With rinoplasty being one of the most popular plastic surgery procedure it is moving from the empire of the rich and famous into the houses of regular people like you and me.

What is it? Nose reshaping surgery is plastic surgery that can be used to improve the look of the nose or improve its work. Rhinoplasty is among the top 5 surgeries for men and women with a 34% percent increase in its popularity in one year as declared by British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk).

Various parts of nose jobs can be mofified to change its look, including the tip, bridge (which runs between the eyes to the tip) and nostrils. Rhinoplasty can be carried out either to increase or decrease the size of your nose called augmentation and reduction rhinoplasty respectively. When it is done particularly to reshape the tip of the nose, it is known as tip-reshaping or tip-plasty. As stated by consultant plastic surgeon Lucian Ion, from the West London Clinic (www.westlondonclinic.co.uk): The mark of a balanced nose is a tip thats in proportion. As said by Alex Karidis, reduction is more popular when compared to the another type of rhinoplasty. Large shape nose has become a history now when people used to have bulky nose called button nose.

How is it helpful to you? Consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Mr Kalpesh Patel says: Many patients seek rhinoplasty desire to look normal and fit in. They want a nose that matches their face. Having surgery can entirely change their life and provide them the confidence and self- respect they were earlier wanting. The procedure can be carried out for medical reasons also like breathing problems, birth defects, or injury, or it may just be carried out for aesthetic cosmetic reasons. Mr Ion comments that generally, adults of senior age group prefer to have rhinoplasty due to drooping of the nose happening in majority of the people. Since the tip turns larger with the increasing age due to loosening of the fat from the nose.

The rhynoplasty method

In a reduction rhinoplasty, the bone in the upper part of the nose and the gristle in the lower area is reduced to produce a sleeker, narrower definition. For many patients, the closed rhinoplasty procedure offers all of the traditional nose job benefits without the risk of outside scarring. Incisions in this operation are made inside the nostril, where they will be entirely invisible after healing. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella, between the nostrils, in addition to cuts on the inside of your nose. Some surgeons choose the open rhinoplasty since it allows them greater visibility of the nose.

Rhinoplasty Cost Charges alter from place to place but is generally between 3,000 to 4,000.

Recuperation time

During the first day or so after your rhinoplasty, your nose will probably ache. Your face will experience be swollen and puffy. You may have a headache. A little bleeding is common after a rhinoplasty and you may experience a stuffy feeling nose for a few weeks which will disappear after 6-12 months. Keep away from strenuous activities, have sunbathe to avoid bleeding.

What can fail? As Mr. Ion says, there are very few risks with rhinoplasty. Some patients may face a running nose (rhinitis) after surgery, but this usually returns to normal very soon, he states. Theres also a minor risk of infection, reaction to the anaesthetic or the appearance of the tiny red blood vessels. But Mr. Ion adds: The major discomfort resulting from this procedure is a blocked nose caused due to swelling. This may create brething problems, but should start to improve as the swelling fades away. If the cartilage is over removed, it may even deteriorate the look. On a more optimistic note, some people discover that rhinoplasty can actually help to ease their breathing difficulties.

Is it a ever lasting solution? In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be needed-for example, to rectify a minor deformity. The corrective surgery is generally minor. The rhinoplasty surgery results will not be immediately apparent. Some residual swelling will continue for six months to a year after the rhinoplasty procedure. The final results will not be visible until this puffiness has fully subsided.