Twelve Things You Must Know About Rhinoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (or nose reshaping) is among the most difficult of all
cosmetic surgeries— poor surgical technique can lead to permanent
deformity, so choose your surgeon carefully.
- No rhinoplasty result is ever absolutely perfect, but an accomplished
surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty will more often come close. Without
experience, artistic skill and technical expertise, a good cosmetic
outcome is all but impossible.
- State-of-the-art rhinoplasty can transform a misshapen nose, sometimes
dramatically, but the basic architecture can only change so much. Be
realistic.
- Although you may desire a specific style, a nose
that looks great on someone else may look awkward on you. One size
definitely does not fit all.
- All good rhinoplasty outcomes have at least one thing in common — a
natural appearance. The most attractive nose is one that is in harmony
with your other facial features. It should blend in, not stand out.
- Great surgical skills alone do not guarantee a good outcome. Good
tissue and favorable healing responses are also necessary for a successful
rhinoplasty. Bad genes can ruin even
the most skillful surgery, especially when combined with weak cartilage
and poor skin.
- All other factors being equal, a young individual, with a smooth
clear complexion, firm nasal cartilage, forgiving skin and good general
health will have the best prognosis for a favorable rhinoplasty outcome.
- A strong and well-proportioned nasal skeleton is the key to lasting
beauty and function. Reshaping the nose by removing large amounts
of tip cartilage weakens skeletal support, often producing unsightly
deformity. Instead, skeletal support should be preserved or enhanced
by reshaping, repositioning, or reinforcing the tip cartilage, not
removing it.
- In most cases, surgical swelling will distort the nose for several
months after surgery. Even good results may look disappointing at first,
particularly if you have thick sebaceous skin or significant acne.
Remain patient.
- If you insist upon having a perfect nose, your obsession may lead
to heartbreak. Near perfection is difficult to achieve in rhinoplasty,
so think twice before you endanger an almost perfect nose with revision
surgery — you may end up spending a fortune just to get your old nose
back.
- Revision surgery is sometimes appropriate to touch up a minor imperfection,
but the risk of complex revision rhinoplasty is only justified for
repairing a misshapen or poorly breathing nose. Revision rhinoplasty
is considerably more complicated, far more costly, and often less effective
than a first-time (primary) rhinoplasty — so
take the time to research your options and make a thoughtful decision.
- Today's rhinoplasty is now more predictable, more accurate, and more
effective than at any other time in its history. With the right combination
of surgical skill and favorable tissue, cosmetic rhinoplasty can produce
a naturally beautiful nose that will flatter the face and last a lifetime.