6 Things to Know Before Getting Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of my favorite procedures to perform because it requires quite a bit of technical expertise and I enjoy seeing my patients’ reactions at the moment of the “big reveal” when they see the initial results. That moment is especially gratifying for rhinoplasty patients at my Boston practice who know what to expect before scheduling their procedure.

In this blog post, I’ll list some of the essential information that women and men should know before choosing a plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty or scheduling the surgery.

1. Have reasonable expectations: Patients often come in with “wish” photos of celebrities whose noses illustrate the results they want. That can be helpful, but it’s important to know that there is no perfect nose. Rhinoplasty can change the nose’s shape, reduce its size, and address perceived imperfections, but the procedure won’t necessarily create a replica of the perfectly symmetrical, airbrushed photo. Patients with reasonable expectations are typically the people who are most satisfied with the results.
2. Expect some discomfort during recovery (but not much pain): Patients are often pleasantly surprised that they experience little to no pain as they recover from a nose job. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication is very effective. That’s not to say there won’t be some uncomfortable days because you’re likely to feel severely congested for a couple of weeks, at least. That’s normal, and you may still be mildly stuffy for 2 or 3 months before you’re completely healed.
3. Some patients consider nonsurgical rhinoplasty as an option: Contouring the nose with injectable fillers is a technique that’s gaining popularity. It can help create a more attractive profile, but it does have limitations. Most notably, the results are temporary, so you’ll need to schedule follow-up treatments to maintain the nose’s new look.
4. Septoplasty is different than rhinoplasty: Patients with a deviated septum who have trouble breathing are good candidates for septoplasty, a procedure that clears the obstructed airways. As a standalone surgery, however, it isn’t designed to alter the nose’s shape or size. Cosmetic changes can be made during septoplasty, which is sometimes called functional rhinoplasty. Be aware, however, that while insurance may cover septoplasty, it won’t cover the cosmetic portion of the procedure.
5. Prepare for a letdown when seeing the initial results: For patients who understand that their first glimpse of the results—the “big reveal” I mentioned earlier—will include a swollen and bruised nose, the moment can be great. But even then, it’s natural to want to see immediate results and feel let down a bit. The final outcome gradually emerges as the swelling resolves, a process that can actually take several months to a year.
6. Make choosing a rhinoplasty specialist, not cost, the priority: We understand that virtually every patient has a budget of some sort. But shopping for the least expensive plastic surgery practice generally leads to disappointment. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex cosmetic procedures, and your priority should be on finding a surgeon with an extensive track record of excellent results. This focus on expertise helps you avoid having to ultimately pay for revision surgery. Our practice offers financing through CareCredit® to help patients pay for their procedures.

One of the first places people look when assessing a surgeon’s rhinoplasty ability is the gallery of before-and-after photos. You can also look on third-party websites for reviews posted by previous patients. If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon in the Boston area, you can contact our practice using the online form to request a consultation. Or call us at (781) 740-7840 to schedule an appointment.