What to Expect when You're in the Market for a Rhinoplasty

I had a rhinoplasty in February 2005, going into the surgery with hopeful expectations. Prior to the decision to get a nose job I had always intensely disliked my nose, but I cannot stress enough that if you have any form of severe depression and/or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (a severely distorted body image often accompanied by OCD-like traits, sometimes focused on one body part such as the face or nose) as I did and are searching for a doctor to do your plastic surgery, that you try to go into the process with a realistic idea of what to expect. I was not completely happy with the results of my nose job because the doctor I chose for my surgery was simply too conservative in the changes he made, so I hope that the basic guidelines below will help others make more positive experiences for themselves when shopping for a rhinoplasty.

Some Things to Remember:

1) Always research your surgeon and his credentials long before the rhinoplasty is scheduled. Make sure he's certified with the Board of Plastic Surgery.

2) If you feel the plastic surgeon that you have chosen can't meet your needs after your first consultation appointment with his or her office, or believe that your concerns are not being listened to, find a different plastic surgeon. It's your money, so never feel pressured to stay with a surgeon you know is not going to do the best possible job as a result of miscommunication.

3) Make the choice: Going with the plastic surgeon who you know will give the rhinoplasty result you'll be happy with is far better than regretting your choice of surgeon later. For example, if there is a surgeon you know does excellent work but whose clinic is located a two-hundred-mile drive from your home, choose him for the surgery over a nearby surgeon who you're not as confident in the skills of. Odds are you'll only get the money to go through with this procedure once, so going with the surgeon you have to inconvenience yourself to get out to but that will do a job you'll be satisfied with is much more preferable than going for convenience and ending up with a nose you have to get a second surgery on because of complications.

4) There's only so much a rhinoplasty can do. Explain to your plastic surgeon the things that you would like to change on your nose so he has a better idea of what you want. He'll most likely tell you up front what he can and cannot do. Your nose and facial structure will be examined in a consultation visit prior to scheduling surgery to more accurately sculpt your nose to fit your face as well as your expectations. Remember that saying you just want a 'small' nose and expecting for the surgeon to provide a result you're pleased with leaves a lot up-to your surgeon's best judgment. If there's something really specific that you want altered in a completely different way from what's already there, such as if you want to change the profile of your nose entirely, make sure you inform the surgeon. Rhinoplasty patients can often end up with just a more sculpted version of the nose they've already got if they don't provide the surgeon with their specific needs beforehand, so remember to speak up.

5) Finally, be realistic about recovery time post-operation. Rhinoplasty is considered an out-patient procedure, and the patient is usually sent home the same day. It is normal to feel drowsy for up-to twenty-four hours after the surgery from the anesthesia. Your nose will most likely be filled with gauze and surrounded by medical packing during the first twenty-four hours and your face can noticeably swell up around the areas close to the nose. The swelling effect can last days before going down and bruises can often develop around the eyes, some people obviously swell up more than others post-op. You will have an appointment with your surgeon a day or so after the surgery to remove any excess medical packing and he may place a protective cast on your nose. Within about six to eight days the swelling will be down enough for you to see a better idea of your final result and the surgeon will have typically removed the cast and/or any medical gauze left around or in the nose at this time. A nurse may also flush out your nose with a saline substance after the removal of the cast and everything that needs to be removed out of the nose's airways (such as stitches). The saline substance may create an uncomfortable burning sensation in the back of the throat and nose after it's been flushed out completely, but this doesn't last long - to minimize discomfort, just make sure you get to a drink of something heavily flavored shortly after the fact. Past this point your nose will only keep improving in the overall shape, symmetry and lessening of puffiness/tenderness around the area. There should be a few more visits scheduled with your surgeon in the following months, and be sure to attend all of them up-to at least the six-month mark so he can accurately keep track of how your nose is healing.