‘Rhinos’ is Greek for nose, and ‘Plassein’, or plastic, also from the Greek, means ‘to shape’. Thus, rhinoplasty is formed as a word. This is a surgical procedure that is performed on the nose by a head and neck surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, or a plastic surgeon. Rhinoplasty is carried out to reshape a nose for cosmetic reasons or for health reasons. Breathing problems due to trauma or a birth defect can be treated with rhinoplasty. For example, it is not uncommon for a sports injury to the nose to develop into a breathing problem. This would be one health reason why rhinoplasty would be completed on a patient.

More commonly known as a ‘nose job’, a cosmetic surgery on the nose can result in a face that is more contoured and pleasing to the eye. Did you know that the first nose surgeries have been recorded in history as far back as Circa 500 B.C.? Sushruta Samhita, a physician who lived in Ancient India, is regarded as ‘the father of plastic surgery’. A text in which he describes nasal reconstruction dates at 500 B.C. The techniques which he used to carry out forehead flap rhinoplasty have continued to be used, relatively unchanged, up to today.

The general reason why many seek nose surgery is because they think it is too big. Some want an undesirable bump or tip removed. Asymmetrical noses also annoy some. At Hermosa Plastic Surgery in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dr. Michael Gallegos will be happy to meet with you and discuss the procedure of rhinoplasty. First of all, you need to ask if you qualify as a candidate. Dr. Gallegos is also skilled at picturing the final outcome of your nose reshaping. This is very important, because you want all of your facial proportions to be in balance and harmonize together for an overall attractive finish. Only the best plastic surgeons can visualize the finished results.

Depending on the desired outcome, an open or closed rhinoplasty can be executed by Dr. Gallegos, a board certified plastic surgeon who also provides services to the county of Santa Fe . In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision into the tissue is made that separates the nostrils. This way the doctor can have access to the bone by lifting the nose tissue. This procedure would be used to reduce a bump. In a closed rhinoplasty, the doctor will work within the nostrils. No scar will be visible at all between the nostril openings. This method limits the doctor’s access, but is good for simple, subtle changes to the nose. A free consultation can be scheduled to see what procedure will work for you.

If you are interested in rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Gallegos’s office to schedule a consultation.