Rhinoplasty

See also Rhinoplasty(Album) by Primus

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Rhinoplasty (Greek; Rhinos, "Nose" + Plastikos, "to shape") is a type of plastic surgery that is used to improve the function (reconstructive surgery) or appearance (cosmetic surgery) of a person's nose. Rhinoplasty is also commonly called a "nose job."

Related Topics:
Greek - Plastic surgery - Nose

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The surgery was first pioneered by Jacques Joseph (b. Jakob Lewin Joseph) in the 19th century to help those "suffering" from a "Jewish nose". His reason for the surgery was not based on anti-Semitism, as Jacques Joseph was himself of Jewish descent, but rather a reflection of the trends and thinking of his time and culture.

Related Topics:
Jacques Joseph - 19th century - Anti-Semitism - Jew

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Rhinoplasty can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on patient or doctor preference. Incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the rim of the nose. Soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures, and the cartilage and bone causing the perceived deformity are reshaped.

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In some cases, the surgeon may shape a small piece of the patient's own cartilage or bone to add to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Sometimes this is done for cosmetic reasons (to improve the shape of the nasal tip, for example) or it may be done to improve breathing and function of the nose.

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In rarer cases, a synthetic implant may be used to reconstruct the nose if the normal structure of bone and cartilage is badly damaged or weakened.

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To improve nasal function, a septoplasty may be performed, with or without cosmetic changes. The cartilage that is removed may be used as a graft to improve the appearance of the nose, if cosmetic changes are desired.

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