The cosmetic world has immensely changed over time, with rhinoplasty being one of the most common procedures conducted each year. There has, however, been many concerns regarding the process, some of which are facts and others mere myths and misconceptions. While most people are looking to improve their aesthetic appeal, and correct other problems with the procedure, there are some potential risks just like in other operations. Numerous concerns center around these potential risks associated with the procedure as well as the expected results. Firstly, rhinoplasty is what is commonly known as the nose job, or the surgery of the nose. Some of the reasons for the procedure are helping with sinus problems, correcting congenital disabilities, fixing broken noses, improving breathing, reducing snoring, and improving the overall appearance and boosting confidence, among others. This article looks to separate the facts and fictions associated with the procedure.
Rhinoplasty is Covered by Insurance
Rhinoplasty is not a cheap surgical procedure, just as you’d have thought. It requires a substantial amount of money compared to other medical procedures. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by your medical insurance. It is only in cases where you may have a functional component like breathing problems resulting from a deviated septum. This area of surgery can be covered by your insurance cover. Therefore, when thinking of improving your aesthetic appeal, have some cash ready as you will not be covered by your insurance plan. Your insurance can, however, cover a portion of the treatment if you are doing it for both superficial and medical reasons. This is something you will need to consult directly with your health provider as well as your insurance company.
The nose will look like that of your favorite Hollywood celebrity
If you are looking forward to having rhinoplasty surgery, you should have realistic expectations. Be informed that the visage and face of every person are different. Leonardo De Caprio’s nose would not look perfect on every man or even be achievable. Nicky Minaj’s nose, on the other hand, would not be suitable for every woman out there. For instance, with a short woman, a rotation or more up-turn of the tip of the nose can be more appealing compared to that of a taller own. The same procedure on a taller woman can make her end up looking like a ‘Ms. Piggy.’ It is. Therefore, important that your nose fits your persona, face, ethnicity, and so on. You do not want to end up looking worse than you expected.
Any plastic surgeon can perform the procedure
Like you wouldn’t want a general contractor working on your complicated plumbing or electrical projects, so you would want a surgeon operating on liposuctions, tummy tucks, and breast augmentations perform your rhinoplasty. This procedure is a complex and demanding operation requiring the skills of a qualified, specialized, and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. A millimeter or two can make immense differences in the final result. Your surgeon should be board certified in facial constructive and plastic surgery. He or she will be in a better position to understand your aesthetics as well as the numerous functions of this complex organ, such as the sense of smell, sinus issues, and breathing. Therefore, do not just jump into any plastic surgeon’s office because you have found them online or have better rates.
Can rhinoplasty be re-done in the future?
This is a question bothering many people planning for the procedure. While a revision is possible and necessary, the procedure is expected to be a one-time operation. The nose should be operated once and for life. However, because of the complexities linked to the procedure as well as the differences in every individual’s skin, healing, and anatomy, some revision surgeries are required. This mostly results from minor operations like a slight residual bump.
Rhinoplasty is only for the wealthy
This notion results from the fact that the procedure is considered overly expensive. However, the reality is that the average cost of the surgery is $50,000 or less. In fact, most of the modern surgeons offer various payment plans that will even reduce the burden. So, if you’re looking to improve your appearance of correct some facial problems, worry not as you do not have to break the bank. Lexington PS, for example, is an ideal facility where you can choose from their various payment plans.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic rhinoplasty are only for the vain
Everyone wants to look good in their own skin. However, contrary to what many people think, the procedure is not only for the vain. In fact, a small percentage of individuals opting for the procedure is truly vain. Most of the people going for this procedure are, in fact, searching for a harmonious relationship with their nose and the other features of the face. In most cases, these people have had some traumatic injuries or have been bullied or teased in school. Again, everybody wants to look good, and rhinoplasty is one of the best and effective solutions to enhance self-confidence and quality of life.
Needles and anesthesia are dangerous
In most cases, nose surgery is done under general anesthesia. This implies that you will be completely asleep, and this is guaranteed safety even for the elderly and sick patients. Most patients who have undergone the procedure are generally healthy with rare risks of long-term complications. So, the procedure is not as painful as most people believe. Although you will feel some form of discomfort after the surgery, especially around the eyes and nose, it will disappear after a week or two.
Everybody will notice
If the procedure requires some significant changes like removing large bumps, the people close to you might notice the changes in your nose. Yet, if the nose requires only minor changes such as the refinement of the tip or bridge of the nose, the chances are high that the results will not be as dramatic as you could anticipate. Anyway, not everyone is intimately familiar with your face as you are, so these changes will not be as obvious to the others. Again, when you go for a professional surgeon, he or she will not result in an ‘operated-looking nose’ but a balance between your facial features and the reshaped nose so that they can balance each other.
Rhinoplasty results in long-term breathing issues
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is aimed to permanently change the functionality of your nose as long as the otolaryngologist or the plastic surgeon is skilled enough for the task. When the operation is conducted with medical reasons, it is meant to correct the long-term breathing effects by clearing up the nasal passages. It is during the recovery process when you will experience some slight blockage due to the bandages and the discomfort should reduce within the first week.
Choosing the right rhinoplasty surgeon for your desired results
Having known the facts and fictions about the nose job, the next question to ask yourself is how you will find the ideal surgeon for your desired results when the world is full of quacks. Planning to go for the best nose job means that you need a highly qualified professional for the job. Below are a few tips you can use to find the best surgeon for your rhinoplasty.
Asking Around
It would help if you started by coming up with a list of your potential surgeons and then ask your friends, family members, and other healthcare professionals for recommendations. This is one of the most effective methods as you will get the first-hand experience from former patients who have undergone successful nose jobs. They will pinpoint you to the surgeons who did their surgery, and you will not have to spend time and resources researching. The web is full of fake surgeons with fake reviews that can misguide you. If you do not have referrals or looking for better options, there are credible sources out there, such as healthgrades.com, where you can find experienced and skilled surgeons performing rhinoplasty.
Researching on credentials and experience
As mentioned above, you will find many surgeons claiming to be the best. Always ensure the prospective surgeon is board certified in facial and plastic surgery. It is also imperative to find one who performs your desired procedure regularly as the more experienced, the better the preparation and results. Another important point during your research is to ensure the surgeon has no previous history of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.
View the before and after results
Most professional rhinoplasty surgeons will have a portfolio of their results comparing the before and after photos. Having looked at these, you will be in a position to gain a lot of information on your expected results. You can even come across pictures of your exact expected results, and this can ease the process and results.
Trust your instincts and be comfortable
It is imperative that you find a surgeon who will understand your objectives, expectations, as well as desires. He or she should communicate well in a manner that you will understand everything about the procedure, results, and recovery. You should feel comfortable asking the surgeon as many questions as possible so as to get the answers you’re looking for. It would be best if you walked out of his office, feeling confident in your decision.