What is Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the general umbrella term used to describe cosmetic procedures that improve the appearance and airflow of the nose. You may know it as a nose job. Nasal surgery can have aesthetic and health benefits. Two forms of rhinoplasty are normally sought after, augmented rhinoplasty and reduction rhinoplasty.

In the following post, we are going to focus on augmentation rhinoplasty, explaining exactly what it is, what it can do, the many benefits of this procedure, while touching on the downsides too, the potential risks and what it costs.

Augmentation rhinoplasty is a procedure that involves expanding and lifting your nose to help build the tip or nasal bridge up. It differs from reduction rhinoplasty, in that it is designed to alter the look and function of your nose by widening and lifting it, rather than narrowing it or lowering it. Let’s look at this procedure, considered one of the most common plastic surgeries, in greater detail.

What can augmentation rhinoplasty do?

Augmentation rhinoplasty is an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure that can increase the size and shape of your nose. It involves the addition of a framework underneath the skin of your nose to help raise your nose and expand the nasal canal.

What are the benefits?

Like all other forms of plastic surgery, there are many benefits you can gain from having augmentation rhinoplasty if it is right for you.

Increase the size of your nose

This is perhaps the most obvious and immediate benefit. If your nose does not allow enough airflow or it looks too small and narrow for the rest of your face, augmentation rhinoplasty can help.

Give your nostrils a new shape

Similarly to the above, augmentation rhinoplasty can help improve the overall shape of your nostrils beyond how high and raised they are. This is one of the main reasons why so many people seek out aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Enhance the harmony and balance with other facial features

As the nose acts as a central focal point to the rest of your face, the rest of your facial features must be taken into consideration. A qualified and certified plastic surgeon will make sure that your nose does not out of place with everything else.

Correct a deviated septum

If you suffer from a deviated septum and would like to have this corrected to improve the aesthetics of your nose and health issues that result from it, augmentation rhinoplasty can help.

Improve breathing

By lifting and opening up your nasal tip and the nostrils, augmentation rhinoplasty can help improve your breathing.

What are the limitations?

While it is possible to significantly improve the appearance of your nose with augmentation rhinoplasty, the new nasal frame might feel unnaturally hard. The reason for this is that it does not have quite the same flexibility and consistency as your nose. It could be that you find that the new frame moves underneath your skin if it does not affix properly to the existing nasal framework.

How much does augmentation rhinoplasty cost?

As everyone has a unique nose, it is hard to put an exact figure on how much augmentation rhinoplasty will cost. On average, though, the cost of augmentation rhinoplasty in the UK can cost anything between £4,000 and £7,000. For a more accurate quote of how much your procedure will cost, you need to book a consultation appointment with the plastic surgeon that will perform the surgery.

What are the risks?

Although augmentation rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available right now, like other cosmetic treatments, it still comes with some risks and complications you should be aware of.

Allergic reaction

It is rare, but you can suffer from allergic reactions to the solutions, stitches and tape used in the procedure. If you do experience this, you may need to have additional treatments.

Changes over time

The appearance and shape of your nose will still change over time because of ageing and sun exposure. So, to maintain the look and feel of your nose, you may need further treatment at a later date.

Unsatisfactory results

Although this is another rare risk, it can happen that some patients are not as happy with the results of the procedure as they would like. It may be that, for example, the shape, feel or overall look of the nose does not meet your expectations. This is why the consultation appointment is crucial, to make sure the surgeon understands exactly what you want.

Altered sense of smell

Some patients have noted that their sense of smell and taste has been affected by rhinoplasty. It is important to note that this change is often permanent.

Difficulties with breathing

For the first week after your operation, it is common to experience some difficulties with breathing. Although this problem will normally disappear when the swelling reduces, it can be more permanent.

Septal perforation

In very rare cases, a hole may develop in your septum, either while the surgery is being performed or afterwards because of blood collecting inside it. If you suffer from this complication, you could need an additional operation to fix it. It may even be impossible to repair that hole.

Infection

Infections can occur in the wound of the operation, and you may need a course of antibiotics or operation to fix it.

Bleeding

Although it is unusual to suffer from heavy bleeding following rhinoplasty, it is still possible and you may need another procedure to stop it, which may in turn delay healing and recovery.

Scars

It is very hard to avoid scarring after rhinoplasty. Although these will be very visible, starting as a red colour, they will change to purple and then fade to a paler colour over the next 12 to 18 months. On rare occasions, scars become redder, more painful, thicker, and wider. If this happens, you may need additional procedures to correct the problem.

Summary

If you are not happy with how your nose looks and feels or are experiencing difficulties breathing or with other nasal functions, augmentation rhinoplasty surgery is worth considering. It is not completely risk-free, but as it is one of the most common plastic surgery procedure available, if you choose a reputable and qualified plastic surgeon to perform the surgery, you are likely to benefit from the many advantages discussed above. At Linia, we have a team of highly experienced and sought-after plastic surgeons who can help you have the nose you want and need.

Posted In: Face Treatments Blogs

Written By: Dr Khalid Irshad