Although each patient has a unique reason for wanting a cosmetic rhinoplasty, most patient's objectives fall into one of three groups.
The first, and most common, is to refine the appearance of the nose. These people are happy with their overall appearance but want a change in the balance of the parts. Often they will ask for a specific change in one area of the nose like a hump on the bridge or a large and bulbous tip.
The second group of patients feel that their nose is too large. They want to reduce the overall size of the nose.
A final group want a change in the type of nose. This is seen in oriental patients or black patients who want a more european nose.
As patients grow older simply being unhappy with the appearance of the nose is often not enough to stimulate the patient to have surgery. They are often encouraged by comments and reactions from those around them to have a rhinoplasty.
Whatever the reason it is important that the surgeon and the patient are very clear about the objectives, so there is less risk of disappointment.