If youre keen to modify the appearance of your nose, youll be joining a huge list of Brits whove made up their mind to have rinoplasty.

Knowing Rhinoplasty Nose reshaping surgery is plastic surgery that can be used to improve the appearance of the nose or improve its function. According to the recent statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), demand for the procedure has moved up by 34 per cent in one year, making it the fifth most popular procedure for women in the UK and the most admired amongst men.

Nose jobs have the ability to modify the size of the nose in its entirety, eliminating a bump, altering the shape of the bridge or the tip of your nose and tapering the nostril openings. Rhinoplasty can be carried out either to increase or reduce the size of your nose called augmentation and reduction rhinoplasty respectively. When it is done particularly to reshape the tip of the nose, it is called tip- reshaping or tip-plasty. According to consultant plastic surgeon Lucian Ion, from the West London Clinic (www.westlondonclinic.co.uk): The mark of a balanced nose is a tip thats in proportion. Leading London cosmetic surgeon Alex Karidis states: Reduction is still the most popular category of rhinoplasty. Luckily, the days of the button nose are gone and patients are now looking for a more natural look.

How is it useful to you? Specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Mr Kalpesh Patel states: Many patients seek rhinoplasty wish to look normal and fit in. They want a nose that matches their face. Having surgery can entirely change their life and give them the confidence and self- respect they were previously lacking. Rhinoplasty can also rectify a birth defect or injury as well as relieve breathing problems. Mr Ion says that generally, adults of senior age bracket prefer to have rhinoplasty due to drooping of the nose happening in most of the people. Since the tip becomes bigger with the rising age due to loosening of the fat from the nose.

The rhinoplasty method

In a reduction rhinoplasty, the bone in the upper area of the nose and the gristle in the lower part is pared down to produce a sleeker, narrower definition. For many patients, the closed rhinoplasty procedure gives all of the traditional nose job benefits without the risk of external scarring. Incisions in this operation are made inside the nostril, where they will be completely invisible after healing. Open rhinoplasty surgery allows the surgeon the least restricted entry to the cartilage and bone of the nose but is also more likely to cause scarring. The incision across the columella makes it achievable for the doctor to lift the skin off the tip of the nose and shape the cartilage very precisely. When healed, the incision leaves a very small, almost unnoticeable scar on the underside of the nose.

Rhinoplasty cost Costs vary from place to place but is usually between 3,000 to 4,000.

After operation care

After the rhinoplasty your face may be puffy, you may be experiencing pain, or you may have a dull headache. There will be some swelling and staining around your eyes. You will have a splint over your nose to hold the bones in position. A little bleeding is common after a rhinoplasty and you may experience a stuffy feeling nose for a few weeks which will disappear after 6-12 months. Keep away from strenuous activities, take sunbathe to avoid bleeding.

What can go wrong? As Mr. Ion points out, there are only a few risks with rhinoplasty. Some patients may face a running nose (rhinitis) after surgery, but this usually returns to normal quite soon, he declares. Theres also a minor risk of infection, reaction to the anaesthetic or the appearance of the tiny red blood vessels. But Mr. Ion appends: The major discomfort resulting from this procedure is a blocked nose caused due to puffiness. This may create brething problems, but should start to improve as the swelling disappears. Too much removal of cartilage can cause breathing problems and affects the look also. On a more optimistic note, some people discover that rhinoplasty can actually help to relieve their breathing problems.

How long does it persist? In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be needed-for example, to correct a slight abnormality. The corrective surgery is generally minor. The rhinoplasty surgery outcomes will not be instantly visible. Some residual puffiness will persist for six months to a year after the rhinoplasty procedure. The ultimate outcomes will not be visible until this puffiness has fully subsided.