Aesthetic Conditions: Nose Shape
The nose is the centerpiece of the face, and it does change over time. Whether it’s a hump, a deviation, a curve, a large nose, or any other undesired shape, whether it’s a minor focus or the sum of many problems, undesired nasal features need not be lifelong. Nuances of nasal shape may suggest personality, overshadow other features, and lessen self-confidence, including:
Nasal Fracture repair
Evaluation of a nasal fracture includes consideration of conditions such as concussion, nosebleed, fracture of other facial bones, and a septal hematoma (which is a collection of blood under the surface of the nasal septum dividing the left from the right nasal passages). After any emergencies are addressed, the issue of nasal fracture may be divided into two areas: appearance and function. The appearance of the nose after a fracture is sometimes difficult to assess because swelling of the skin is temporary. Swelling often peaks around the third day after trauma, so clinical assessment of any boney changes is done most accurately shortly after the trauma or about a week after the trauma. Imaging, such as x-rays or CT scans may help objectively demonstrate a fracture, but from an appearance standpoint, the shape of the nose assessed visually is really what matters. The second category of nasal fracture problems is the function of the nose, which is predominantly related to breathing. Again, swelling tends to peak around the third day after the trauma, and this swelling may account for temporary nasal airway resistance. Structural changes in the shape and position of the nasal bones or the cartilage of the septum may affect long-term appearance and/or function, and skilled assessment of a new nasal injury involves analysis of structural changes separate from temporary swelling. Options for repair of a nasal fracture include both closed reduction and formal rhinoplasty. Note that the option for a closed reduction of a nasal feature is only available within 14 days of the injury, as nasal bones usually heal in place at the two week mark. A formal rhinoplasty may be undertaken at any time once initial swelling has resolved completely, and may be undertaken if the result of a closed reduction needs further improvement.
Whether the result of trauma, prior surgery, or one’s growth and development, rhinoplasty may be undertaken to improve the shape of the nose. Aesthetic rhinoplasty may be combined with sinus surgery and other surgical techniques for nasal airflow.
nasal Profile
A large nose, a hump or beak, a droopy tip, a ski-jump, or an irregularity are just a few of the common nasal shapes people prefer to do without.
nasal tip
An undesirable tip may be droopy, bulbous, wide, trapezoid, and bifid, among many other variations, though a refined and natural tip is what most people consider ideal.
crooked or deviated nose
Facial asymmetry, including nasal asymmetry is the norm, but when beyond subtle, it presents an opportunity for improvement.
nostril size and shape
Flared, wide, narrow, or asymmetrical nostrils are common. This can affect airway as well as aesthetics.
the effect of chin size on apparent nose size
A small or “weak” chin makes the nose appear more prominent. Part of evaluating what appears to be a large nose is assessing whether the chin size plays a role. The images to the left differ only in the size of the chin.
thick, oily, or red nasal skin
The oil glands on the nasal skin can get out of control, thickening the skin sometimes to an extreme, and other times causing chronic redness and inflammation. One of these conditions, called rhinophyma, is shown in the painting entitled “An Old Man and His Grandson” by artist Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Cleft lip
After the initial repair of a cleft palate, which is usually performed in infancy, a “secondary cleft rhinoplasty” is often undertaken later in life once an individual has attained full facial growth.
how to get the most from your appointment
Appointment time is valuable. Below are some suggestions to make the most of your appointment. This preparation will help you and your doctor maximize efficiency and accuracy, freeing up time for questions and answers.
• Click here to prepare for your nose aesthetics appointment.
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