A rhinoplasty, more colloquially known as a ‘nose job’, is a term used to describe a surgical procedure that alters the shape, size, profile and/or functionality of the nose. The nose plays an important role in determining facial symmetry and aesthetics due to its central location. Its characteristics differ from person to person, depending on the structures of bone, cartilage and skin, all of which vary with race and sex.
Nose jobs are one of the most sought-after procedures performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Guy Watts and his team. With a wealth of a training and experience, Dr Watts will be happy to discuss your aesthetic preferences and functional needs so as to achieve excellence in results.
The various features of the nose play a crucial role in determining the overall harmony and balance of a person’s face. These features include the shape, size, and projection of the nasal tip, the width and height of the nasal bridge, the size and position of the nostrils, and the angle between the nose and upper lip. Each of these aspects contributes to the perceived attractiveness of a person’s facial appearance.
Achieving harmony and balance among these features can enhance a person’s appearance and contribute to a more attractive and youthful look. Understanding the importance of these features and how they interact with one another is essential for anyone considering a procedure to improve the appearance of their nose.
“The power of the human nose to balance facial features and add elegance to the facial form is profound.”
“From a profile view there should be a gentle depression between the forehead and root of the nose. The depression breaks the visual line between the two and separates the two anatomical structures.“
“In females, the dorsum should fall away slightly as you move toward the nasal tip creating a gentle curve. This concavity can add elegance and femininity to the nose.“
“In men, the line of the dorsum is straighter and may even have a small bump that can give it a more masculine trait.“
People who are unhappy with the shape, size, or contour of their nose may seek ways to improve it in order to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of individuals seeking nose improvement procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, to enhance their appearance. This trend can be attributed to the increased exposure to beauty standards through social media, advancements in medical technology, and greater acceptance of cosmetic procedures in society. Consequently, there is now a wide variety of options available for those who wish to improve the appearance of their nose, catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets.
Next, we will discuss the top 5 most popular nose job procedures that can help you achieve a more refined and aesthetically pleasing nasal appearance.
Irregularities of the dorsum (or bridge) of the nose may be hereditary or as a result of trauma. A large dorsal hump (or a hook nose) is classically seen in people of Italian and Middle Eastern descent.
Techniques used for the refinement of the hump depend on the underlying structures involved. Bony convexities are meticulously sculpted or ‘sandpapered’ down with the use of a rasp. This allows for your surgeon to feel for shape and contours between adjustments and helps to ensure aesthetic precision. Cartilage associated with the hump is shaved off with precision, ensuring a straight line is formed between the nasal bone and the tip of the nose.
The plunging or drooping appearance of the nasal tip gives an impression of a prominent hump in this region. The structure of the lower two-thirds of the nose lends itself to two paired cartilaginous structures. A drooping tip results from a downward rotation of the lower cartilages, hence, freeing up and repositioning of this structure allows for upturning of the tip. Insertion of a midline strut may also aid in creating the desired forward projection.
A wide or low-set bridge can often be seen in persons of Asian or African descent. The bony construct of the nose is made up of paired nasal bones that are attached to the adjacent maxilla, or cheekbones. Creating a narrow nose can be performed by repositioning these bones. First, a controlled fracture of the sidewalls is created, followed by a realignment of the structure to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Similar outcomes may be achieved with the placement of a cartilage graft along the bridge of the nose. The choice of technique depends on your anatomy. Dr Watts will be happy to discuss these options upon your initial consultation and provide advice on how the best rhinoplasty result can be attained.
The shape of the nasal tip depends on the orientation, size and angulation of the lower nasal cartilages, along with their relation to surrounding structures. A nose job of this nature employs many techniques which your surgeon will decide on following a detailed consultation and examination of your anatomy.
Contouring of the tip may require the removal of a small portion of cartilage and fatty tissue, followed by manipulation of the remaining tip. It may also involve grafting of the nasal tip to increase the projection of the nose or correct irregular surfaces. For grafting to occur, cartilage needs to be harvested, often from the midline cartilage of the nose or in some instances, the bowl of the ear.
The nasal septum is a cartilage that lies in the midline of the nose. The septum does not lie perfectly straight in the majority of people. More often than not, this goes unnoticed, as the area on either side of the septum allows for adequate passage of air. However, a septum deviated to either side (congenital or trauma-related) may cause obstruction to breathing if severe enough. To correct this, your surgeon will remove the protruding portion of the septum whilst ensuring that the structural integrity of the nose is maintained. This piece of cartilage is then reshaped and reinserted into the midline space.
For those who wish to enhance the appearance of their nose without resorting to surgery, there are a variety of non-surgical options available. These non-invasive treatments can provide subtle yet noticeable improvements to the nose’s shape, contour, or symmetry, allowing you to achieve their desired look without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
One popular non-surgical option is the use of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are injectable substances, such as hyaluronic acid, that can be used to temporarily modify the shape and contour of the nose. By carefully injecting fillers into specific areas of the nose, a skilled practitioner can smooth out bumps or depressions on the nasal bridge, enhance the definition of the nasal tip, and even improve asymmetry. The results of dermal fillers usually last between six months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and other factors. Although temporary, this option allows for a less invasive, reversible, and more affordable approach to nose improvement compared to surgery.