repeat patient.

Other nasal cosmetic surgery types are more specific and target certain nose areas. The area in the middle of the nose between the nostrils — the septum — is treated in septoplasty procedures, so specialists in this discipline may see patients who have a deviated septum that is out of normal alignment. In addition, individuals with a cleft deformity may be treated through these procedures as well. These conditions result when the area between the nose and the upper lip has abnormal splits that may cause breathing problems as well as cosmetic defects. Further, skin grafts may be used for birthmarks or other abnormal skin conditions around the nose.

Non-surgical nasal procedures are also available, and these typically include various substance removal or injection options. Such procedures occur when the medical professional injects a gel or other substance into the patient’s nose. While substances such as silicone were widely used in the past, a popular 21^st century injection substance is polyacrylamide gel. Botox injections have also become a common means of fighting aging effects and other blemishes on the skin, including the nose. For narrowing of the nose, a surgeon might remove fat padding via liposuction procedures.

These various nasal cosmetic surgery procedures may be performed by general plastic surgeons or by individuals specializing in either the ear, nose, and throat area or the jaw, face, and neck area. Surgeons may also be involved in diagnosis as well as post-operative care. For patients, recovery may be a prolonged process that requires additional treatment measures, like stints.