More and more people in Britain are willing to change their looks completely by undergoing rinoplasty also known as a nose job. This record is long for performers in British Cinema.

What is it? Nose reshaping surgery is a nasal surgery. The procedure can be done for medical causes, breathing problems, birth defects, or injury, or it may simply be done for aesthetic cosmetic purposes. Rhinoplasty is among the top 5 surgeries for men and women with a 34% percent increase in its popularity in one year as reported by British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk).

Nose jobs can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge of the nose as well as taper the distance of the nostrils. There are two main kinds of surgery: reduction and augmentation (which makes the nose larger). Tip reshaping or tip-plasty is also popular. Lucian Ion consultant plastic surgeon from the West London Clinic (www.westlondonclinic.co.uk) says that tip is the most significant part of the nose and the balanced nose is one whose tip is in proportion. Alex Karidis one of the leading plastic surgeons in London points out that gone are those days when people use to have to large size button nose. Now people prefer to have proper shaped nose making reduction the most admired type of rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty and its uses Expert ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Mr Kalpesh Patel says: Many patients seek rhinoplasty desire to look normal and fit in. They want a nose that complements their face. Having surgery can totally change their life and give them the confidence and self- esteem they were previously wanting. The procedure can be performed for medical reasons also like breathing problems, birth defects, or injury, or it may simply be done for aesthetic cosmetic purposes. People often have rhinoplasty when they get aged. Some may decide to choose rhinoplasty to restore their nose, says Mr Ion. Getting old can often cause a sagging of the nose tip because the fat in this part has been partially imbibed and because, as the skin reduces with age, the tip turns to be more peculiar.

The rhinoplasty process

Your surgeon will make cuts inside your nostrils to reach the bone and cartilage. The shape of your nose will then be created by slightly removing and re-shaping the bone and cartilage. For many patients, the closed rhinoplasty procedure gives all of the traditional nose job advantages without the risk of external scarring. Incisions in this procedure are made within the nostril, where they will be entirely undetectable after recovery. Mr. Patel states that a procedure now acquiring recognition is open rhinoplasty, where the nose skin is striped off to get easy entry and allow a surgeon to look at what theyre performing, rather than depending on feeling their way. This procedure creates just a small scar on the columella (the skin between the nostrils), which should disappear over time.

Rhinoplasty cost It charges you anything between 3,000 to 4,000.

Settling to Normal

After the rhinoplasty your face may be puffy, you may be bearing pain, or you may have a dull headache. There will be some swelling and bruising around your eyes. You will have a splint over your nose to keep the bones in position. Dont do any strenuous activities, spend too long in direct sunlight or bend forward for the first week for any threat of bleeding. Realize that the tip of the nose can experience numb for 6-12 months, but sensation will ultimately return.

Risks associated with rhinoplasty As Mr. Ion says, there are very few hazards with rhinoplasty. Some patients may face a running nose (rhinitis) after surgery, but this normally gets back to normal quite soon, he states. Theres also a slight risk of infection, reaction to the anaesthetic or the appearance of the small red blood vessels. But Mr. Ion adds: The biggest discomfort resulting from this procedure is a blocked nose caused by puffiness. This may create brething problems, but should start to improve as the swelling fades away. Removing too much cartilage or bone can create an unnatural look and isnt advisable because it may hinder breathing. Conversely, most people get wonderful outcomes and comment that it removes their breathing diffulties if any they have.

How much reliable is rhinoplasty? Overall, about one in ten people require further surgery after having a rhinoplasty. This is either due to difficulties occurring or if the nose does not look right after the operation. Mr. Karidis declares: It is significant for patients to know that it takes 12-18 months for them to see accurately what their nose will look like. Until then, while its still mending after surgery, they just get a glimmer of the result. They have to be patient.