By Dr. James Banich

 

Rhinoplasty refers to a multitude of procedures that combine to reshape the nose through the process of sculpting bone, cartilage, and soft tissues. While many patients seek rhinoplasty to improve facial harmony and appearance, this procedure can also improve comfort and quality of life by mending impaired nasal breathing.

As cited by Harvard Health, nearly 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed each year in the United States, making it the most common reconstructive procedure.

The Nose Forms the Focal Point of the Face

Subtle sculptural changes to the shape of the nose can greatly impact not only the aesthetic of the nose itself but also the overall appearance of the face. When I meet with patients seeking rhinoplasty consultations, some of the most common concerns I hear are facial profiles that appear to be too strong, tips of noses that look too wide or too low, and nose sizes that aren’t properly balanced with other facial features.

In addition to aesthetic improvement, I often perform rhinoplasties on patients who wish to regain their senses through increased airflow. The nose is a critical respiratory organ, and impaired nasal breathing can significantly and negatively impact the quality of life. Poor airflow through the nose can limit exercise tolerance and athletic performance, limit our ability to smell and taste, and cause undue frustration.

Blending Form with Function

Functional septorhinoplasty is a procedure that combines the functional improvement of breathing, smell, and taste with physical changes to the outward appearance of the nose. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, I specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive issues of the nose to help my patients achieve beautiful results, regain their confidence, and boost their overall quality of life.

For example, a patient who has experienced physical trauma to the nose, such as a fracture, may have a deviated septum, which will result in both an outwardly distorted nasal bridge and a limited ability to breathe. By removing the deviated portions of the internal septal cartilage and rebreaking the previously malpositioned bones to straighten them, I am able to improve, simultaneously, the inner workings and outer presentation of the patient’s nose.

I believe it is in this space of form and function that I thrive as a surgeon. It is a pleasure when the opportunity to improve appearances blends with creating an improvement in patient health and physiology. Recapturing a lost look after a bad car accident as well as improving exercise tolerance or the ability to smell again are very gratifying procedures. Certain aspects of these procedures may be deemed medically necessary and sometimes portions of these procedures may be covered by insurance.

Each rhinoplasty surgery is different, tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy and specific concerns. It is balancing these factors that make this a gratifying procedure for me as a surgeon and for patients who are delighted with their results. 

Rhinoplasty Surgery in Colorado Springs, CO

 

About Dr. James Banich

 

Dr. James Banich is a board-certified general plastic surgeon who specializes in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery. Prior to specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Banich was board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 2004, where he learned the anatomy and physiology of complex nasal disorders. His background has granted him keen insight regarding the fusion of form and function necessary for a successful surgery, and he is dedicated to providing the best quality of care for my patients to ensure their health, safety, and satisfaction.

 

Dr. Banich graduated from Princeton College and Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University. He completed a residency in Otolaryngology and in Plastic Surgery at Loyola. Prior to joining Vanguard, Dr. Banich was part of the Mayo Health System for a decade.

 

To learn more about rhinoplasty or to schedule a consultation, call (719) 355-1585 to schedule a plastic surgery consultation