Rhinoplasty

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." Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes to correct birth defects or breathing problems. It can be combined with other surgical procedures such as chin augmentation to enhance the aesthetic results.

History

Rhinoplasty was first developed by Sushruta, an important physician (often regarded as the "father of surgery") who lived in ancient India circa 500 BC, which he first described in his text Susrutha Samhita. He and his later students and disciples used rhinoplasty to reconstruct noses that were amputated as a punishment for crimes. The techniques of forehead flap rhinoplasty he developed are practiced almost unchanged to this day. This knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India up to the late 18th century as can be seen from the reports published in Gentleman's Magazine (October 1794). ^[1][2]

The first intranasal rhinoplasty in the West was performed by John Orlando Roe in 1887. It was later used for cosmetic purposes by Jacques Joseph (b. Jakob Lewin Joseph) in 1898 to help those who felt that the shape or size of their nose caused them embarrassment and social discomfort. His first rhinoplasty patient was a young man whose large nose caused him such embarrassment that he felt unable to appear in public. He approached Joseph because he had heard of a previous successful otoplasty, or "ear job," which the surgeon had performed.

How rhinoplasty is performed

It can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on patient or doctor preference. Incisions are made inside the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the columella, the bit of skin that separates the nostrils. The surgeon first separates soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures, then reshapes the cartilage and bone causing the perceived deformity.

In some cases, the surgeon may shape a small piece of the patient's own cartilage or bone 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.

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. Alloplastic synthetic materials are often associated with long-term complications such as migration and extrusion. Alternatively, cartilage from the septum, ear or rib may be used.

To improve nasal breathing 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 and structure of the nose.

In the entertainment industry

The Los Angeles Examiner of May 5, 1930, stated that:

"Having one's nose shaped to fit the talkies is the most popular thing in Hollywood now. Hollywood plastic surgeons agree that more than 2000 facial beautification operations have been performed among film players within the past few years."

Siblings Michael, Janet and La Toya Jackson's are among the most prominent rhinoplasties in show business with a dramatic reduction of nose size and change of shape. Jennifer Grey is another famous movie star whose looks transformed completely after a nose-job.

See also

• Plastic surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Nose

References

Wikipedia information about Rhinoplasty This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Rhinoplasty". It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer). Help contribute to Americola and edit this article.