Richard E. Davis, MD FACS - The Center for Facial Restoration in Miramar, Florida

Twelve Things You Must Know About Rhinoplasty

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. State-of-the-art rhinoplasty can transform a misshapen nose, sometimes dramatically, but the basic architecture can only change so much. Be realistic.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.