by Jeff Vidrine

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: October 10, 2008

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a nose job. Many tthousands of rhinoplasties are done each year for cosmetic purposes. Half of those are done on Michael Jackson alone. Only kidding Mike but the numbers are staggering. There are medical reasons to perform rhinoplasty also.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery done to either alter the size or shape of the nose for cosmetic reasons, for functional reasons, or both. Hollywwood's fixation with the "ideal" body form drives the rhinoplasty industry.

The procedure is usually done by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or by a plastic surgeon. The surgeon makes incisions inside the nose to peel off the lining from the cartilage and bony structures. They also use endoscopy, which is a fiberoptic scope and instruments to work through the small opening of your nostril.

To change the shape or size of the nose, the surgeoon removes part of the anterior septum (the front part of the dividng portion of your nose.) This is the part that is flexible because it is made of cartilage (like your ear). In some patients the problem also involves the bony posterior (back section) of the septum which the surgeon breaks and repositions. They also use small saws, drills and chisels.

When all looks correct, stitches are used to hold the lining tissues in place. Plastic stents are placed in each nostril to hold the septum straight while it heals. Many times gauze packing is placed in each nostril to stop the bleeding and hold things in place during the initial healing.

Who is eligible for rhinoplasty?

Anyone with the money and the inclination who is in decent general health can have their nose straightened, bobbed, or reduced. And there dear Yoric, there lies the rub! If there isn't a medical reason for rhinoplasty, medical insurance doesn;t cover the costs. Costs which include the surgeon, anesthesiologist, the hospital outpatient fees, or a stand-alone surgi-center. That adds up to anywhere from $5000 to $25,000 depending on what part of the country you reside and what the going rate is in your area.

There are medical indications for rhinoplasty. People who have a deviated septum often have chroni sinus infections. Correction of the deviation with rhinoplasty is one solution. Trauma patients are medical candidates. The teenager who eats the steering wheel after hitting a tree and breaking his nose may be a candidate for rhinoplasty. Usually rhinoplasty for medical reasons is not the only procedure performed. A patient with chronic sinus infections may have a rhinoplasty to correct a deviated nasal septum but alco have polyps removed from their sinuses and enlargement of the sinus opening to allow for better drainage. (I speak from experience on that one.)

Is it difficult to find a good surgeon?

Generally it's easier to find out who a bad surgeon is. Unhappy customers tell 8 to 9 people, on average, as opposed to satisfied customers who might tell 1 other person. So start your search by ruling out the bad ones. If you know a nurse or someone you trust who works t a hospital, ask them who's the best. After you narrow down the field, go online to the National Practitioner databank which records things like malpractice judgements and state medical board action taken against a doctor. Then schedule an appointment for an evaluation. While the doctor examines you, you evaluate the doctor. Believe me, you want to have a surgeon you trust and have confidence in before having this procedure.

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