One of the most commonly desired plastic (cosmetic) surgeries in the United States is rhinoplasty or a "nose job." The goal of a vast majority of these surgeries is to improve the patient's perception of how his or her nose looks. However, some may be concerned as to whether a surgeon can reshape their nose in a way that still looks natural to their heritage. An experienced plastic surgeon will work to meet this goal, while also ensuring that the face looks balanced and that the function of the nose--that is, its ability to breathe and smell-- is preserved or enhanced to make the patient healthier.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 252,261 rhinoplasties were performed in the United States in 2010. In fact, the Society documents large increases in many ethnic groups seeking the surgery between 2005 and 2013:
- ~125% in Asian Americans
- ~85% in Hispanics
- ~56% in African Americans
- ~35% in Caucasians
People from all ethnic backgrounds seek rhinoplasty, and an experienced plastic surgeon will individualize each procedure to achieve a natural look for any face.
Most of these patients share the desire to make their noses look better without changing their overall ethnic look. They want to resemble members of their family but improve the look of their noses that may have a wide base, a bump in ridge or a tip that is low, hooked or bulbous.
The goal of plastic surgeons is to preserve function and also to flatten the ridge (agger nasi) of the nose to remove a bump, narrow nostrils for a less flared appearance and to add cartilage to the tip of the nose. Additional cartilage, harvested from another part of the body such as the ear or ribs, makes the nose have a more pointed appearance.
The best candidates for any type of rhinoplasty are adults who are finished growing (for females, 15 years or older and males, 17 years or older), who are in good overall health, who do not smoke and who have realistic perceptions about what their reconstructive surgery will do for their facial appearance.
The skilled rhinoplasty Houston surgeon knows just how to perform these aesthetic adjustments and how to minimize the risks of the surgical procedure. People with a darker skin tone and those of Asian descent seem to experience more puffiness and more scarring after a nose job, but the physician who has extensive experience in rhinoplasties knows the techniques to avoid both problems as much as possible.
A reputable surgeon also encourages the individual to make cosmetic improvements to the nose that are healthy, natural-looking and preserve the person's heritage. The doctor will not use the same approach for every patient but will customize the appearance of the nose to the patient's individual facial features with the goal of an overall harmonious look. Dr. Patt has the talent and experience to help anyone achieve a look they can be satisfied with. Contact us today and schedule your consultation!
