Rhinoplasty, popularly known as a nose job, is a common cosmetic surgery procedure. Unlike any other cosmetic procedure, this surgery is surrounded by many myths and half-truths.
Whether you’re considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons or to improve your breathing, we would like to shed light on the myths and facts for a better understanding of the procedure.
Table of Contents
Any plastic surgeon can perform a rhinoplasty
Do you think a general contractor can do complicated plumbing or electrical work? The same is like comparing these two, do you really want someone who performs breast augmentations and tummy tucks performing your rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is an exceedingly complex and demanding surgery.
Even a single millimeter or two can make a huge difference in the result. It should be performed by someone who specializes and has specific training in it. The American Society of Plastic Surgery suggests that you should choose a doctor who is board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (and have expertise in performing rhinoplasty).
Myth: Seems like it’s really simple to just take off that bump, right?
No really. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and challenging surgeries all of the plastic surgery. Not only is it required to maintain the proportions of the nose to the face, but also each section of the nose must be harmonious with all the others. For instance, removing a bump without changing the tip in some cases can make the tip appear like it’s sticking out too far from the face.
Vice versa, just changing the tip alone without addressing the bridge can make a bridge appear too high or too wide. A rhinoplasty surgeon must pay great attention to all the detail and have an appreciation for all the nuances of nasal and facial harmony.
Myth: I heard rhinoplasty is covered by my insurance.
Most insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic procedures and rhinoplasty is one of them. However, if there is a functional component such as a problem breathing from a deviated septum or other cause, that portion of the surgery may be covered by the insurance plan.
Myth: Rhinoplasty is painful and potentially dangerous.
Although rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure that requires diligence and expert care, it does not mean that it will be painful or have harmful side effects. People who undergo the procedure experience only slight discomfort that can be relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine is observed. Once the effects of anesthetic subside, some people report flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat or a congested nose.
Some possible risks and side effects include:
- Numbness around the nose
- Pain, swelling, or discoloration
- Bleeding
An adverse reaction to the anesthesia
Bruising is natural and common after the surgery. The severity of the bruises will depend on your skin type. Few patients are comparatively more prone to bruising than others. Additionally, those who require their nose to be reconstructed during the surgery might experience more severe bruising as opposed to patients who only need the tip raised.
Myth: Recovery time is extensive.
Rhinoplasty can feel like an intense surgical procedure. People who are scared or hesitant to undergo surgery often assume that it requires significant recovery time. This raises a concern for people with busy schedules or children, but most people are able to return to work in as little to two weeks. One should be able to resume regular exercise a month following the surgery.
After the procedure, An external silicone splint will be applied and removed after a week. You should feel confident enough about your appearance to carry on with your daily activities, even though you likely won’t see your desired final result right away.
Myth: A surgeon can make your nose look like any Hollywood celebrity.
Any candidate for rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations. Each person’s face and appearance are different. For example, Brad Pitt’s nose would not look good on every man nor is it achievable. Similarly, Blake Lively’s nose would not be the best option for every woman. A shorter woman can always “get away” with a bit more “up-turning” or rotation of the tip than a taller woman. The exact same level of rotation on a taller woman might look unnatural. Therefore, your nose must fit your face, persona, ethnicity, and shape.
Myth: Rhinoplasty is only for beauty
Rhinoplasty can be performed for several reasons other than just cosmetic. These reasons might be:
- Fix congenital disabilities
- Improve your breathing
- Repair damage from injury
Myth: Anaesthesia is dangerous.
Most rhinoplasty surgeries are done under general anesthesia meaning that one is completely asleep. It’s a safe procedure even for elderly patients. Most candidates for rhinoplasty surgery are generally healthy, and risks of long-term complications are very rare.
Conclusion
Turkey is one of the top emerging medical tourism destinations in the world. Cosmetic surgeries like rhinoplasty are performed with great precision in Turkey and have great results. The cost of rhinoplasty in Turkey can vary on basis of the qualification and experience of the surgeon. Qualified rhinoplasty surgery will not only understand the aesthetics of the nose and face but will also have a great appreciation and understanding of the many functional components of this complex organ. (e.g. breathing, sense of smell, or sinus issues).
