Affect of Aging on Nose
The human nose begins as a short appendage with very few distinguishing characteristics. The nose remains fairly child-like until adolescent growth triggers a dramatic elongation of the nasal skeleton. By age 16, the nose reaches its final adult shape, unique from all others, as skeletal growth is completed.
In addition to soft tissue considerations, a successful procedure also demands a solid understanding of skeletal response to surgical intervention. However, a competent surgeon must understand the impact of aging upon the nasal framework. While skeletal growth stops in adolescence, a number of environmental and individual factors impact nasal shape through the years. These factors often produce subtle or even dramatic changes in the adult nasal contour. In other words, the nose ages just like everything else and some noses age more than others.
Affect of Aging on Nasal Cartilage
Typically, changes attributed aging is marked by drooping of the tip, collapse of the sidewalls, and thickening of the skin. The degree and speed which affects any particular nose vary widely from person to person. Among the variables is the intrinsic strength of the cartilage framework. For individuals born with rigid nasal cartilage, age-related changes are less likely to affect nasal contour. Conversely, people born with soft nasal cartilage may more readily succumb to age-related changes in nasal shape. Moreover, individuals afflicted by nasal allergies, diabetes, nasal trauma, sun damage, or nicotine use may experience accelerated deformity of the nasal contour. Unfortunately, the impact of aging is generally detrimental. The susceptibility of the nose to aging underscores the importance of preserving structural support when undertaking the rhinoplasty procedure.
Whatever your inclinations for elective rhinoplasty, Dr. Sadati will be able to help!
