A Nose Job, technically known as a Rhinoplasty, is a surgery that can change the appearance of your nose in dramatic fashion or in subtle ways. Before embarking on your surgical journey of nose surgery, it’s important to be sure of a few things before going under the knife. You may be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty if you have realistic expectations and feel that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. As with any choice in life, choosing to undergo nose surgery has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Rhinoplasty:

1. Balance

Sometimes a nose can be a distracting feature on a person’s face. A particular appearance of a nose may result in an imbalance between the face and nose. Sometimes, a person, such as a celebrity, may be known for their nose. People like Barbara Streisand, Bill Clinton, or Owen Wilson would never consider having a nose job, because their noses are features with which the public is familiar. However, for non-famous people like us, a large nose may be something that may not seem to fit on an otherwise “normal” face.

2. Improved Nasal Airflow

Various structures within the nose can contribute to issue with breathing and airflow through the nose. Trauma from accidents, sports, or altercations can result is deviation of the nasal septum. This structure is a wall that separates the right and left side of the nose. If the septum is crooked, then one of both sides of the nasal airway may be blocked to airflow. A septoplasty is often performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to straighten a crooked nose and septum, improving both the appearance of the nose and the flow of air.

The inferior turbinates are another set of structures inside the nose that can cause nasal airway obstruction if large. Nasal surgery can be performed to shrink the size of the turbinates to improve airflow. A turbinoplasty is often done at the same time as the rhinoplasty. Turbinates do not affect the appearance of the nose.

3. Self-image and Confidence

In cases where people suffer from self-esteem and self-image issues because of constant bullying, positive changes to the appearance of the nose can provide a person with a huge boost in confidence after rhinoplasty.

Disadvantages of Rhinoplasty:

1. Thick Skin

Thick nasal skin makes it more difficult for rhinoplasty results to be visible. This is especially true in patients who desire a more defined or refined nasal tip. TIp-plasty or Finesse Rhinoplasty can sculpt the nasal tip cartilage. But, if the overlying skin is thick, it will be more difficult to see the results of nose surgery.

2. Limitations:

There is only so much that can be achieved with nose surgery. The shape of the nose can be manipulated to varying degrees by reshaping bone and cartilage. But, there are limitations based on the patient’s overall anatomy.

3. Don’t bring in photos of your favorite celebrity nose:

Unless you happen to be an identical twin of your favorite celebrity, it is unrealistic to think that you will be able to have their nose after rhinoplasty. So, focus on the particular aspects of your nose that concerns you, and be very specific about your goals and expectations when consulting with your plastic surgeon.

Read more about Rhinoplasty by Dr. Gregory Park, Plastic Surgeon at www.drgregpark.com/face-procedures-san-diego/rhinoplasty/