Why do people even get nose jobs if cartilage is flexible?

Question

So I just learned that nasal cartilage is "flexible" and "malleable". So if I just press on my nose and lift the tip up it will start to look straighter and smaller, right? By the way, the definition of "malleable" is able to bend without breaking so if I manipulate my nose can I change the shape without bending it? My only worry is breathing. If I press on the bump on the bridge of my nose, OVER TIME will I deform cartilage or my septum? And does everyone have a deviated septum, anyways?

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

As a newborn, cartilage DOES have the ability to maintain a new shape if held in that position. However, after that time, the cartilage loses that ability and in fact has the property of maintaining its shape. This is one of the challenges of rhinoplasty surgery---repositioning/reshaping the cartilage and maintaining it in its new shape/position.At the present time we don't know of a way to reshape the cartilages without surgery.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although nasal cartilage is flexible, it is not malleable.  Nasal cartilage can be bent by force, but cartilage  has "memory" and will spring back to it original shape as soon as the force is removed.  Although one can reduce post operative swelling in the nose by applying pressure, it's not possible to reshape the cartilage.  Best wishes.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

While it is true that the nasal cartilage are all flexible and malleable, they also possess the "spring" or "memory" property" hence they will automatically recoil once manipulative force is removed. This is the reason why you will never be able to change the shape of your nose permanently just by self manipulation.Pressing on the bump (or hump) no matter how long, will not warrant any permanent effect on the cartilage or septum. If your aim is to lower the hump by this maneuver, it will never work and surgery is your only option.As for septal deviation, though a lot of people may have this concern, not everyone who has it experience problems in breathing. Breathing problem however is a positive indication of septal deviation.

Why do people even get nose jobs if cartilage is flexible?

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Why do people even get nose jobs if cartilage is flexible?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.