Suzanne Yee, MD

Considering Rhinoplasty? Here's What a Nose Job Can and Can't Do

Jul 3, 2024 @ 01:27 PM — by Dr. Suzanne Yee
Tagged with: What Rhinoplasty Can And Cannot Do

Chances are you’ve heard of rhinoplasty, the medical term for a “nose job.” This is truly one of the most transformative cosmetic surgeries you can undergo. Many of my rhinoplasty patients here in Little RockAR, tell me that they feel like completely refreshed versions of themselves once they see their finalized results.

I’ve been performing rhinoplasties since the 1990s and am deeply familiar with the intricacies of the procedure. One thing I’ve noticed over this time is that there’s confusion among the general public about exactly what rhinoplasty can and cannot do. I’d like to take some time to describe it clearly so that you know what to expect if you’re considering it for yourself.

Rhinoplasty Can:

Correct Bumps, Crookedness, and Shape Issues

Rhinoplasty can make a dramatic change in the shape, size, and position of almost any part of your nose through the careful removal and reshaping of bone and cartilage. Biocompatible implants can also be placed to further refine or highlight certain areas.

Whether you want to fix a subtle bump or achieve a more significant change, it’s likely that rhinoplasty can work for you.

Improve Proportion With Your Other Features

Your nose is the center point of your face. If it doesn’t quite work in harmony with your other features, it can leave you feeling self-conscious. 

I perform rhinoplasty with symmetry and proportion in mind. Your new nose will be sculpted to best compliment your facial features as a whole, which can make a big difference for your self-image.

Make Breathing Easier

If you struggle to breathe through your nose, you may have a deviated septum, which means that the wall of inner tissue between your nostrils skews to one side, making one nasal airway smaller than the other. Rhinoplasty is an excellent opportunity to correct this issue, either on its own or in conjunction with cosmetic alterations.

If your rhinoplasty is primarily to improve breathing, it may even be covered by insurance. The team at my plastic surgery office in Little Rock will be glad to help you verify your coverage and maximize your benefits.

Real Rhinoplasty Results

My number-one goal for any rhinoplasty is creating results that look natural for the patient. I stay away from the “Hollywood” look and take a conservative approach to augmentation instead. The attention should be on your beautiful features, not the fact that you’ve had work done.

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Rhinoplasty Cannot:

Change Your Genetics

The way your nose looks is a reflection of your genetics and heritage. The basic foundational nasal structure remains the same even after augmentation. That being said, while rhinoplasty can refine what’s already in place, it can’t give you a new nose altogether.

Affect How Your Nose Changes With Age

As with the skin, the cartilage of the nose loses firmness and elasticity as we age, which can contribute to a drooping look. At the same time, the lips and cheeks tend to lose volume, making the nose appear larger.

These are natural changes that most everyone goes through. While undergoing rhinoplasty earlier in life can negate some of the effect, it will not altogether stop the aging process and accompanying changes in nasal appearance.

Give You Someone Else’s Exact Nose

If you bring me a photo of someone else’s nose and say that’s the exact look you want, I’ll tell you that while I may be able to incorporate some of the features into your rhinoplasty, it’s not a cut-and-paste procedure. No two noses are the same, and someone else’s nose, no matter how attractive, may not necessarily be the best fit for your face.

However, I will absolutely utilize everything I know about the art and science of rhinoplasty to give you results you love and feel confident in. This is a highly personalized procedure, and I’ll ensure your unique goals are met.

Interested in Learning More? Contact Us Today

Rhinoplasty remains an incredibly popular procedure because of its customizability and potential for dramatic change. Wonder what life would be like the nose you’ve always wanted? Let’s talk about what that looks like during a consultation here in Little Rock. You can send an online message or give our office a call to get started.