Revisiting 5 Rhinoplasty Myths

Rhinoplasty is the second most common plastic surgery procedure performed in 2004, and is now more accessible than ever. It is a difficult procedure to perform, both medically and artistically, and requires a plastic surgeon to understand the internal anatomy of the nose as well as the workings of the respiratory system. Despite popular belief, people get nose surgery for more than just cosmetic reasons, such as correcting breathing problems and improving the appearance of the nose. It is more akin to a therapeutic treatment than a selfish gratification for the patient's vanity. Rhinoplasty is usually not painful and is performed under general anesthesia.

After the procedure, the area around the nose and eyes may be swollen and bruised, but overall discomfort will be minimal. Everyone will notice the difference, but a good surgeon will strive to achieve a balance between the reshaped nose and the rest of the facial features. Rhinoplasty can provide you with the nose of your dreams, but there are limitations to what a plastic surgeon can do based on your bone and skin structure. 10% to 15% of rhinoplasty surgeries require a secondary procedure to either improve or correct the results of the first. Research, selection, and communication with your surgeon are essential to ensure that both you and your surgeon have a clear understanding of what you want your nose to look like and what is medically possible.

With rhinoplasy being the second most common plastic surgery procedure performed in 2023 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), nose surgery is making its way into the homes of regular people like you and me. Because this procedure is now more accessible than ever, it's only natural that you'll be bombarded with information about it - some true, some dubious, and some outright false. In this article, we'll try to dispel some of the most common myths about rhinoplasty.

1. Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed by any plastic surgeon - Yes, technically. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. However, this does not imply that every plastic surgeon can perform successful rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is a difficult procedure to perform, both medically and artistically. A plastic surgeon must understand the internal anatomy of the nose as well as the workings of the respiratory system in order for the reshaped nose to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also fully functional. Because the nose is such an important part of our overall appearance, the plastic surgeon must also have a strong sense of artistry in order to create a nose that blends in with the rest of the patient's face.

2. Rhinoplasty is performed for vanity - Despite popular belief, people get nose surgery for more than just cosmetic reasons. It's not uncommon for this procedure to correct breathing problems (such as a septum deviation) as well as improve the appearance of the nose. Simultaneously, it has been established that in patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty may result in a physical and emotional transformation that improves their self-confidence and, ultimately, their quality of life. From this vantage point, rhinoplasty is more akin to a therapeutic treatment than a selfish gratification for the patient's vanity.

3. Rhinoplasty is painful - Rhinoplasty, unlike other plastic surgery procedures such as breast implants or tummy tucks, is usually not painful. Most surgeons perform rhinoplasty under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely unconscious and will not feel anything. Following the procedure, you will be wearing a small nose cast for 7 to 10 days, during which time you will most likely feel congested, as if you have a cold. The area around your nose and eyes may be swollen and bruised (especially if your nasal bones have been reshaped), but your overall discomfort will be minimal.

4. Everyone will notice you had a nose job - If your nose requires a major change, such as the removal of a large bump, people around you may notice the difference. If your nose only needs a bridge or tip refinement, the perceived change in your appearance will be less dramatic than you expect. After all, no one is as familiar with your facial features as you are, so a minor change to them may not be noticeable to the outside world. Also, keep in mind that a good surgeon will strive to achieve a balance between your reshaped nose and the rest of your facial features, so they naturally complement each other.

5. Rhinoplasty can provide you with the nose of your dreams - While rhinoplasty can significantly improve the appearance of your nose, there are some limitations to what a plastic surgeon can do based on your bone and skin structure. At the same time, there's a chance you won't be completely satisfied with the outcome of your surgery. According to statistics, 10% to 15% of rhinoplasty surgeries require a secondary procedure to either improve or correct the results of the first. This can occur when the nose heals and develops in ways that the surgeon cannot predict or control. In other cases, the patients' dissatisfaction with the final results is the result of poor communication with the doctor about the surgery's intended outcome. This is an exception rather than the rule, as most patients report being happier with their physical appearance after surgery than before.

So, what is the secret to getting the nose of your dreams? Returning to point one, careful research, selection, and communication with your surgeon are essential! How long has he or she been operating on noses? What is the status of their surgical accreditation? What is their track record for safety? Examine images of his or her rhinoplasty patients - does their reshaped nose correspond to your idea of beauty? Can you imagine your own nose like that? If you do, the next step is to ensure that both you and your surgeon have a clear understanding of what you want your nose to look like and what is medically possible. You're on your way to becoming a more attractive and confident YOU if you have good knowledge and a positive attitude!