Reasons for Popularity of Rhinoplasty
Why are so many people having rhinoplasty done?
The popularity of rhinoplasty, or nose jobs as they are more commonly called, is continuing to rise. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), of the more than 17 million cosmetic surgical procedures done in the United States in 2016, the third most performed was nose surgery. Right behind breast augmentation and liposuction, rhinoplasty showed a 2 percent increase from the year before. Women make up the largest segment, but there are also thousands of men and even children turning to nose surgery; some for functional issues but many for the sole purpose of changing the way their noses look.
There are a lot of things that separate humans from other species. One of those is our unique obsession with how we look and the tendency to focus on flaws over our more attractive attributes. A small blemish on an otherwise beautiful face will stand out like a flashing neon sign when viewed in the mirror. When that blemish is caused by a structural feature of the nose rather than acne or a cold sore, the remedy requires more than patience and a trip to the local pharmacy.
It is important to understand motivation when considering rhinoplasty. There are lots of good reasons to opt for this procedure: wanting to look like or “be” someone else or changing appearance to please or attract another person are not on that list. That said, positive motivators for having nose surgery are many and as individually diverse as those seeking the procedure. Rhinoplasty has come a long way over the years and the results can run the gamut from a minor adjustment to a life-changing event. Through the process of making structural changes to the bone, cartilage and skin of the nose, a rhinoplasty surgeon can achieve, among other things:
- Reducing the size of or narrowing a nose that is too large or wide for the shape of the face
- Removing the “crook” to straighten a crooked nose
- Eliminating or reducing the size of a prominent bump or lump on the bridge of the nose
- Reshaping the nasal tip to make it less bulbous or drooping
- Restore symmetry to the nose following injury or the result of a birth defect
- Improve breathing and other sinus issues by opening up blocked nasal passages
In addition to the obvious benefits of these types of procedures, the effects can be experienced in almost all areas of life. For those with long-term, even congenital breathing issues, the difference that rhinoplasty can make cannot be overstated. To no longer be constantly dealing with ongoing congestion, difficulty breathing during most sorts of activities and frequent headaches is literally life-changing. Anyone living with a chronic snorer knows the toll it can take on a relationship and what a relief it can be when the snoring is gone. And, of course, increased confidence in appearance can have a positive effect on everything from improving social interaction to being more successful in career goals.
No matter what your motivation, you could not make a better decision than consulting with Dr. Geoffrey Tobias, New York City’s only plastic surgeon exclusively practicing rhinoplasty. His experience, compassion and dedication have combined to have him recognized 12 times as “best in his field” by New York Magazine. To request a consultation, simply click here.