RHINOPLASTY FOR AGE RELATED CHANGES IN THE NOSE
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the size, shape, and/or function of the nose. In the past few years, it has become one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in America.
While a large percentage of rhinoplasties are elected for cosmetic enhancement, there is a growing number of rhinoplasties undertaken to improve nasal function in older patients. According to the 2011 American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Statistics Report, a total of 24,136 patients age 55 and older underwent rhinoplasty.
Natural aging causes a deterioration of nasal cartilage and tissue. These changes can lead to an elongated nasal tip, consequently narrowing the nostrils and affecting breathing. In these circumstances, the surgeon can perform a spreader graft technique wherein artificial implants or donor cartilage is placed centrally in the nose to widen the nostrils, thus improving nasal breathing.
Older patients may also look to rhinoplasty to help mitigate age related changes in the appearance of the nose. As we age, the skin may thin at the proximal, or top portion, of the nose, leaving behind a nasal bump. As this can cause a relative thickening in the lower or distal nose, one can be left with a nasal bulge or a bulbous nasal tip. Nasal refinement or a simple rejuvenation boost can be of benefit when these changes are significant or affect the elder’s sense of well-being.
These surgeries are typically performed in an outpatient setting and while the procedure is relatively quick and nearly painless, older patients sometimes experience a somewhat longer recovery period than their younger counterparts. A rising number of rhinoplasty surgeries in older patients is expected as this population continues to grow. The advancement of this surgery will also be fueled by a desire to improve the quality of life in this growing segment of the population.
To learn more about rhinoplasty, contact renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edwin Williams of the Williams Center at (800) 742-2797. The Williams Center has locations in Albany, New York, and Manhattan.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.