Unless people have allergies or a cold, with constant sniffling and nose-blowing, they might not give much thought to this facial organ. An individual’s nose, however, plays an important role in breathing, smelling, and shaping how that person’s voice sounds. If someone is dissatisfied with the nose’s appearance or how it functions, he or she might be motivated to consider surgery.
What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty refers to the type of plastic surgery that is performed in order to change how the nose is shaped. The nose is structured with an upper portion made of bone and a lower portion composed of cartilage. Having rhinoplasty, therefore, can change a person’s skin, bone, cartilage, or all of these components. When planning this type of facial plastic surgery Raleigh NC, the surgeon must take into account the other features of the face, the skin that is present on the nose, and the patient’s desired outcome. Depending on the circumstances, insurance may provide full or partial coverage of this surgery.
Are There Risks Involved?
Anytime a major surgery is performed, risks are involved, and rhinoplasty is no different in this respect. General risks include infection, bleeding, and an adverse reaction in response to the anesthesia. There are also other possible risks that are specifically related to rhinoplasty.
These can include experiencing permanent numbness around and inside the nose; difficulties when breathing through the nose; and persistent pain, swelling, or discoloration. As well, there is the possibility that the nose will have an uneven appearance, that septal perforation or scarring may result, or that an additional surgery will be necessary. Talking to the doctor can help a person to have a better understanding of these risks and how they might apply to his or her case.
What Are Some Possible Results?
Because a significant difference in the appearance of the nose can be achieved by making very slight changes to the nose’s structure, an experienced surgeon will be able to produce results that meet with a patient’s satisfaction. In other cases, these millimeter-scale changes will not have been adequate, and a follow-up surgery will be required.