Is a Nose Job Right for You? 5 Rhinoplasty Questions to Help You Decide

Are you considering a rhinoplasty procedure? You're not completely satisfied with the shape or size of your nose. But you're not sure if surgery is the right choice — or if you're even a candidate for a nose job. Take a look at the top rhinoplasty questions future patients have and the answers that can help you to make the best decision for your individual needs.

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Is rhinoplasty the procedure you think it is? You need to go into your surgical consultation with the most information possible. This means you may need more facts on the procedure before you take the next steps.

According to the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), rhinoplasty was the top cosmetic surgical procedure of 2020 — with more than 352,500 nose jobs performed in one year alone. This common cosmetic procedure can change the shape of the nose by altering the cartilage, bone, or skin. 

A skilled, experienced surgeon can reshape and resize the nose by removing bone, adding cartilage (from another area of the body), or readjusting the bone, the cartilage, or both. This surgical procedure requires the doctor to make an incision through the skin of the nose. The cut allows the surgeon to access the inner structures of the nose and complete the rhinoplasty.

After the surgeon reshapes, resizes, or adds to the bone and cartilage, they will stitch together the skin at the incision site. This should heal to create a seamless look with minimal scarring. 

Why Get a Rhinoplasty?

There isn't one standard reason to choose this procedure. Some patients have personal aesthetic reasons. They may not like the shape, slope, or size of their nose. This doesn't mean a larger nose, one with a bump, or one that has any other shape/appearance requires a rhinoplasty. Again, this is a personal preference. 

You need to do what makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you aren't happy with your nose or feel that it impacts your self-esteem, a rhinoplasty may help to boost your confidence.

However, it won't change your life and won't correct a body image disorder. Known medically as body dysmorphic disorder, this mental health issue causes persistent negative thoughts about a perceived physical flaw. This disorder differs in duration and intensity from typical or normal dissatisfaction with a facial feature.

Even though many patients choose this procedure to change the look of their nose (cosmetic reasons), others may have a medical reason. A deviated septum or a fracture of the bone can make it hard to breathe. A rhinoplasty may help to correct this or reshape the bone after a bad break.

Where Should You Go for a Rhinoplasty?

A nose job is an invasive surgical procedure that requires a highly skilled medical doctor (a plastic surgeon). This is not a procedure you can get at a medical spa. Most rhinoplasties take place in hospitals or outpatient surgical centers.

Will Your Insurance Pay for a Rhinoplasty?

The answer to this question depends on the reason for this procedure. Most insurance policies don't cover cosmetic surgical procedures, such as nose jobs. But if you have a valid medical reason, your policy may pay for the surgery. If you're not sure what your policy covers, whether it will pay for some or all of the procedure, or if you need to see a specific in-network doctor, contact your insurance provider. 

How Long Is the Recovery?

Is now the right time for you to have a rhinoplasty? You may need to factor the recovery into your decision. You may need to take one week or more off from work after your surgery. It's also possible that you will have some facial swelling or bruising beyond this time frame. If you can't commit to a recovery period right now or your job is physically demanding, you may need to wait to schedule this procedure.

Do you want to learn more about rhinoplasty procedures? Contact the Masri Clinic for more information.