A nose job refers to a surgical procedure that corrects the shape and size of your nose. People often opt for rhinoplasty surgery to enhance their look and boost their confidence. But the truth is that the procedure is not always about aesthetics. At times, it is a medical necessity because it can help in relieving severe symptoms and medical issues. It can even change your life for the better by improving overall well-being. It becomes important to look beyond the cosmetic value of the surgery and understand how it can boost your health. Before knowing the medical reasons for going through the surgery, you must understand what the procedure is actually about.
Rhinoplasty corrections
A rhinoplasty procedure essentially corrects the shape and size of the nose. However, the purpose of the surgery may depend on factors such as the specific concern of a patient and the severity of their symptoms. For example, you may have purely cosmetic reasons for the surgery. Conversely, your doctor may recommend it for medical treatment. At times, you may want it for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Here are some corrections that the surgeon can perform during the procedure.
- Altering the shape of your nose is too narrow or wide
- Reworking the nostril size if they are too small or large
- Correcting a bump in the bridge of the nose
- Asymmetric or crooked nose
- Elongated nasal tip
- Upturned nasal tip
Apparently, these changes will change your appearance, but they may also serve functional benefits. In such cases, they are a medical necessity for the patient.
Understanding rhinoplasty as a medical necessity
A rhinoplasty is a medical necessity when it treats a health condition. Essentially, it is required to help patients breathe more comfortably and freely. Your specialist will recommend it in the following cases.
Enlarged turbinates
Turbinates are tissues in the nasal passages and perform the function of filtering the air one breathes. But enlarged turbinates can make life uncomfortable as they cause chronic nasal stuffiness. You may have breathing discomfort and even lose sleep due to the condition. A nose job is an option to reduce the turbinates by removing a part of them. The surgeon will not clear them altogether because they perform a vital function in the breathing process.
Deviated nasal septum
A condition in which your nasal septum (central nose cartilage) is off-center makes a nose job necessary. It is a common problem as 80 percent of nasal septums slightly deviate. But you may face several problems due to this condition. Here are the signs you must be vigilant about:
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal congestion
- Nostril blockage
- Facial pain and headaches
- Postnasal drip
If you notice these symptoms repeatedly, you must see an ENT specialist. The doctor may recommend a rhinoplasty along with a septoplasty to straighten the partition between the nasal cavities. The procedure is medically essential to breathe without problems and live better.
Soft nasal cartilage
Another medical reason to opt for a nose job is soft nasal cartilage. It is an age-related condition as your nose cartilage may weaken and droop due to aging. The problem can even obstruct the airflow down the line. Breathing strips may help, but they do not make a permanent solution. Reshaping the septal cartilage and bone with a septoplasty can provide lasting relief from the condition.
Cleft palate
A cleft palate or cleft lip is another medical necessity for a rhinoplasty. Essentially, the condition is caused by a birth defect and has aesthetic and health implications. The sooner it is treated, the better. Children with this problem do not get the nutrition they need because they have problems eating. Moreover, low levels of confidence and self-esteem are natural due to aesthetic concerns. Thankfully, rhinoplasty offers respite from both the problems.
Other medical conditions
Besides these health problems, your specialist may recommend a rhinoplasty as a treatment for the following medical conditions:
- Injuries and accidents
- Burns
- Deformities
- Nasal inflammation due to chronic allergies
- Brain tumor surgeries
A nose job can be essential beyond aesthetic reasons, so you must not consider it merely a cosmetic surgery. It can change your life for the better as you breathe comfortably, look good, and get rid of medical problems for good. Everything boils down to the expertise of the surgeon you choose for the procedure. So you must look for a specialist who has experience with aesthetic and medical procedures. Having realistic expectations is equally crucial, so make sure you get them right.
