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4 Nose Job Tips From a Rhinoplasty Specialist

By: Dr. Christopher Khorsandi

11/30/2015

Surgery that reshapes the nose, called rhinoplasty, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. Many men and women have chosen to have their nose surgically altered, whether for cosmetic purposes or to correct a breathing problem or birth defect. As with any type of surgery, possible patients should know at least a little bit about the process before they make plans to have it done. Doing a little research beforehand means less worry, more confidence, and more prepared decision-making. Here are some things to know before getting a nose job from a rhinoplasty specialist.

  1. Choose Your Surgeon Carefully - Surgery of any kind requires great skill and precision. Choosing a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, can be a good starting point in choosing your physician. Ask friends and family members for references.  Look to see if your physician has a 3D imaging system such as the Vectra 3D to simulate your outcome.  Check out the physicians website.  Do they talk about rhinoplasty in their blogs?  Is it an area that they are familiar with?  Look for before and after photos and lastly check out their reviews.

  2. Rhinoplasty is a tailored surgery - Noses can differ greatly between individuals.  What is right for one person may not be right for another.  Look for a surgeon that listens to your desires and see if they share your vision.  Make sure that your surgeon can communicate and articulate what it is that you need whether it’s a hump reduction, a tip rhinoplasty, correction of a deviated septum, narrowing of the nose, or whichever adjustments are deemed appropriate.

  3. Go for Improvement, Not Perfection - A new nose can certainly change someone’s appearance in a positive way, but getting your favorite celebrity’s nose won’t make you look like your favorite celebrity. A plastic surgeon’s goal is to help each patient look like the best possible version of him or her self and to set realistic expectations.  We all have slight imperfections to our face whether we have undergone surgery or not.  In nose reshaping surgery the aim is for measurable improvement.  While a good surgeon will always aim for the best, perfection is not a guarantee.

  4. Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions - Consulting in-depth with the plastic surgeon before and following your surgeon’s instructions after the surgery is essential. Your rhinoplasty specialist will provide instructions on how to best prepare for and recover from the surgery, with tips that may pertain to diet, facial care, and things to avoid. Follow postoperative instructions carefully as it is in your best interest to do so.

Getting a rhinoplasty can be an exciting a transformative experience. If you have further questions about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, consult a trusted plastic surgeon.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.