What are realistic changes that can be made to the nose in a typical rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty – or "nose job" – is a popular procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeons on both men and women. Since the nose sits at the center of the face, it has a significant impact on your appearance and how you see yourself. Patients often seek out a rhinoplasty to reduce the overall size of the nose and to reshape the nose to address exaggerated features that they find undesirable.

Rhinoplasty has come a long way over the past several decades. Much has been written on various techniques and approaches to the nose. Currently, state-of-the-art treatment follows more of a "less is more" approach to the nose. The idea is to manipulate the nose in a way that preserves the ideal anatomy without being overly aggressive. The nose has a unique healing pattern that needs to be respected to ensure the best outcome over time. Nobody is interested in an overly done nose that does not appear natural.

How can a rhinoplasty change your nose?

Having realistic expectations regarding the outcome of a rhinoplasty is critical. It's important that you and your surgeon are on the same page regarding your goals. Although sharing photos with your surgeon with features that you desire, and even engaging imaging systems that show actual changes to your nose are potentially helpful, the results you can reasonably expect from treatment mostly depend on the anatomy of your nose (particularly your skin) and the expertise and judgment of your surgeon.

If your nose is particularly wide at the base this can be narrowed. If the bridge or nasal dorsum has a hump, this can be lowered. The tip can be modified if it is wide, round, over or under projecting or uneven. The nasal tip can be rotated into the ideal relationship. The nostrils can be narrowed if they excessively flare. The long nose can be shortened. These individual components of the nose must be worked elegantly to create a beautiful, balanced and natural appearing nose.

And don't forget that the nose was made for breathing. For those patients who have breathing issues, it is important that your surgeon assess possible allergic and internal nasal anatomy pathology so this can be addressed at the time of your rhinoplasty. The ultimate goal is for a beautiful nose that fits your face but also allows you to breathe naturally.