True or false: The nose is the most prominent feature of the face and varies according to our genetic makeup. Most certainly, the nose is a sign of our heritage. Many cultures felt so connected with their noses' unique shape that they profile it on their coins. Some more identifying profiles are on ancient Roman coins and even American coins. Many famous celebrities are also recognizable just by the look of their nose. Even though we embrace ethnic or celebrity noses, a misshapen or malformed nose is perceived embarrassing and is often a prelude to poor self-esteem. However, a cosmetic surgical technique, Rhinoplasty, can correct nose deformities and help one restore a healthier sense of self.

What is so appealing about this cosmetic surgery? First, cosmetic surgery by definition is "any surgery that is performed to reshape otherwise normal body parts in order to improve a person's appearance and self-esteem". The wonder of cosmetic surgery is, it is not performed to correct a malformed body part - this would be the purpose of reconstructive surgery. Most malformations in reconstructive surgery are the result of a congenital defect, an illness or an accident. Next, cosmetic surgery has become so popular that this type of surgery has doubled in the past 5 years. The segment of the population most attracted to cosmetic surgery is mostly woman; more than 85% of cosmetic surgeries are on woman and men are only starting to take more interest in this procedure. The second most customary cosmetic surgery for men is Rhinoplasty (after liposuction), possibly on account of sport injuries to the nose.

The protocol for arranging Rhinoplasty starts with a conference with a plastic surgeon that determines what possible corrections are available. Bear in mind that the surgeon can only work with the existing bone structure, overall shape of the face, patient's age, and the skin's thickness. First the surgeon and patient must mutually agree on the extent of the surgery and desired outcome, before surgery can proceed. Since Rhinoplasty is an extremely delicate operation requiring highly sophisticated skills and artistic talent, your selection of a surgeon will impact the outcome.

After you check in as an outpatient at a hospital or alternative surgical center, you are given an anesthetic. Two degrees of anesthesia are administered: "general" to knock you out entirely or "local" to numb pain while you're awake. The surgery will be performed in one of two ways: "closed" or "open". From inside the nostrils, a closed Rhinoplasty is worked. The closed method has a lesser recovery period but cannot be performed for extensive work. In more complicated cases, "open" Rhinoplasty uses an outer incision to separate the skin between the nostrils. Then, underlying bone and cartilage is exposed for the surgeon to carefully reshape and repair as planned.

The recovery time is quick at first. The surgery recovery time is only about two days. Full recovery from the surgery procedure is about one week. At this point, you can resume full activities. However, the tip of the nose can take from several months up to almost a year to fully stabilize. To a person who's waited a lifetime or put up with this look for generations, this little extra time is worth a better appearance inside and out.