What to Consider Before Getting a Rhinoplasty  

A rhinoplasty is a form of surgery where the structure of the nose is altered by readjusting bones and cartilage underneath the skin. This can either be done for aesthetic (cosmetic) purposes, for medical reasons, or in some instances, both, such as to help improve nasal breathing difficulties.

Artificial Intelligence vs. Realistic Expectations

The recent rise in cosmetic surgeries can partly be attributed to social media. Between video calls, digital editing and filters, people are not only confronted with images of (and often heavily-filtered) celebrities, but also with their own image reflected back to them on screen. Because of this, having realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery has arguably never been more important. 

Besides the impossible precedent set by idealized, unattainable beauty standards, some may develop the misconception that if a specific perceived physical trait is “fixed”, this will somehow solve all their problems.The reality is that cosmetic surgery can change one aspect of your appearance, not your whole life.

Other Factors to Consider

Once this has been established, there are a number of other important points to consider before booking an appointment:

Mental and Emotional Effects

It’s important to make the decision from a healthy place, rather than from feelings of low self confidence, and certainly not due to pressure from others. While surgery can act as a confidence boost, it is not intended to help underlying emotional or mental issues affecting (for example) body image. If this is the case, it is best to address this first with a qualified health professional.

Commitment

Intensive surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty are a major commitment requiring careful thought. In some cases (as with a nonsurgical rhinoplasty), results can be temporary, however more permanent procedures may require a “revision rhinoplasty”  which tends not to come recommended due to its complexity and unpredictablity.

Minimizing Risk 

As with any other surgery, rhinoplasty carries potential health risks such as numbness, infection, or bleeding. A good surgeon will not only know how to minimize these risks, but will also be happy to have a thorough consultation with you beforehand to discuss your surgery, rather than rushing you through the process.

Your Health 

In addition to discussing your aesthetic and functional goals this should include a physical exam in addition to a review of your medical history to see whether there are any additional health considerations they need to account for. It is also a good idea to ask about preparation and aftercare. 

Pain Relief

As part of preparation your surgeon may advise against NSAID painkillers, herbal remedies and smoking or vaping both before and after surgery.The nature of each operation depends on the individual, but generally, a rhinoplasty is carried out under anesthesia (either local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your health needs). 

Financial Considerations

Another important factor to consider is money: surgery deemed a medical procedure is more likely to be covered by health insurance, while cosmetic surgeries may only be partly covered, or not at all. 

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

While a cheap deal from an unqualified surgeon might look tempting, it could have serious consequences, both for your appearance and your health. If you are considering a rhinoplasty, Dr. Jay Calvert comes recommended by the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) as a board-certified specialist in this area.