Is Rhinoplasty Considered Cosmetic Surgery?

Is Rhinoplasty Considered Cosmetic Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the nose. If you are considering rhinoplasty, you may be wondering if it is considered cosmetic surgery. The answer to this question is a little complicated. This is because rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons, or it can be performed for functional reasons. In this blog post, we will answer this question by discussing the two different types of rhinoplasty: cosmetic and functional. We will also explain why a certain type of rhinoplasty would be performed and how the results would benefit the patient.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

cosmetic rhinoplasty before and after

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that is performed for aesthetic reasons. This means that the goal of cosmetic rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance of the nose, without necessarily improving its function. Some common reasons why someone might get cosmetic rhinoplasty include wanting to change the shape of their nose, or wanting to reduce the size of their nose. Other reasons for wanting a cosmetic rhinoplasty include overly wide nostrils, a pinched or bulbous nasal tip, and a pronounced dip or bump on the dorsum (bridge of the nose). The results of cosmetic rhinoplasty are usually purely cosmetic, are centered around restoring a balanced appearance to the nose, and do not have any functional benefits.

Functional Rhinoplasty

functional rhinoplasty before and after

Functional rhinoplasty is a type of nose surgery that is performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons. This means that the goal of functional rhinoplasty is to improve both the appearance and the function of the nose. Some common reasons why someone might get functional rhinoplasty include wanting to improve their breathing, or wanting to correct a deviated septum. The results of functional rhinoplasty can be both cosmetic and functional. For example, if someone gets functional rhinoplasty to improve their breathing, they will not only see a cosmetic improvement in the appearance of their nose, but they will also experience an improvement in their breathing. Some common reasons for having a functional rhinoplasty include:

  • chronic or recurring sinusitis
  • nasal inflammation due to chronic allergies
  • cleft lip and cleft palate conditions
  • deviated septum
  • traumatic injuries

Distinguishing the Two

So, is rhinoplasty considered cosmetic surgery? The answer is that it depends on the type of rhinoplasty that you get. If you get cosmetic rhinoplasty, then the answer is yes. However, if you get functional rhinoplasty, then the answer is a little more complicated. This is because functional rhinoplasty can have both cosmetic and functional benefits. Generally speaking, rhinoplasty is said to be functional if its effects help to improve breathing in any way. If breathing is not improved by the surgery, then it is said to be purely cosmetic.

In Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed the two different types of rhinoplasty: cosmetic and functional. We have also explained why a certain type of rhinoplasty would be performed and how the results would benefit the patient. If you are considering getting rhinoplasty, we hope that this blog post has helped to clear up any confusion that you may have had about the procedure.

If you have any further questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you determine if rhinoplasty is right for you.

Lee A. Kleiman a doctor at Anne Arundel ENT

Dr. Lee A. Kleiman is a double board certified ENT & plastic surgeon at Anne Arundel ENT in Annapolis, Maryland known for his superior clinical outcomes in all Surgical and Non-Surgical ENT, specializing in Sinus Care, Voice and Swallowing, Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty, and Facelifts and Non-surgical Aesthetic. He also continues to attend conferences internationally and nationally to keep abreast of the latest treatments and technology.