The Challenges of Getting the Perfect Rhinoplasty

Many people with a less than perfect nose have probably considered rhinoplasty at one point or another, and while it is a good option for some people, there are still many limitations to the surgery that need to be taken into account. While many issues can be addressed by a skilled plastic surgeon, there are some things that are very difficult if not impossible to completely alter. The way an individual heals also greatly effects the outcome of the surgery. The best patients and the ones who are the most satisfied following rhinoplasty are those with realistic expectations, a good understanding of facial harmony and balance, and patience to see the healing process through.

Skin

The skin of your nose will have a great impact on how much a surgeon can accomplish with the procedure. While fixing an obstructed nasal passageway or removing a bump on the bridge are fairly straightforward regardless of the skin, more challenging problems such as adjusting a twisted tip or thinning the nose can be more difficult on patients with thicker skin. Thin skin also poses the problem of showing irregularities under the surface that might occur during the surgery. Your surgeon will assess the level of your skin’s thickness and then discuss possible options with you.

Healing

Many people researching rhinoplasty are surprised to discover that much of the swelling takes one to two years to completely subside. Some plastic surgeons even believe that internal scarring and cartilage growth can continue to change the shape of the nose throughout your lifetime. While in many cases, these changes are subtle and possibly even unnoticeable, there are some instances where people will see significant changes, which can be either positive or negative.

According to some rhinoplasty surgeons, nasal cartilage also has a “memory,” making it very difficult for certain problems such as a twisted nose to be permanently or perfectly straightened. The tip of the nose also presents unique challenges. The thicker or more bulbous it is, the more difficult it will be to shape and change the angle of rotation during rhinoplasty. Each person is different, however, but most surgeons will explain before any procedure that the results cannot fully be predicted and there is always risk of some reversion or the need for revision surgery.

Complexity

Nasal anatomy is very complex compared with other areas of the body. What looks right on one face may not be suitable for another. There are many factors that must be considered including the distance between the eyes, tip rotation, length of the chin and lips, and strength of the overall bone structure. Because the procedure is based highly on personal aesthetics, it is important that patients have realistic expectations and goals as well as they choose a surgeon with similar tastes. If you are seeking a very feminine and scooped nose, you wouldn’t choose a surgeon known for creating something stronger. Likewise, it is important you see the nose as a part of a whole, complimenting your individuality rather than detracting from your other features.