What is Rhinoplsty Surgery?

In this Rhinoplasty Melbourne post we will find out exactly what Rhinoplasty is, where it came from and why it has such a silly name.

The word Rhinoplasty actually comes from the greek word for ‘Nose – Rhinos’ and ‘Shape – Plassein’ (No points for guessing where the rhinoceros got its name). Rhinoplasty is a procedure that is performed on the nose with the intention of improving the appearance or functionality of the nose. The general term used by most people is “nose job”. For more information about the different types of procedures (surgical & non surgical) keep reading.

Rhinoplasty Candidates – What Type of People Have This Procedure?

Whilst there are many rhinoplasty patients that get the operation done for medical reasons the majority of people quite don’t like the current shape of their nose. Depending on which country you live in there are different age restrictions but it is highly recommended that patients wait until there late teens. It is not until around this time that your nasal bones have reached maturity and there is also the very important physiological factors to consider as well.

History of Rhinoplasty

The history books say that an ancient physician from India called Sushruta was responsible for inventing Rhinoplasty. Sushrta ‘the father of plastic surgery’ mention nasal surgery as far back as 500 BC. It is believed that he practiced rhinoplasty for medical reasons and in particular to reconstruct the amputated noses of criminals.

Open Rhinoplasty Vs Closed Rhinoplasty

Up until 1970 all rhinoplasty procedures were done using closed rhinoplasty (intranasal). It wasn’t until 1973 that Dr. Wilfred Goodman first wrote about an “External Approach to Rhinoplasty”. This was a pivotal moment in the history of Rhinoplasty as it was the beginning of what is now know as ‘Open Rhinoplasty’

During closed surgery small incisions are put inside the nose. During Open rhinoplasty an extra (small) incision is put across the middle part of your nose (separator).

Rhinoplasty Risks

It is important to note that all medical procedures and surgeries are accompanied with risks. Be it cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery or medical surgery there will always be risks and it is very important that you do your own due diligence and research – this is the same for any procedure be it breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction or a nose job. If you select the right plastic surgeon then your risks are greatly reduced and the chances of any permanent nerve damage or burst blood vessels are greatly reduced.