A nose job, also called rhinoplasty, is one of the most requested facial plastic surgery procedures, yet is also one of the most intricate to perform. Therefore, it is crucial that you do your research beforehand, choose an experienced facial plastic surgeon and thoroughly think about your decision before deciding to get a nose job.
During this process, it is helpful to educate yourself as much as possible about the ins and outs of rhinoplasty to ensure this is the right procedure for you. To help get you started, take a look at these four need-to-know facts about nose jobs.
1. Rhinoplasty Requires Extremely Intricate Skill and Knowledge
Rhinoplasty is certainly not a “one size fits all procedure,” so your plastic surgeon must have the expertise and technical skill needed to custom-tailor your nose job to uniquely meet your goals and natural facial anatomy.
Because it involves such a delicate and highly visible area of the face, a nose job requires an artistic eye, detailed knowledge of human anatomy and intricate surgical skill.
Thus, choose your facial plastic surgeon carefully, asking about board certification, affiliations with accredited medical organizations, before and after photos and client reviews. It never hurts to schedule a consultation with more than one facial plastic surgeon, either.
2. Realistic Expectations Are a Must
When deciding if a nose job is right for you, ask yourself what exactly you want to achieve. It is imperative that your goals are attainable and that you have realistic expectations for your final results.
Natural human anatomy is rarely — if ever — perfectly symmetrical. Your nose job results may have minor imperfections, but that’s what makes them look natural and balanced.
Know that you aren’t going to look like someone else entirely after your nose job. Rhinoplasty isn’t like Photoshop, where you can just pop someone else’s nose on your face. Your nose job results need to be in harmony with your surrounding facial features and structure. A natural-looking appearance is the ultimate goal — not to look like someone else.
Additionally, perfection can be the enemy when it comes to your rhinoplasty results. If you feel as though you are obsessing over getting the “perfect” nose, you might reconsider getting a rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty revision.
3. Swelling Can Distort Your Results at First
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately fall in love with your new nose. Significant swelling and bruising can hide the results underneath. Give your body time to rest and recover after your nose job before assessing the final outcome.
Most of the swelling should dissipate within the first three months after rhinoplasty, but it can take one year (average for a rhinoplasty) to two years (average for a revision rhinoplasty) to see your final results.
4. Revision Rhinoplasty Is Not Ideal for Small Touch-Ups
Minor imperfections are not generally a good reason to get a revision nose job. The second procedure will be more complicated and complex than the first, and you could wind up with other cosmetic concerns while trying to chase away minor imperfections.
Instead, revision rhinoplasty is best for situations where the function of the nose has been compromised or severe cosmetic issues have resulted from the initial procedure.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
