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As one of the most prominent features of the face, the nose plays a key role in enhancing, or detracting from, your looks. If you are not happy with the shape or size of your nose, it can adversely affect your social, personal and professional life. Fortunately, different surgical and non-surgical options to reshape the nose and boost one’s confidence are now available at a variety of price points.

Cosmetic Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Many people go in for nose surgery to enhance their natural nose shape, correct bumps or modify crooked shapes. Although nose surgery often serves cosmetic purposes, it is also used to repair injuries to nose and the improve breathing problems.

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty is a relatively simple procedure that is performed under a general anesthetic and is often completed within an hour or two. Rhinoplasty surgeons perform two types of nose surgery. In the ‘closed’ procedure, incisions are made inside the nose. Since the scars are internal, they remain hidden. In the ‘open’ method, incisions are made outside the nose. Such external incisions are common in nose surgeries performed to reduce the size of the nose. However, the scars will not be visible since they blend in with the crease of the nose.

Nose surgery can rectify common issues like:

• Size of the nose (too large or too small)
• Length and shape of the nose
• A bulging nose tip
• Bumps or humps on the nose

The extent to which a nose may be modified depends on the natural cartilage and bone structure. Before undergoing such a surgery, it is best to consult a reputable surgeon or rhinoplasty clinic to determine exactly what modifications can be made. If you are able to present pictures of the shape of nose you would like to have, it will aid the surgeon in advising what can actually be achieved.

After Surgery
After the surgery, the nose will be covered with a splint dressing that will stay in place for about 10 days. For up to six weeks after surgery, the nose may be bruised and swollen. During this time, it is best to avoid strenuous tasks like intensive exercise and sporting activities so help speed up nasal healing. Once the swelling and bruising begin to decline, the nose will appear to change shape for the next few months. It is important to be patient until the healing process is complete and the nose attains its final shape.

The Cost of Rhinoplasty
The cost of nose jobs varies depending on the extent of surgery performed and prevailing prices in an area. For instance, it will cost less if you only need to reshape the tip of nose because all that the surgeon has to do is reshape the cartilage at the nose tip. On the other hand, if you need a major change in shape, the surgeon will have to reshape and file down the bone, leading to higher costs.

Remember, even subtle changes to the nose can dramatically enhance your appearance.

Affordable Non-Surgical Alternatives to Rhinoplasty
While cosmetic nose surgery, when performed correctly by a skilled plastic surgeon, remains the gold-standard for permanently improving the shape and appearance of the nose, less expensive and less permanent alternatives to rhinoplasty have now become available.

One such alternative is popularly known as the “15-minute nose job” or “non-surgical nose job.” This procedure involves injecting biocompatible fillers like RadiesseTM and RestylaneTM into selected areas on the nose. The method seeks to contour and shape the nose in addition to diminishing the prominence of any bumps on the nose and the effects typically last about 1 – 2 years before a touch-up is required, depending on which types of fillers are used. More permanent types of fillers are also beginning to be used by some physicians. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office using only local numbing agents to control the mild pain of the injections. The cost for a filler-based, non-surgical nose job is generally about 10% that of a surgical rhinoplasty. Many of the physicians who are experienced at performing non-surgical nose jobs have posted before-and-after pics of their work on the Internet, which will give you an excellent idea of what can be achieved by this technique.

Another exciting and affordable alternative to rhinoplasty is the use of nose correcting inserts that temporarily improve the appearance of the nose while worn. The product, called NoseSecret, consists of two arc-shaped, flexible polymer inserts that are placed in the lower part of the nose to improve its shape. The inserts sit invisibly in the nose, gently pushing the tip outward to refine the overall appearance of the nose. However, unlike the other options, there are some limitations on using this product. For example, it should not be worn overnight while sleeping. NoseSecret comes in different sizes to match different noses and sells for around $30.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica.  See www.arrivacostarica.com