13 Hard Facts About Nose Jobs (Rhinoplasty) That You Should Know Before Getting One
Nose job – or rhinoplasty – has always been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world, but the desire to get a `perfect nose’ is perhaps more widespread now than ever.
In 2017, 218,000 rhinoplasties were performed in the United States alone, and the figure may rise exponentially as people who previously thought of rhinoplasty as something that only celebrities did, choose to reshape their own noses to look better in the selfie photos they post on social media.
But, as with any procedure that is performed for long-term or permanent change, it is important that you are in complete possession of all the facts before you make a final decision.
In this article, we will talk about 13 important things that anyone seeking rhinoplasty should fully understand, so they can embark on this transformational journey with complete confidence and realistic expectations:
#1: Choose Your Surgeon Carefully
• Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult plastic surgery procedures, which is why you should choose your surgeon carefully. Experience and technical expertise is going to make all the difference between a new nose that you love – and one that you don’t!
# 2: Focus On Enhancement, Not A Transplant
• Have realistic expectations of what can — and cannot — be achieved. No two noses are the same, and the basic architecture of your own nose will dictate how far a surgeon can wisely go to improve its appearance.
Consider a rhinoplasty procedure well done when the reshaped nose blends seamlessly with the rest of your face. The more natural the end result looks, the happier you will be in the long run.
# 3: Don’t Fall In Love With What Cannot Be
• Don’t set your heart on any particular `look’ unless you have spoken with your surgeon. What’s possible on someone else may not be possible – or even desirable! — on you.
# 4: Keep These Contributory Factors In Mind
• Younger skin that is clear and smooth, a firm nasal cartilage, good genes, optimum health conditions and recuperative abilities all contribute towards a great rhinoplasty outcome.
# 5: Preserve Your Nasal Skeleton’s Strength
• It is not a good idea to ask a surgeon to compromise the nasal skeleton (by taking off too much tip cartilage for example) because you have set your heart on a particular look. The weakening of the nasal skeleton structure is not without risk.
# 6: Rhinoplasty Will Not Heal Overnight
• Don’t expect to wake up the next day, or the next week after your procedure with the perfect nose. It can take as much as a year to see the full results. In the short-term, you probably have to wait several weeks to see the swelling subside significantly. So be patient and don’t be disappointed by what you see at first. It’s all a work in progress.
# 7: The Healing May Not Happen Symmetrically Either
• Often times, the healing of one area of the nose can take place slower than others, giving the impression of asymmetry. Be assured that this is normal and temporary.
# 8: Be Prepared To Take Time Off
• Expect to be out of commission for 7-10 days after the procedure, because the bruises and swelling need that time to heal. Talk to your doctor about pre-operative precautions you can take to minimize their impact as well.
# 9: You Cannot Wear Glasses
• You shouldn’t be wearing glasses for the first 3-4 weeks, though you can put in contact lenses after 2-3 days.
# 10: You Cannot Exercise
• If you’re a fitness freak, your regular exercise routine will have to take a break for 3-4 weeks after the procedure. An increased heart rate of over 100 can be detrimental to the healing process.
# 11: The Pain Won’t Be As Bad As You May Think
• Contrary to popular belief, the pain is usually not that significant. Congestion, stuffy nose and general lethargy are the main discomforts you may have to deal with.
# 12: Revisions May Be Necessary
• It isn’t uncommon to see patients undergoing minor revisions afterwards to further improve on the work done during the first procedure. Rhinoplasty is not an exact science with cookie cutter results, so be open to the possibility of a revision.
#13: Be Confident In Your Decision
• Do not get influenced by what others think, if you really want a rhinoplasty. And don’t be defending your reasons for doing it to anybody and everybody either. It is your nose and your business.
Rhinoplasty is a major life decision, and emotionally transformational as well. We want everyone to love their new look with a well-shaped, streamlined nose, and feel empowered and fully satisfied with the decision they have taken.
Am I A Good Candidate For Rhinoplasty?
• The best way to determine if Rhinoplasty is a solution for you is to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Bryan McIntosh, who will provide you with a personalized treatment plan, and whose staff will assist you in every step of pre-treatment, the procedure, and recovery.
