The nose is the cornerstone of your face. With its shape, size, and location, your nose can either complement your radiant smile and bright eyes – or distract from the rest of your features. For those who feel they fall into the latter category, a plastic surgeon can help.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Should I get a nose job?,” read on. We’ll go over the most common reasons people want to change their noses, what a facial plastic surgeon can do, and everything else you need to know.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, better known as a nose job, is the surgical reshaping of the nose. It involves altering the cartilage and/or bones of the nose to achieve a new shape and size. It can also resolve breathing issues for those who have a functional nasal problem, like a deviated septum.
Facial plastic surgeons have the most experience with rhinoplasty. No two noses are the same – and no two nose jobs are the same, either. It’s a red flag if a surgeon ever tells you rhinoplasty is easy; even those with the most experience still respect the procedure as incredibly complex and nuanced.
Why get a nose job?
The concept of facial harmony is the biggest motivating factor behind the vast majority of cosmetic rhinoplasties. It’s the idea that all of your features should be well-balanced in proportion to one another. Many who seek cosmetic surgery on their noses do so because they feel their noses are distracting or throw off the balance of their other facial features. Do you think your nose completes your face – or detracts from it?
Changing the appearance of your face, particularly your nose, may boost your self-esteem and confidence. The nose is one of the most prominent features of the face, in no small part because of its central location. So goes the saying “it is as obvious as the nose on your face.”
When deciding if nose reshaping is right for you, it’s important to identify what it is about your nose that you dislike or feel detracts from your other features. Some examples of what can be altered by a rhinoplasty include:
A crooked nose bridge or nostrils
A large hump on the bridge
A deep radix, which gives the appearance of a large hump
A big or bulbous tip, or a tip that is at a sharp angle
A crease in the tip
An overly prominent or too-small nose
Furthermore, if you have trouble breathing through your nose or glasses that never rest comfortably on your face, rhinoplasty can help correct these issues.
The Rhinoplasty Process
A rhinoplasty is comprised of three parts: the consultation, the procedure, and the recovery period. If you’re curious about whether or not a nose job is right for you, it’s helpful to consider what the entire process entails.
Consultation
In this stage, you will speak with your facial plastic surgeon to determine if the surgery is right for you and identify what you hope to achieve. This is also a chance to get to know the surgeon.
A rhinoplasty must be customized to fit your face. The shape of your face, your chin position, and the width of your eyes, cheeks, and forehead all determine what kind of nose will best fit your face. A good facial plastic surgeon will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored specifically to you.
Your plastic surgeon will cover your medical history, conduct any relevant tests and examinations, and talk with you about what kind of shape you desire. In Dr. Farrior’s office, he will evaluate your overall facial harmony and work with you to figure out what works with your features. You’ll also learn what to expect during the post-surgery recovery phase.
Procedure
First, you’ll be sedated with anesthesia. The surgery itself will involve altering the cartilage and bone beneath the skin of your nose. If you have a deviated septum, it will be straightened. The process may sound scary, but Dr. Farrior has a deep understanding of the anatomy of your nose.
After the procedure is complete, professional medical staff will be with you as you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll be reminded about what to do (and not do) during your recovery. You will go home the same day as the procedure.
Recovery
The day after, you’ll likely feel congested but you shouldn’t experience any severe pain. It’s best to rest as much as possible in the beginning and avoid touching your nose.
You’ll slowly be able to return to normal life, including exercise activities, after just a few weeks. Full rhinoplasty recovery often takes up to a full year.
We’ve talked before about how to speed up your rhinoplasty recovery time, but the best advice is to always be gentle and patient. You can still enjoy daily life after the procedure, but don’t push yourself, especially the first week after the surgery.
Risk Considerations
All forms of surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, involve some potential for complications. For nose jobs specifically, problems may become apparent as the swelling resolves.
Making A Decision
Let’s return to the main question at hand: should you get a nose job?
It’s a great question and one only you can answer for yourself. If you’ve been asking it for a while, it may be time to further pursue the possibility. Your next step should be a consult with a certified and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. A consult could help you finally decide if a nose job is right for you, as well as determine what kind of result is possible.
Think about your facial harmony. What kind of relationship does your nose have to the rest of your face? Do you want to highlight your other features, like your eyes and smile, by diminishing your nose? A rhinoplasty may just reshape the nose – but it can often transform your entire face.
Want a nose job? Don’t settle for anything but the best.
Each nose is unique, so it’s important to choose someone who can give you individualized care and consideration. With decades of experience performing rhinoplasties, Dr. Farrior continues to treat each new case with the same respect and attention to detail. Click here to schedule a consultation – and learn what a dedicated facial plastic surgeon can do for your confidence in your appearance.
Whether you’ve made your decision or just want more information, make sure you seek a consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. It’s best to make the right choice first.
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