What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery, also known as a nose job, is a group of procedures which address aesthetic and functional concerns affecting the internal and external structures of the nose. There are several types of Rhinoplasty surgery which address different areas of the nose, depending on a patient’s concerns and desired outcomes.

Nose concerns can have a significant impact on an individual’s confidence and quality of life. Functional concerns, such as breathing difficulties and sleep disorders, can impact health and well-being, affecting both social and professional aspects of life.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the UK’s leading Rhinoplasty and ENT Consultant Surgeons, providing the highest-quality patient care and outcomes.

Common Concerns Affecting the Nose

There are many aesthetic and functional concerns which affect the nose. Understanding these common concerns and their causes may indicate the best Rhinoplasty option to suit your needs.

It is essential to consult a qualified Rhinoplasty or ENT Surgeon to ensure that your concern is accurately diagnosed and the cause is established, allowing you to receive the best possible care and outcomes.

Functional Nose Concerns

Functional concerns affecting the nose include:

Breathing Difficulties

Difficulty breathing is typically caused by an obstruction inside the nose. In some cases, breathing may be affected only during certain activities, such as exercise, whereas in more severe instances, breathing may be limited more generally.

Breathing difficulties can be caused by:

• Deviated or perforated septum – Damage to the septum can cause obstruction, or disrupt airflow either by misaligning the septum, or causing a hole to form
• Enlarged turbinates – Irritation to the finger-like structures in the nose, which filter air, can cause inflammation, resulting in obstruction
• Nasal valve collapse – Weakness in the nasal cartilage can lead to the external walls of the nose pulling inwards, obstructing airflow
• Nasal synechiae – Bands of scar tissue forming within the nose and joining nasal structures can block the nasal passages
• Injury – A broken nose can reposition the internal structures of the nose, affecting breathing

Many people do not realise the impact that breathing difficulties may be having on their quality of life. Concentration, productivity, physical activity, emotional regulation, and alertness can all be affected by breathing issues. While some patients may be aware of the cause of their breathing difficulties, others may require further investigation to determine the cause.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are any condition which affects the quality of sleep. Although some people are aware of the problems they are experiencing related to their sleep, others may only be aware of the effects of poor sleep and may not realise the root cause.

Sleep disorders associated with nose concerns usually refer to:

• Snoring – The hoarse sound of abnormal breathing, caused by the relaxation of the tissues in the respiratory system
• Sleep apnoea – A condition involving the obstruction of the throat, or the disruption of the signals between the nervous and respiratory systems, severely disrupting breathing for long periods of time

Sleep disorders can be caused by:

• Congenital concerns – Physiological abnormalities such as jaw and tongue position may lead to sleep disorders
• Injury – Damaged structures within the nose may cause sleep disorders
• Nasal obstruction – Any condition or concern which obstructs the airways may lead to sleep disorders
• Weight – Being overweight increases the risk of snoring and sleep apnoea due to pressure being placed on the airways
• Lifestyle factors – Drinking alcohol and smoking can cause sleep conditions

Occasional snoring or sleep disruption is not usually a cause for concern. However, long-term sleep disorders can have a significant effect on quality of life, health and wellbeing.

Aesthetic Nose Concerns

Aesthetic concerns which often affect the nose include:

Nose Shape and Size

The shape and size of the nose are common concerns, especially since it is the central focal point, often influencing the overall appearance of the face.

There are several aspects which can affect the shape and size of the nose:

Nasal Bridge

The bridge is the upper bony part of the nose running from between the eyes to the nasal tip.

• A humped or curved appearance to the nasal bridge (known as a dorsal hump) can make the nose look much larger
• Having a wide nasal bridge may give the nose a larger appearance and may also result in a disproportionate shape
• Collapsing of the nasal bridge (known as saddle nose deformity) causes an unusual, dipped shape to the nose
• A flattened nasal bridge (caused by injury or conditions such as Binder Syndrome) affects the shape and proportions of the nose

Nasal Tip

The tip of the nose is the lower, rounded section that connects to the nostrils.

• If the nasal tip is overly rounded or droops, it can create a hooked shape
• Overdevelopment of the nasal tissues can result in a bulbous nose tip
• Disproportionate lifting in the nasal tip can cause a snub nose

Nostrils

The nostrils are openings at the base of the nose (also known as the alar base) which air passes through.

• Wide or flared nostrils may cause the nose to look larger or result in an imbalanced appearance to the nose
• Lifting of the edges of the nostrils (known as alar rim retraction) can affect the shape and proportions of the nose
• The shape of the nostrils can be affected for various reasons, which may impact the impression of the nose’s size and shape

The shape and size of the nose can have a profound impact on an individual's confidence, influencing how they present themselves in both professional and social settings.

Nose Projection

Nasal projection refers to the distance that the nose extends from the face. Although connected to shape and size, projection is treated as a separate concern.

Generally speaking, the primary concern resulting from nasal projection is an imbalanced facial proportion, which is often particularly noticeable in the profile view of the face.

• Overprojected nose – The nose extends further from the face than the patient would like. A dorsal hump or a drooping tip can exacerbate the appearance of this
• Underprojected nose – The nose doesn’t extend as far from the face as the patient would like. This can be exacerbated by a flattened or collapsed nasal bridge or a wide nose

Concerns affecting nasal projection can result in a loss of confidence or self-consciousness. Although the profile is not a view that people often see of themselves, it can be a cause of self-awareness and may make people nervous about having their photo taken or the angles from which they are viewed.

Nose Alignment

Nasal alignment refers to the straightness and symmetry of the nose.

Different areas of the nose can be affected by asymmetry or misalignment.

• Misalignment of the nasal bridge can either be caused by a deviated septum or the external cartilage being damaged and repositioned
• Nostril asymmetry can be apparent from birth or may be due to a deviated septum or other functional concerns

Although some patients may have nasal misalignment from birth, it is more common for it to develop later in life due to injury.

Many patients feel self-conscious about the alignment or symmetry of their nose, especially if it has become angled through an injury, which can cause embarrassment.

Understanding the common concerns that can affect the nose is crucial when considering the variety of Rhinoplasty procedures available and deciding on the treatments that are most suitable for your needs.

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