Rhinoplasty has been performed for thousands of years, with descriptions of the procedure, which involved rudimentary shaping of flaps of the nose or applying grafts, found in ancient Egyptian medical texts from 3000 BC. In the 20th century, the advent of modern plastic surgery spurred on a number of developments that had their origins in correcting previous failed rhinoplasties, such as closed rhinoplasty, which only makes incisions on the inside of the nose. It’s safe to say that “nose jobs” have come a long way in the past 5,000 years!
Rhinoplasty techniques have evolved considerably in recent years, with most cosmetic surgeons favoring an open technique, where small incisions are made on the nostrils and the nasal column, as well as cartilage grafts to form the desired shape of the nose. The method used for the procedure will depend on the patient and the results the surgeon hopes to achieve. The open technique is extremely popular due to the need for fewer incisions, which results in far less obvious scarring.
Recently, plastic surgeons have focused on creating as natural a look as possible, working with the patient’s existing nose and cartilage to create subtle changes to the overall shape as opposed to creating an entirely new “nose” that will not complement the patient’s appearance. It is one of the most common – and most challenging – types of plastic surgery, requiring a professional and personal touch in order to be successful.
While closed rhinoplasty is still very common, some surgeons prefer an open technique as it provides them more freedom to mold the cartilage into the shape that the patient wants. Regardless of the procedure, patients will still need to follow specific aftercare instructions after a rhinoplasty and will wear a cast on their nose for about a week after the procedure.
If you’re interested in rhinoplasty and want to discuss how it might benefit you, talking to a qualified professional who has a proven record of success with these procedures is essential. If you’re located in Manhattan, you should consider contacting the clinic of Dr. Robert M. Schwarcz, a top-quality cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon based in NYC, for a consultation.
