While you may have heard about rhinoplasty before, there are several interesting facts about this common procedure you might not have known about. Rhinoplasty, also sometimes referred to as a nose job, is a frequently performed facial plastic surgery procedure that’s been growing in popularity in recent years.
Because facial features are highly personal and can often have an impact on self-image and self-esteem, the procedure can often offer positive physical and psychological benefits to patients. However, as with any medical operation, it can also come with its risks, so if you’re considering booking an appointment, it’s best to be prepared with the facts.
If you’re thinking about getting rhinoplasty, here are some interesting and little-known facts to keep in mind.
1. It Can Be Challenging To Perform
While plastic surgery in general takes an experienced doctor and skilled hand to perform successfully, rhinoplasty in particular is a famously challenging procedure. Part of the challenge stems from the need to produce a natural result while not impacting the ability to breathe well.
For this reason, it’s important to find qualified surgeons with years of experience under their belt in order to reduce the risk of complications or needing follow-up surgeries for corrections.
2. It Focuses on Both Function and Form
Unlike other nasal surgeries that focus simply on function, rhinoplasty grapples with both function and form. Septoplasty and sinus surgery, for instance, correct functional issues like a deviated septum that can make a difference in how well a patient is able to breathe. Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, can be performed for purely functional purposes, such as reducing breathing difficulty, repairing injuries or correcting deformities, but also for treating form.
For instance, many patients who have crooked noses or prominent humps may choose to undergo the procedure to change the form of their noses.
3. It’s Highly Personal
When you book a consultation appointment with a doctor prior to your surgery, you’ll be able to discuss exactly what you want out of the surgery, what your expectations are and whether the surgeon can tailor the procedure to your needs. Unlike some other surgeries that are fairly standard across the board, rhinoplasty is highly personal and depends on each patient’s physicality as well as needs and expectations. Some customizations may be medical in nature; for example, you may choose to correct a deviated septum and improve a divot at the same time.
Others may be purely physical and focus on creating a more subtle, natural look that flatters the rest of your face. Whatever changes you’re hoping for, be sure to communicate them clearly to your surgeon to reduce the risk of needing revision surgery later on.
4. Your Health Makes a Difference
Before you decide to get facial plastic surgery, talk with your doctor to ensure you’re in good enough health to go forward with the procedure. Your current health, as well as your medical history, can make a big difference in whether you qualify for surgery, as well as the outcome of the surgery itself.
If you’re in poor health, for instance, you may in some cases be at higher risk of complications during surgery. The healthier you can get before your operation, the more likely it is you’ll see successful results.
5. There’s Not Usually Much Scarring
Contrary to what you might think, rhinoplasty doesn’t usually result in much scarring, if any. Whichever type of procedure you choose, scarring is either minimal or very difficult to see. For instance, in what’s referred to as a closed rhinoplasty, your doctor will make incisions on the inside of your nose rather than the outside.
This means that once you’ve healed, your scars won’t be visible from the outside, making them completely concealed. If you opt for an open rhinoplasty, the incision is often made beneath the nostril partition, which leaves minimal scarring that’s almost impossible to see once healed.
6. Insurance Coverage Varies
Finally, if you’re hoping that your insurance will cover the cost of your procedure, you may want to double check your policy and talk to your provider before booking your appointment. In most cases, insurance policies won’t cover procedures that are done for cosmetic reasons.
However, it’s important to note that if you have a medically necessary reason for needing the surgery, such as improving your breathing, for instance, you could potentially have some coverage. If you need rhinoplasty to improve nose function, talk with your insurance company to see whether part or all of your surgery could be covered.
In recent years, rhinoplasty has become an increasingly popular choice for facial plastic surgery. In many cases, the procedure could potentially make a big difference in patients’ self-image and psychological well being. If you’re considering booking a rhinoplasty consultation, keep these facts in mind and you’ll be well prepared to make the right decision for you.
