People throughout Dallas, TX who wish to enhance their facial features may want to consider undergoing a rhinoplasty (nose job). This nose reshaping surgery can work wonders for the appearance. Even a subtle adjustment to the nose can make a major difference.

While many people who undergo rhinoplasty suffer from crooked or bent noses, there are a number of patients who suffer from long noses. Let's consider this issue in more detail below, starting with an exploration of what it means to have a long nose.

The Length of the Nose

When people refer to a long nose, they typically refer to the vertical length of the nose rather than the outward protrusion of the tip of the nose. The latter conjures images of the story Pinocchio, which is simply not an anatomical possibility.

People with long noses tend to have longer tips of the nose that droop at the end, which can give the nose a lengthened or even hook-like appearance. Sometimes a long nose has a lot of outward protrusion, which is the result of a prominent bridge and a long septum. It's also possible for people to have a long septum as well as a drooping tip of the nose.

Aesthetic Problems Caused by Long Noses

When a person has a long nose, the nose becomes the dominant feature on the face, and not necessarily in a good way. The nose can detract from other facial features, and generally give the face a less appealing appearance. This is one of the reasons why people consider undergoing a rhinoplasty.

Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty

A good candidate for rhinoplasty is a person who has issues with the aesthetics of his or her nose. The patient should be in good overall health and not suffer from any sort of medical conditions that would make a facial surgery a risk to general wellness.

It's important that rhinoplasty patients understand the risks and benefits involved in the procedure. It is also important that rhinoplasty patients have realistic expectations about the nature of surgery and what it entails.

The Procedure for Shortening a Nose

There are different ways to shorten the nose, and the ideal method for the patient will depend on the cause of the long nose.

For patients with a prominent bridge and a long septum, a plastic surgeon will adjust the septum and the structures of the bridge of the nose to reduce the overall length. For patients who have a drooping tip of the nose, a plastic surgeon can raise the tip of the nose and even adjust its angle so there is no appearance of drooping. When a combination of these issues is present, the surgery will involve a mix of the two approaches.

During the consultation process, a plastic surgeon can develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to the needs of the patient.

The Results of Rhinoplasty

The results of rhinoplasty can be dramatic. Patients who have their noses shorted often notice major changes in facial symmetry. Their nose is no longer so prominent, allowing other facial features to become more pronounced.

Surgical incisions are made inside of the nostrils or along the columella (the skin between the nostrils). Because of this, post-surgical scarring is minimal and very hard to notice, even when people are up close.

Learn More about Facial Plastic Surgery

If you would like more information about rhinoplasty as well as other options for facial rejuvenation and enhancement, be sure to contact an experienced plastic surgeon. We look forward to your visit and discussing that matters in much greater detail.