Select Page

Five Interesting Facts About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (nose job) is cosmetic (plastic) surgery

While most people have heard of it or even know someone who has had it done, there are a few things that the majority of people do not know about rhinoplasty or may have never even thought about. Here are five interesting facts about rhinoplasty that you may not know:

Rhinoplasty is older than you think

Rhinoplasty was performed for the first time about 2,500 years ago. Yes, that’s right – 2,500 years ago! The techniques used then were similar to the techniques used today. A medical book from India explains those techniques and how they were used to repair noses that were damaged or cut off in battle.

The discovery of that book and the procedures written in it brought rhinoplasty to England in the 18th century. The surgery would become a popular procedure throughout the cosmetic industry, especially for the stars of Hollywood.

One of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery today is rhinoplasty

In 2007 alone, there were 12 million cosmetic surgeries done. The top 5 of those were rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, and abdominoplasty. Those procedures have always been at the top of the list, but the order in which they rank changes often.

Cartilage and skin from other parts of the body are often used

Cartilage and skin from other parts of the body is used, when needed, to make the nose longer or to reconstruct a nose that has been damaged. Cartilage can be taken from the ear or rib area, and skin is commonly taken from the forehead.

Why it’s called “plastic surgery” when it doesn’t use plastic

The term was used before modern plastic was even invented. It actually comes from the Latin word “plasticus” and the Greek word “plastikos”, meaning to mold or shape or relating to molding or shaping.

Today when people hear the words “plastic surgery”, they might automatically think of modern plastics formed as a prosthetic. While there are some times when plastic might be used for various types of implants, etc., generally cartilage is used for rhinoplasty.

While rhinoplasty is in the group of cosmetic surgeries, it isn’t always just for cosmetic reasons

Rhinoplasty is also used to repair noses that have been damaged by cancer, birth defects, or accidents. The surgery can also be used to correct medical issues, such as a deviated septum, which can cause breathing difficulties for the patient.

While many people will think that rhinoplasty is just for looks, there are other reasons that will require repair and reshaping of the nose. So while sometimes it is done for cosmetic reasons to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, there are a number of medical reasons for the procedure as well.

Most cosmetic procedures performed today have rich and interesting histories. We hope that by sharing these facts about rhinoplasty, you will be able to think about this procedure in a new way.

Additional Articles

Rhinoplasty

State-Of-The-Art Surgical Facility

Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.

Text us

dr torgerson logo light 01

Surgical

Dr. Cory Torgerson 05
Choose a Surgical Procedure

Non-surgical

Non surgical Procedures Menu e1590194488944
Choose a Non-surgical Procedure