For some, a nose job might be viewed as a luxury, but when it comes to feeling your best, this might be the procedure for you. The nose job or rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to correct a facial trauma or an imbalance in a patient’s facial features to enhance natural beauty. It's also one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that increasingly more patients undergo every year. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 298,000 patients performed a nose job in 2005, and 307,000 people underwent the surgical procedure in 2006. That represents a 2% increase over a one-year period. Rhinoplasty has been among the top five surgical procedures for two consecutive years.

The benefits of a nose job can be both aesthetic and functional. It allows patients to narrow or widen the span of the nostrils, change the angle that the nose forms with the upper lip, and the size of the nose. Nose reshaping cosmetic surgery can treat a patient’s off-centered nose and restore the bridge of a nose to solve breathing problems. It can also bring back the face’s symmetry for a more pleasant look.

An honest communication with your surgeon is crucial for a successful surgery. It is important to discuss your cosmetic and functional concerns, and expectations with your plastic surgeon. He will internally and externally examine your nose, your skin quality, the size and shape of your nose - some surgeons might even take photos and will recommend the best options for you.

Undergoing plastic surgery requires making many decisions. The anatomy of your face maintains a certain degree of inter-relationships, meaning that a subtle modification to the nose result in a drastic change in your facial attributes. Even though a nose job will surely improve a patient’s life, it does not imply a drastic change in the patient’s lifestyle. Patients must be prepared for the time needed for recovery, which varies depending on the procedure.

Nasal reshaping cosmetic surgery can be performed both on men and women who are at least 16 years old and in good health condition. Set up an exploratory appointment with a plastic surgeon and express all of your interests about getting a nose job. Your surgeon will evaluate your case based on your needs, and will recommend the options that will best suit your desires and underlining surgery limitations, if applicable.

You can feel better about yourself. Talk to your plastic surgeon, and let vitality drive the new you!