Rhinoplasty to Correct Damage

Often there is a misconception that plastic surgery only serves the purpose of creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. While it is true that many people turn to surgery to enhance features, many people who undergo plastic surgery- rhinoplasty in particular, do so to repair damage to the nose, not just change the way it looks.

There are many conditions that would require rhinoplasty to correct, such as a condition known as saddle nose. Saddle nose is a collapsing of the bridge of the nose usually caused by trauma or other medical conditions such as infections. Often when a nose breaks, the nose may not heal back correctly, not only causing an uneven appearance, but also making it difficult for the nose to function. In these cases, rhinoplasty becomes medically necessary.[1]

In some cases if the break is severe enough, it may obstruct breathing and prevent other aspects of the body, such as sense of taste and certainly the sense of smell. Often when a nose is broken- also known as a nasal fracture, a blood clot can form within the septum leading to saddle nose. In these cases, surgery may be required to restore not only appearance, but function itself.[2]

Repairing damage to noses is not a new practice. Some scrolls regarding the repairing of the human nose through surgery date back as far as 800 BC. It wasn’t until the 19^th century however when the practice of rhinoplasty began to develop into what would ultimately become the procedure it is today.

Rhinoplasty can be of great benefit to your personal self-image, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to correct an issue that you may find to be a distracting or bothersome. Many people find that a small reshaping of their nose brings huge gains in self-esteem and outgoingness. Studies have found that those who undergo a cosmetic procedure report being much happier in general. [3]  For some however, the issue is more of an issue of function. If you have suffered a trauma or find it difficult to breathe, you may wish to consult with a doctor about what can be done to correct the problem.