Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Can anyone get a nose job or rhinoplasty procedure? Over 200,000 nose jobs are performed in the US every year, which makes most people think that just anyone can get them. And while that may be mostly true, there are certain factors that can make someone ineligible for a rhinoplasty, and certain factors that make someone the ideal surgery patient for it.

So who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty plastic surgery and what are the factors involved? The main concern is their physical and psychological health. A good candidate must be physically healthy to undergo the surgical procedure without any added risk, and they should be psychologically healthy to completely understand their decision and have reasonable expectations of the results after.

Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty

While most people can undergo a nose job, there are some factors that can determine whether you are an ideal candidate for any surgeon to consider. Here are the characteristics that make up a good rhinoplasty candidate:

• They have a condition that needs to be treated to improve their quality of life. The first and most important characteristic for the ideal rhinoplasty candidate is for patients who are getting their nose surgery not for cosmetic purposes, but for functional purposes. These are patients who have some sort of breathing defect or nasal obstruction that is impairing their breathing in some way, making it difficult to live normally. For these patients, they are typically fast-tracked towards getting a nose job, as theirs is a medical and health need rather than a cosmetic one.
• They are unhappy with their nose. There is something about their nose that they do not like. They have thought long and hard about what they do not like about their nose, and they understand what changes they want to make to the nose and how the surgeon can help them.
• Their expectations are reasonable and they are well-adjusted. The ideal nose surgery candidate for any surgeon has realistic expectations and understands that their nose surgery won’t change everything about their life. If necessary, the patient may be asked to undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that they are well-adjusted individuals who are in the right mindset to make a big decision like rhinoplasty.
• They are old enough. While it is possible for younger teens to get nose jobs, a good facial plastic surgeon typically would prefer to wait until a patient is old enough (late teens or adult) to make the decision with a sound mind. It is also best to wait until the patient is old enough for the nose to have stopped all growth.
• They understand the risks involved and what preparations to take. Patients must have a clear understanding of what they are putting themselves through with the rhinoplasty procedure. They should be aware of all the possible risks and complications involved and any preparations they have to do prior to the procedure.
  

When Nose Job Risks Outweigh Possible Benefits: What Makes a Bad Nose Job Candidate

There are some factors that can make a patient a bad candidate for rhinoplasty. In some cases, these factors will stop any plastic surgeon from recommending these patients to undergo nose surgery.

It is best for you to find other options if any of the following applies to you:

• Your nasal cartilage or skin is lacking somewhat in its structural integrity, increasing risk of complication in the shape of your nose during surgery
• You do not have a clear idea of what a rhinoplasty can do for you; your expectations are not realistic
• Someone else is pushing you to undergo the procedure rather than you wanting to do it yourself
• You are under the recommended age – 15 for boys and 14 for girls. Younger than this and your nose will still be growing, making any surgery potentially dangerous
• You’re not just unhappy with the shape of your nose; you want a perfect nose
• You have recently experienced or currently experiencing depression or other psychological issues
• You are suffering a life crisis – the end of a long-term relationship, the loss of your career, the death of a relative or friend
• Other good facial plastic surgeons have already turned you away
  

There are also medical and health conditions that are red flags for a risky rhinoplasty procedure that stop you from being a good patient for rhinoplasty surgery. A good and respected plastic surgeon is likely to turn you away if you have any of the following:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Lung disease
• Heart disease
• Bleeding disorders
• Severe allergies
• High cholesterol
• Heavy smoking and/or drinking
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
  

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Nose Job

1. Have I thought about the alternatives? There are many ways you can improve your appearance before resorting to rhinoplasty. Remember: surgical procedures are big decisions, not the first option to turn to.
2. Can I afford getting rhinoplasty? You don’t want to put yourself in debt just for rhinoplasty. Make sure you can comfortably afford the procedure as well as the recovery time required afterwards.
3. Am I healthy? Any surgical procedure comes with a variety of risks and complications, including infection and excessive bleeding. It is important that you are reasonably healthy and fit to ensure that you go through the procedure without a hitch.
4. Can I pause my life? You won’t be able to live normally for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Can you take the time off work, school, and any other daily activities you do for that long?
5. Am I doing this for myself? Make sure that the reason for your rhinoplasty is you, not someone else. You are the one who will go through the preparation, procedure, and recovery, so your reasons should be yours and yours alone.
   

Ready for Your Rhinoplasty? Book Your Appointment at Masri Clinic

Masri Clinic is the number one provider of nose jobs in the state of Michigan, with clinics located in Birmingham and Dearborn. Home to the first Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Michigan, we have helped countless patients change the appearance of their nasal area.

If you are interested in learning more about rhinoplasty plastic surgery and whether you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty for our board certified team, or would like to book your pre-consultation with a trusted and experienced medical team, contact us at Masri Clinic today.

Learn more: Do Nose Jobs Last Forever?