Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Most people view rhinoplasty as a purely cosmetic surgery. The nose is one of the most prominent landmarks of the face. Not only does it sit in the very center of all the features, but it also projects outward, making its appearance very apparent. The size and shape of the nose can be very telling of one’s ethnicity, or indicative of an accident or injury in one’s life. The two latter conditions of the nose can create the necessity to receive a rhinoplasty for medical purposes.
Septoplasty
The septum is the column of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils from one another, dividing the inside of the nose down the middle. Sometimes people are born with deviations in the septum, whereby the septum is not centered but rather infringes on one nasal passageway. Other times physical impact can alter the placement of the septum. A deviated septum most often calls for a septoplasty, where the septum may be simply shifted into the correct position, or surgically altered to suit the anatomy of the nose.
Functional Rhinoplasty and Cosmetic Reconstruction
Alongside a septoplasty, a rhinoplasty can be performed. If trauma caused the nose to be misshapen, the tissues can impact the role of the nose, which acts to filter air before it reaches the lungs. Such a crucial part of one’s anatomy should be fully functioning. When a nose has an outward deformity, there may be a number of different internal causes. The nasal bone may have been broken, the tissue may be damaged, and structures may be missing components altogether.
In addition to physical damage inside the nose, prior health-related surgeries such as skin cancer removal can create long-term damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Open wounds are at risk for infection. In addition, these wounds may cause chronic pain physically and mentally. A functional rhinoplasty can also treat flesh wounds that distort the shape of the nose.
There are a number of changes Dr. Frankel can create with a functional rhinoplasty. He may repair a deviated septum or broken nasal bones, and graft tissues (bone, cartilage, and skin) to necessary areas. If you would like to learn about the improvements that can be made to your nose so both its form and function are improved, call the doctor’s Beverly Hills plastic surgery office at 310.552.2173. Dr. Frankel is a world-renowned expert in revision rhinoplasty surgery and is very skilled at working with the nose regardless of the integrity of its architecture.