Rhinoplasty Surgery Information
Michael E. Villano, MD, Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Central Oregon

__________________________________________________________

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty surgery and Reconstructive Rhinoplasty surgery – there is a difference.

Cosmetic surgery is performed in order to “improve” the appearance and self-esteem. Even though it is not always deemed medically necessary – it is most effective in improving and enhancing appearance. It always improves self-esteem as well.

Reconstructive Surgery is performed to correct abnormal structures of the body which are caused by congenital birth defects, trauma, developmental abnormalities, infection, tumors or disease.

Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgery– A Brief History
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns and disease. The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word plastikos, which means “to mold or shape.” This dates back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 B.C. – and India since 800 B.C. Soldiers wounded in battle incurred many gaping wounds – including facial wounds - that surgeons were forced to deal with. During the Renaissance, Rhinoplasty was studied for aesthetic purposes and by the middle 1800’s – doctors in Europe were using different surgical procedures to enhance the shape, appearance and functionality of the nose. Two of the most noted pioneers were Jacques Joseph and John Orland who began to explore the benefits of “reconstructive” and “functional” repairs and developed successful surgical techniques to perpetuate this area of modern surgery. During World War I, surgeons were forced to create major advances, quickly, in technologies, reconstructive procedures, anesthesia and techniques. Rhinoplasty was one of the most common surgeries needed and wonderful advancements were made in technique and reduced risk.

So the “art” and “science” of plastic surgery was born out of necessity and has evolved into cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery as we know it today.

____________________________________________________________________

Common problems of the Nose
Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed today. People choose to have their nose reshaped for many reasons. If you can identify with any of the following – then let’s talk about your needs:

• It’s too big – the most common problem
• It’s too wide – too broad between the eyes
• It’s crooked - from an injury such as a fracture
• It’s too large or “bulbous” – at the tip of the nose
• It’s not well “defined” – the tip is poorly defined
• It’s flaring in the nostrils – the wings can be narrowed
• It’s too narrow – the nostrils can be widened & elevated
• It’s rim is too thick – the nostrils can be slimmed in this area
• It’s tip hangs down – the tip can be trimmed to proportion
• It’s a “ski jump” or “Saddle” – the middle appears caved in or crushed
• It’s crooked –from injury (a fracture) – you can’t breathe well

Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose or change the shape of the tip or the bridge. It can narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between your nose and upper lip – or correct a birth defect or injury to relieve breathing problems.

_______________________________________________________

Dr. Villano is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. LEARN MORE about Dr. Villano. Located in Bend Oregon.