The Top Medical Reasons To Undergo Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures people undergo as it can correct or enhance the shape of the nose by modifying the bone or the cartilage. However, many people also undergo the procedure for medical reasons. Below are some of them: 

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To correct a cleft lip or a cleft palate 

Having a cleft lip or a cleft palate could be difficult especially for a child. People with a cleft lip or a cleft palate may find it hard to eat and breathe properly; thus, a cleft lip surgery, along with rhinoplasty, is performed to correct the defect. 

To prevent nasal inflammation and chronic allergies 

Though not necessarily a birth defect, having a deviated nasal septum can worsen a person's reaction to nasal allergies to the point of nasal inflammation. This situation not only leads to discomfort but can also affect breathing, cause nausea, and hinder productivity. To alleviate the severe reactions, a rhinoplasty might be necessary. 

To repair facial damage due to injury or trauma 

Burns or injuries on the face may require a medical rhinoplasty to repair the bone structure that has been affected. Broken noses, for example, may require a rhinoplasty to prevent sinus pressure and other nasal conditions that could cause discomfort. 

Functional rhinoplasty can be a necessary procedure that can help relieve some conditions in people. While most people see the procedure as a way to improve their looks, for others, it is a necessary step to ensure their health.

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Tup Ingram, M.D., is a reconstructive and plastic surgeon, focusing his practice on reconstruction and cosmetic surgery. He completed his residencies in general and plastic surgery in the Southwestern Medical Center and took many fellowships abroad to further hone his skills in his chosen field. Visit this page for updates.

Why Support Doctors Without Borders?

There are plenty of medical charities to support in one’s locality and around the world.  But why should one donate to Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)?  This global charity group seeks to deliver emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, as well as exclusion from health care.  MSF was formed in 1971 when amid the Paris upheavals of May 1968, a group of young doctors in France decided to try and help victims of wars and major disasters.

When Doctors Without Borders started, it had 300 volunteers made up of doctors, nurses, and other staff, including its 13 founding doctors and journalists.  Its first mission was to the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, where an earthquake in 1972 had destroyed most of the city and killed anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 people.

Image source: Doctors Without Borders 

The mission was to be highly organized and serve “not just [as] doctors pitching up with few drugs in a plastic bag and not enough to work with.”  The organization claims that 89 cents of every dollar supports the program, with the goal of operating efficiently and minimizing fundraising and administrative costs.

When one donates money to Doctors Without Borders, it allows the aid workers to save lives around the world through different basic necessities.  Thirty-five dollars can provide two high-energy meals a day to 200 children, while $50 can provide vaccinations for 50 people against measles, meningitis, polio, or other deadly epidemics.

Image source: Doctors Without Borders

Two hundred fifty dollars can provide a sterilization kit for syringes and needles in mobile vaccination campaigns, while $1000 can already offer emergency medical supplies to help 5,000 disaster victims for an entire month.

Tup Ingram, M.D., is a reconstructive and plastic surgeon based in Nashville, Tennessee. He had worked with various nonprofit organizations such as Operation Smile, Habitat for Humanity, and Doctors Without Borders. For similar articles, click here.