Getting a nose job: Is it worth it?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a rhinoplasty (nose job) is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States — only second to a breast augmentation. In 2017, almost 219,000 people had the procedure performed. With more and more people concerned with their appearance, the demand for the popular procedure shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Sometimes referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping,” a rhinoplasty improves the appearance of one’s nose. There are several reasons why patients choose to have this procedure done. Some of the most common complaints we hear from patients who want a rhinoplasty include:

• Their nose is too big for their face
• They are unhappy with the bump on the bridge of their nose
• They do not like the appearance of the tip of their nose
• Their nose is crooked
• They feel as if their nose does not “fit” their face

Fortunately, for the right candidate, a rhinoplasty performed by an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon can correct most of these concerns. A rhinoplasty can significantly increase a person’s self-esteem and confidence, giving them a better quality of life.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty:

The first step in deciding if you are a candidate for a rhinoplasty is to set up a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. During your initial consultation, the surgeon will review your health and medical history, as well as perform a physical examination of the skin and bone around the nasal area. Once the examination is complete, you will be able to discuss what you would like to see improved with a rhinoplasty.

A computer imaging program, like what Dr. Ahn uses during all of his consultations, is an effective way to communicate with your surgeon about your goals with a rhinoplasty. By looking at your pictures together, you and your surgeon can create a treatment plan that will give you the best outcome. You may be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty if:

• Your facial bones have stopped growing (this generally happens around age 16)
• You do not have any underlying medical conditions that would affect your ability to undergo surgery
• You are not a smoker (if you are, some surgeons may ask you to quit four weeks prior to the procedure to avoid complications)
• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals

Procedure Details:

This surgical procedure involves an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Ahn at Ahn Point, first examining the bone and cartilage support of the nose. There are two techniques used to perform a rhinoplasty. The “closed” technique is when the surgeon only makes internal incisions through the nostrils. Because of the limited visibility, it is difficult to provide patients with the best results when using this method.

The more modern approach, also known as the “open” technique, allows the surgeon to visualize more of the nasal structure, giving the patient more accurate and precise results. When performing an “open rhinoplasty,” an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. From there, the surgeon is able to lift the skin and precisely fix the misshapen features, giving the patient the best results possible.

Recovering From a Rhinoplasty:

Immediately after surgery, your nose will be stuffy (similar to a head cold) and there may be some bruising of the lower eyelids. Cold compresses, especially bags of frozen corn and peas, often help to reduce bruising and discomfort. You will leave the surgery with a small cast on the bridge of your nose. The cast and sutures will be removed seven days after your procedure. At that point, most people have minimal yellow discoloration of the lower eyelids that can be easily covered with some makeup. We generally recommend that patients plan on taking seven to 10 days off from work or school to recover from a rhinoplasty. Most of the swelling goes away in the first two to three weeks after surgery, while the remaining swelling can take longer to resolve, particularly in the tip.

When Is a Good Time for a Nose Job?

This varies from person to person. There is no one answer that fits all scenarios. The real answer is: it all depends. As a general rule, a rhinoplasty is best done only AFTER a person has stopped growing.

Sometimes, patients who are starting a new chapter in their life, such as gearing up for college or a new job, may want to have a rhinoplasty to help reflect that new change. With proper planning, the seven- to 10-day recovery is relatively easy to fit into a busy schedule.

The Cost of a Rhinoplasty:

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, who specialize in surgeries of the face and neck, tend to charge more than the average surgeon. Be cautious of surgeons who offer the procedure at an unusually low price. If the fee seems too good to be true, you may get what you pay for.

When choosing a surgeon for the procedure, you need to find one who is not only experienced but also has the educational background and training to back it. Dr. Ahn has performed thousands of nasal surgeries and is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. (To read more about him, click here.)

At Ahn Point, the fee for a primary rhinoplasty is based on several components, including Dr. Ahn’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and all of your follow-up appointments. (To learn more, click here.) Ahn Point also offers financing through CareCredit (www.carecredit.com).

Interested in Learning More?

If you are seriously considering a rhinoplasty, we would love to hear from you. Come find out why Dr. Ahn is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the region. He will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure to help you achieve the look you have always wanted. Call us today at (508) 426-8622.