Isn’t it surreal that we live in a day and age where it’s possible to change one’s natural features? Be it a physical imperfection like a scar or cosmetic enhancement, procedures like a facelift, dermabrasion, and breast augmentation have become more common than ever.
One such procedure that focuses on enhancing the nose is rhinoplasty or nose job. For this, the plastic surgeon readjusts the cartilage or bone to achieve the desired shape.
Are you also planning to book a rhinoplasty appointment? If yes, then there are some things to be aware of. In this article, we will discuss five things to know before stepping inside the clinic.
The Perfect Nose May Be in the Eye of the Beholder
Before you head inside a plastic surgeon’s clinic, keep in mind that there may not be something known as a perfect nose. This is because much of what we see is subject to personal preferences and tastes. Even the classic Greek-shaped nose may have naysayers.
In truth, a particular nose shape may look better or worse depending on other features like the facial frame, eyes, lips, etc. If you wish to preserve your cultural identity with your nose job, consider going for ethnic rhinoplasty.
According to Shah Aesthetic Surgery, a significant difference among various ethnicities is the nose. This means Hispanics will have a distinct nose compared to Caucasians or Asians. With this procedure, you can be sure of maintaining your unique appearance based on your ethnicity.
The aim of a nose job is ultimately to improve nasal function as well as appearance, not perfection. The improvement itself may give the appearance of having an entirely new nose because of how it impacts your overall look.
Have a Specific But Reasonable Expectation
Plastic surgeons tend to appreciate patients who know exactly what they want within a reasonable expectation. In other words, you should be specific about what changes you want but don’t be unrealistic about them.
When a specific need is combined with routine, predictable ones, a nose job’s success rate increases. Some surgeons may not even proceed with the procedure unless the patient can articulate exactly what they wish to change.
A vague sense of disliking ‘something’ about the nose indicates that the patient will have a vague sense of the changes. They may begin regretting the procedure altogether because they never knew what they wanted in the first place. So, don’t enter a rhinoplasty clinic with the complaint that you want your nose to be ‘better.’
Be Prepared for a Long Healing Journey
Frustrating as it may be, the recovery process from a nose job is seldom a linear one after Mini Facelift. You can expect some immediate swelling after the procedure, and even this will wax and wane with time. A third thing to remember is to stay mentally prepared for a long healing journey.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, it can take up to a year for one’s nose to fully recover from a rhinoplasty surgery. The initial swelling may also last between six weeks and three months. Even then, sudden flare-ups are common until complete healing occurs a year after the surgery.
It’s possible to feel amazing about your ‘new nose’ three months after the procedure only to be disappointed nine months later. You must wait for your nose to fully recover to see the final results.
Withhold Immediate Judgment
This point is closely related to the one mentioned above. When the splint is taken off, you may not like the way your nose looks. There may be a wide tip, a hump, or even nostril asymmetry (deviated septum) during the initial weeks post-surgery.
That is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Even if you can’t stand to look at what you see, withhold immediate judgment. In some patients, the pressure around the nasal area may lead to swelling of the eye.
It is only with time and proper healing that the final results become clearer. This also depends on the type of corrective rhinoplasty that was performed. For instance, patients who had a visible bump removed may notice immediate results.
On the other hand, those who wanted a subtle refinement may have to wait for several months before seeing concrete changes.
Be Wary of Social Media or 3D Imaging
How many hours each day do you spend on social media platforms? Studies have found that an average netizen devotes around 2 ½ hours online daily. Among all social platforms, TikTok ranks the highest in terms of average time per user.
Many patients tend to draw inspiration for their rhinoplasty from social media. They enter a plastic surgeon’s clinic with a photo inspiration in their hand. The problem with that is the fact that noses are not viewed in isolation. They complement the face and extremely stylized features may not look good on specific facial symmetries.
So, do not let someone else’s glamor trick you into getting a nose job you later regret. Also, stay away from 3D imaging where a surgeon manipulates a patient’s nose using a button. What you see will be a result of technology and may not be replicable in reality.
Head to your surgeon’s website and look at hundreds of real-life, unedited before and after pictures. If you like a majority of nose job results, the odds are highly in your favor.
Did you know that over 350,000 rhinoplasty surgeries take place in a year? Many of these are revision procedures because the patient did not like the previous results. If you want to avoid a similar fate, keep in mind the things we have discussed in this article.
Make informed choices and consult with your surgeon in case of any concerns or doubts. If you’re prepared before the surgery, chances are you will be happy with the results after.
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