Every culture in the world has its unique standards regarding facial beauty. Although they may vary from region to region, one characteristic is consistent; features that are balanced and in harmony with the overall face are the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye. No other facial feature may illustrate this as blatantly as the nose. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans entrust their plastic surgeon’s skill and artistic vision to enhance the size, shape, and appearance of their nose and achieve a heightened level of attractiveness and confidence. Thanks to the internet and countless tv shows that now focus on plastic surgery, many of us know the basics of how and why Rhinoplasty surgery is performed, but here are ten things you may not know yet!
#1 – Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most difficult plastic surgeries to perform.
“You should always be diligent about researching the credentials and skill of your plastic surgeon, but especially so with Rhinoplasty surgery,” advises Dr. Robert Wilke, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and partner with Edina Plastic Surgery. “Whether performed for functional purposes, cosmetic, or both – reshaping the nose is a very intricate process that can go very wrong in the hands of an unqualified provider. Choose your plastic surgeon carefully. Inquire about how many Rhinoplasties they have performed and insist on seeing before and after photos.”
#2 – Your plastic surgeon must honor the basic architecture of your natural nose.
“A Rhinoplasty can dramatically transform and improve the appearance of a misshapen nose, but a patient needs to be realistic about the final shape their nose can take,” says Dr. Wilke. “Your surgeon will still need to respect the architecture of your nasal area and the rest of your face to ensure your end result is balanced and natural-looking.”
#3 – One size does NOT fit all when it comes to noses.
Although you may walk into your Rhinoplasty consultation with a stack of photos of celebrities with noses you admire, they may not be suitable for your facial structure. In fact, they may even look odd and unattractive on your face. Be sure to compile a list of what you like about each nose so your plastic surgeon understands what improvements you’d like to see on your own nose. They can then discuss how surgery may or may not help you achieve certain qualities. Remember, what looks like a beautiful nose on one person, may not be the right match for another.
#4 – The best Rhinoplasty results have one thing in common – they look NATURAL.
“The ideal Rhinoplasty result respects the balance of your overall features and appears natural,” states Dr. Wilke. “The best Rhinoplasties flawlessly blend in with the rest of the face and are not obvious to an onlooker.”
#5 – Your Rhinoplasty results are NOT entirely dependent upon the skill of your surgeon.
The skill of your plastic surgeon is vital when it comes to Rhinoplasty surgery, but it doesn’t always guarantee the best outcome. The condition of your skin, facial tissues, and how efficiently your body heals all play a role in your surgery’s success. If your skin has poor circulation due to smoking or your cartilage is genetically weak, your Rhinoplasty results may be compromised. Your plastic surgeon will discuss potential obstacles to achieving your desired surgical results during your consultation.
#6 – If you’re considering Rhinoplasty, do it sooner rather than later in life.
“The best candidates for Rhinoplasty surgery are overall healthy individuals with resilient skin and firm, strong cartilage,” explains Dr. Wilke. “This obviously makes younger patients in their 20s ideal candidates for surgery. They have a better foundation to work with, and they simply heal better from surgery. This doesn’t mean a patient can’t have a successful nose job later on in life; it’s just advisable to do it when your body and tissues are as healthy and robust as they can be.”
#7 – Great bone structure is a big bonus in Rhinoplasty surgery.
Skeletal structure and support play a crucial role in successful Rhinoplasty outcomes. Removing large amounts of cartilage to reshape a nose can compromise and weaken the skeletal support of the nose and even cause deformity. Your plastic surgeon will strive to preserve as much of the nasal skeleton as possible to ensure the longevity of aesthetic results and the function of your nose. This is achieved by reshaping, repositioning, repurposing, and reinforcing as much of the tip cartilage as they can-not removing it.
#8 – Swelling after Rhinoplasty can last longer than other surgeries.
“Patience is paramount after Rhinoplasty surgery,” says Dr. Wilke. “A patient’s final result may take several months to be fully realized due to swelling. Even the best outcome can look distorted and disappointing at first when you’re swollen and black and blue. Hang in there! Things can look dramatically different once the swelling has fully subsided.”
#9 – Revision surgery is more common than you think (but not for the reasons you may think).
Sometimes a Rhinoplasty requires subsequent Revision surgery. This does NOT necessarily mean that your initial surgery was a failure. Not every revision is a complex surgery. Sometimes a slight revision is needed to address a very minor imperfection. This is why it’s so essential to partner with an experienced, credentialed, and reputable plastic surgeon for your initial Rhinoplasty. The more that is achieved through that surgery, the less additional fine-tuning will be needed (if any).
#10 – Rhinoplasty surgery has come a long way.
“The Rhinoplasty surgery of today is more safe, effective, accurate, and predictable than any other time in history,” says Dr. Wilke. “In fact, we even have technology that lets you preview your potential results before you even enter the operating room. At Edina Plastic Surgery, we utilize the Vectra 3-D Imaging System. It allows us to upload images of a patient’s face and create digital images of what their nose will look like with the adjustments made during Rhinoplasty surgery. It’s gratifying for patients to gain a glimpse of what their future nose and overall face may look like when balance and harmony are restored!”
Are you interested in speaking with Dr. Robert Wilke or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery about Rhinoplasty surgery? Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (612) 688-3177, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
