How to Avoid a Botched Nose Job
Plastic surgery has surged in popularity in recent years, and procedures from nose jobs to facelifts to liposuction are more affordable and effective than ever.
But plastic surgery is still that – surgery- and there are always risks. One of the best ways to avoid an undesirable result is choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a common procedure that usually goes well. Some of the common issues a nose job can fix include:
- Making a crooked nose straight
- Reducing the size of the tip
- Refining a bulbous tip
- Correcting the length
- Removing a bump on the bridge
- Reducing the width
However, rhinoplasty is one of the most complex plastic surgeries that can sometimes be botched or not turn out as the patient wants. Rhinoplasty revision can be even more challenging than the initial procedure because of weaker internal structures and scar tissue.
If you are thinking about a nose job, remember that the nose is highly visible, so a subpar outcome can be a significant problem. You can usually avoid a botched nose job if you remember the information outlined here.
Rhinoplasty Overview
Rhinoplasty is a complicated surgery in many cases that alters the size and shape of the nose with the goal to improve its appearance. The procedure also may be performed to improve one’s ability to breathe through the nose.
The nose is a complex structure that features bone on the upper portion and cartilage on the lower part. A nose job can make changes to the bone, skin, cartilage, or all of them.
A nose job involves either an open or closed procedure. The open procedure involves three incisions that allows the surgeon full access to the nose’s internal structures. This option is necessary when major changes need to be made.
A closed procedure uses only two incisions and offers less access to the inside of the nose. This procedure is common when less extensive changes are needed.
The surgeon will discuss the kind of nose job you need during your consultation. They’ll examine your nose and face structure and listen to the changes you want. After the examination, they’ll provide a surgical plan with an open or closed procedure to make changes.
Avoiding A Botched Nose Job
Best ways to avoid a problem with your rhinoplasty include:
Select A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Working with an inexperienced plastic surgeon may lead to complications with any cosmetic procedure. It’s more likely to lead to a poor result with a nose job. As noted above, nose jobs are complicated and the nose is highly visible, so it’s vital to choose a surgeon with skill and experience in this procedure.
When conducting research, focus on surgeons who are board-certified and do rhinoplasty every month. Ask the surgeon how many procedures they’ve done in the past year, then request to see before-and-after photos.
Be concerned if the surgeon doesn’t provide you with recent rhinoplasty testimonials. If patients are happy with their nose jobs, they’ll always want to talk about it.
Communicate What You Want
A skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon has worked with many patients in their career. This means they should know how to talk to patients about what they want and don’t want from the procedure.
The surgeon should be able to tell you in detail what a nose job can and cannot do for someone with your facial and nose anatomy.
So, work hard to tell the surgeon what you expect and they’ll tell you if the expectations are reasonable. It’s important that you have reasonable expectations and the surgeon ensures that they are.
Look For Digital Imaging
A major advance in nose jobs recently is in the use of digital imaging. The surgeon and staff can take photos of your nose and face and import them into a software program.
Then they can show you how various changes to your nose may look after the recovery is complete. Being able to show onscreen how the nose may appear can go a long way to ensure that you are happy with the result.
If the surgeon doesn’t offer digital imaging with most procedures involving the face, consider finding someone else. You should take advantage of every technological tool that increases the chances of a favorable result.
Listen To Your Surgeon
Most of these pointers involve the what the surgeon does, but you can also avoid a botched nose job by listening carefully to your doctor. The odds of a great result are higher if you listen to the surgeon’s instructions after the procedure.
Rhinoplasty is a major procedure and it takes months to recover. Most of the swelling and bruising fade after a few weeks, but it can take up to a year before the nose is completely healed.
Some things the surgeon may tell you to maximaze the results are:
- Elevate your head: Sleeping on your face or side during the early recovery period will affect how the nose looks and heals. You need to elevate the head as you sleep for six weeks after the procedure. Use pillows or a foam wedge to make sure you keep your head up at night.
- Use cold packs: Use ice or cold packs to ice the nose for the first three days for 20 minutes at a time.
- Take it easy: Your nose will be congested after surgery and can make sleep difficult. But you need to get as much sleep as possible so the body can heal.
- Eat healthily: Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein so the body has what it needs to heal.
Remembering the tips outlined here will help ensure you have the best possible nose job result.
Request A Nose Job Consultation
Considering a nose job in New Jersey? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want. Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, and more to determine if you’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty.
References
How To Avoid A Botched Nose Job. (2021). Accessed at http://www.pinkmitten.com/beauty/avoid-botched-nose-job/
Rhinoplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/
About Rhinoplasty. (n.d). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-nose-job-rhinoplasty