Reasons (Other Than Looks) to Get a Nose Job.

Rhinoplasty is often the butt of jokes on sitcoms and gossip TV. However, this procedure isn’t just about appealing to celebrities’ vanity. It can be a practical solution for anyone who isn’t happy with the appearance of his or her nose. Furthermore, it has uses that extend beyond improving a person’s looks.

Trouble Breathing or Chronic Sinus Problems
The most common medical reason to get rhinoplasty may be trouble breathing or chronic sinus problems. If you experience severe allergies or sinus congestion, your problem might be related to anatomical defects within your nose, such as a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the dividing wall that separates the two sides of your nose. When it's crooked or oddly shaped, it can cause breathing problems and related issues.

The rhinoplasty that fixes this problem is called functional rhinoplasty. Your nose may not look any different after the procedure, but you’ll almost certainly notice improvement in your breathing.

Image via Flickr by Joe Dielis.

A Broken Nose
Whether you play sports and had a bad collision or you were in another type of accident, broken noses happen. The damage can affect the way your nose looks and functions. After you break your nose, it’s wise to consult a plastic surgeon as soon as possible; if you have rhinoplasty within two weeks of the accident, the results are likely to be excellent. The surgery can be performed later, though. You might even like your new nose better than your old one.

Many high-quality surgeons may be able to help you get your nose back after an accident. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you should schedule an appointment at Dr. Honrado’s office; he has extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty.

Cleft Lip or Palate
When someone has a cleft lip or palate, that can affect the appearance of the nose. One nostril may be significantly larger than the other, resulting in noticeable asymmetry. Rhinoplasty to repair this deformity might be performed when a child is younger or older, depending on the view of the child’s doctor. Some doctors believe the deformity should be repaired as soon as possible, even before the nose is finished developing. Other surgeons argue that the procedure ought to wait until the child is older.

Other Medical Reasons for Rhinoplasty
A broken nose isn’t the only facial damage that may lead to rhinoplasty. When someone suffers from severe facial burns or broken bones around the eye sockets, these can affect the form and function of the nose. Even a brain tumor, if it's located at the base of the skull, can necessitate rhinoplasty; this is an endoscopic procedure to remove the tumor and can be used whether the tumor is cancerous or benign.

Too many people dismiss rhinoplasty as a procedure that's all about improving appearance. It certainly has the power to boost a person’s self-esteem, but it is often a medically necessary and practical surgery. If you have breathing problems or have suffered damage to your nose or face, you should pay a visit to a local cosmetic surgeon; you’ll be glad you did.