Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Over 156,000 nose reshaping surgeries were done in the year 2002. Both men and women frequently seek changes in the appearance of their noses. Our nasal specialist,
Dr. David Stoker, is a board certified plastic surgeon who is known for his expertise in nasal surgery.
The nose is a dominant feature of the face and has an important role in determining overall appearance. Modern nasal surgery techniques focus on reshaping undesirable features of the nose while retaining those features that are attractive. These procedures may result in natural-appearing noses that enhance one's facial proportions.
Nose Cosmetic Surgery.
Nose surgery may be divided into two categories, cosmetic and functional. Examples of cosmetic procedures on the nose include reducing a prominent bump on the bridge or refining a bulbous nasal tip. Cosmetic changes are visible on the outside of the nose.
Functional improvements involve opening the nasal airways so that it is easier to breathe. The most common functional problem is a deviated septum (a midline cartilage structure that divides the nose into right and left sides). Impairment of nasal breathing is considered a health problem and is typically covered by health insurance.
more on cosmetic nose jobs
Many patients have both cosmetic and functional concerns about their nose. An example would be a severely deviated septum that results in a blocked nasal airway and a visibly crooked nose. Most health insurers will cover these types of problems.
Other patients may seek medical treatment for breathing problems, but would also like to improve the cosmetic appearance of their nose. For instance, a patient may have nasal airway obstruction and an unattractive bump on the bridge. There are important advantages to correcting both functional and cosmetic problems at the same time. Insurers, however, are unlikely to cover the costs of the cosmetic portion of the procedure.
Nose shapes and patient desires vary greatly. Advice about nasal surgery should be individualized to the particular patient's needs. In a consultation with Dr. David Stoker, he will review your cosmetic and functional concerns to help you determine your best options. We hope that you find this website to be helpful.
