Plastic surgery is a choice, sometimes it is chosen for cosmetic reasons, but at other times it is to correct the aftereffects of an accident or other problem. Changing the appearance of your nose can impact your entire look. It’s a surgery most people will only undergo once, so you want to make sure you do it perfectly the first time.
When you’re planning your rhinoplasty surgery, also called a “nose job,” you have a lot of say in the details. If you work with a reliable rhinoplasty specialist, they’ll explain all the parts of the process and help you understand the nuances.
There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re choosing the perfect dimensions. That “ideal” look on your favorite celebrity works with their face shape. But it might not look as amazing on you.
To find the best dimensions for your final look, consider these factors before your rhinoplasty appointment.
1. Designing the Upper Nasal Area
This part of your nose isn’t cartilage, which is easy to manipulate. When it comes to changing the bones, it requires more caution.
You can reduce a bump you’re unhappy with or make the width more narrow. The ideal goal for many people is to design a straight nose. Typically, this means adjusting the height of the nasal bones so they’re parallel with the top of the nose and forehead.
As you look at the final results with 3D imaging, you’ll see how if you reduce this bone structure too much, you’ll end up with an indentation. This can look unnatural and impact your airflow negatively.
2. Adjusting the Middle
The cartilage in your nose is mostly in the middle area, from the nasal bones extending to the tip of the appendage. Cartilage is bendable, which is why lots of people can “break” their nose without too much damage.
The center part is the septum. This is the section of cartilage that is the most easily damaged. It divides your nostrils into the left and right segments and connects into the nasal cavity.
The cartilage around the septum can be manipulated without much internal change. This is called the upper lateral cartilage. It holds the nasal airway open. Ideally, this should appear straight when seen from the front, not too wide or overly narrow.
When this area has a natural curve like a deviated septum or curves from previous injuries, rhinoplasty can fix that. The common aim is for the height of the middle part to be equal to the nasal bones.
However, your surgeon will talk to you about the risks of too much cartilage removal here, depending on your nose. It can alter the appearance too much or block your breathing.
3. The Nose Tip
Often considered the most important aesthetic part of the nose, the tip includes the shape, size, and projection of the cartilage there. Ideally, for most patients, the tip should be in line with the height of the person’s profile.
Tips can be too curved and appear to droop or hook. It can also be too wide or narrow.
To create the perfect tip, you need an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Setting a tip includes everything from the details and surgery to the recovery period. How your surgical area heals can change the overall appearance of your nose.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty in the 21st century, there hasn’t been a better time for your “nose job.” Technology like 3D imaging and skilled surgeons means your ideal nose is right around the corner.