26 Feb Aesthetics and functionality count in rhinoplasty
Nose correction, also known as rhinoplasty, looks back on a long tradition in plastic surgery. Today, it is one of the absolute classics of aesthetic facial surgery. Given the prominent position of the nose in the middle of the face and its associated importance for a person’s expression, this is hardly surprising. However, many people do not know this: The nose is a sensitive and very important organ and therefore its functionality should be given just as much attention as its appearance during rhinoplasty surgery.
Options for rhinoplasty
With a rhinoplasty, it is possible to correct a wide variety of so-called shape defects of the nose and thus, for example, to give humped noses a more elegant nose bridge or bulbous noses a narrower nose tip. In principle, an experienced facial surgeon can change the height, width, length and shape of the nose and correct the bridge of the nose as well as the tip of the nose or the nostrils. Since the famous surgeon Jaques Joseph laid the foundations for modern rhinoplasty in Berlin over one hundred years ago, the techniques for this procedure have continued to develop. Probably the most important advance relates to the surgical approach: today, most rhinoplasties can be performed through inconspicuous incisions inside the nose or along the nostrils, so that there are usually no visible scars – a clear advantage for patients who can enjoy their beautiful nose without being reminded of the operation by the scars.
The nose as a sensory organ – functionality in rhinoplasty
With all the possibilities for correcting the nose aesthetically, functional aspects should not be underestimated. The nose is an important sensory organ that plays a role not only in the perception of smell, but also in taste – two senses that nobody wants to do without. The nose is of course also very important for our breathing: during nasal breathing, the inhaled air is “pre-warmed” on its way to the windpipe and at least partially freed from pathogens, dust, pollen and other particles. Good nasal breathing therefore also contributes to overall health. In the course of a nose correction, these factors should be given special consideration. Incidentally, it is possible that a nose correction may be covered in whole or in part by health insurance if functional aspects are the main focus. It is therefore best to ask your doctor and, if necessary, your health insurance company about the possibilities.
Nose correction only by an experienced facial surgeon!
If you are interested in a nose correction, you should definitely make sure that the doctor treating you is able to take both aspects into account – aesthetics and functionality! Unfortunately, it still happens that surgeons do a good job with rhinoplasty from an aesthetic point of view, but the nasal breathing or even the sense of smell or taste are affected in the process. Even though certain complications can never be completely ruled out, patients are well advised to consult a surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetic plastic surgery and regularly performs rhinoplasty.
In my practice in Basel or my clinic in Gutach im Breisgau – not far from Freiburg – I will be happy to advise you on the subject of rhinoplasty and recommend a procedure tailored to your individual case.
