Sitting at the center of the face, the nose can have a dramatic effect on the overall balance and symmetry of the facial features, an effect that has not gone unnoticed by an appearance-conscious younger generation.  High-tech trends like web chatting or the “selfie” craze have drawn a great deal of attention to the face in general and the nose in particular.  In 2013, according to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure performed on patients under the age of thirty was nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, surpassing even breast augmentation among this age group.

The flexible cartilage that makes up the majority of the nose can frequently be shaped and sculpted to achieve a number of specific cosmetic effects.  The size of the base can be reduced, and the nostrils and tip can be reshaped to be more symmetrical or proportionate with other facial features.  The bridge can also be shortened, straightened, or even augmented with additional cartilage or an artificial graft.  Altering a nose that may appear bulbous, upturned, or hooked can significantly improve the appearance of the face as a whole.

Because the nose is such a delicate and intricate organ, it requires a great deal of skill and experience to successfully mold and shape it cosmetically while preserving its ability to perform its necessary function.  In the past, many surgeons avoided performing rhinoplasty, and other plastic surgery procedures, on younger patients whose features had not fully formed.  While the possibility of the facial features changing over time does present certain challenges, advanced surgical techniques and a greater understanding of facial anatomy have made performing rhinoplasty among patients in their teens and twenties a more reasonable proposition.

Nose reshaping may be one of the top plastic surgery procedures because it can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons.  A deviated septum is just one of the many possible structural anomalies that can occur in the nose and contribute to increased congestion and breathing difficulties.  Nose reshaping procedures can also remove a part of the nasal structure that has become a breathing obstruction or correct an internal or external valve collapse resulting from facial trauma.  In all of these cases, the reconstructive procedure can be performed in conjunction with cosmetic alterations, improving the function of the nose while simultaneously improving its aesthetic appearance for ideal rhinoplasty results.

If you’re interested in a breast procedure that I offer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Additionally, some plastic surgery procedures can be covered by insurance and we provide a variety of options for financing, including Care Credit®, in order to assist you.  Don’t forget to connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.