Busting Rhinoplasty Myths

rhinoplasty myths

Busting Rhinoplasty Myths

Your nose is like the decorative centerpiece of your face. Sitting prominently in the center, it provides a line of balance and symmetry to the features on either side. However, if your nose isn’t quite centered, feels a bit too pronounced, or is disproportionate to the rest of your face, it can easily shift into a focal point for insecurities.

Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a common surgical procedure amongst men and women that can address both cosmetic concerns with the nose and improve its functionality. Whether you are seeking to alter the size, shape or contour of your nose, or merely hoping to breathe easier through your nasal passages, nasal surgery is a practical, permanent solution. At Houston Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Norman Rappaport has extensive experience and training in craniofacial surgery, so his expertise in the anatomy of the face makes him an excellent rhinoplasty surgeon. However, there are many questions and misconceptions that he has seen his patients face when considering if a rhinoplasty is right the right solution for them. To help you make an informed decision, Dr. Rappaport addresses some of the most common of these concerns below.

Am I a Good Rhinoplasty Candidate?

Almost anyone can undergo a rhinoplasty procedure, given that they are healthy and in the appropriate age range for the procedure. Patients considering the surgery often identify with one or more of the following nasal characteristics:

  • Nose appears crooked or asymmetrical
  • Bump(s) present on the bridge of the nose
  • Nose looks too small, large, full, or narrow in proportion to other features
  • Nostrils too wide or narrow
  • Droopy or large nasal tip
  • Misshapen from injury or birth defect
  • Issues with chronic stuffiness, post-nasal drip, breathing, or snoring
  • Obstructive disorders of the nose, such as a deviated septum

Additionally, ideal candidates for rhinoplasty procedures need to ensure that the skeletal structure of their nose has finished forming before opting into the operation. Girls will typically reach physical maturity before boys (by the age of fifteen or sixteen) and may choose to undergo surgery at that time. Boys will have to wait until they are about seventeen or eighteen years of age to reach physical maturity and elect to have the surgery. Emotional maturity is also crucial, as future candidates must understand that while this can be a life-enhancing procedure, it will not solve all your problems or cure body dysmorphia— a mental disorder characterized by an individual’s fixation over a perceived physical flaw that is often imagined or severely exaggerated.

Will My Nose Be Broken During the Procedure?

One of the most common misconceptions about nose surgery is that it will require your surgeon to break your nose to mold it into your desired look. Modern nasal surgery utilizes the smallest possible surgical instruments to cut or manipulate structures within the nose to make precise, subtle adjustments while also limiting scarring. Today, there are two different methods used during a rhinoplasty:

  • Open Rhinoplasty
  • Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty

As the name suggests, during a closed rhinoplasty Dr. Rappaport will modify the structure of your nose by making small incisions inside your nasal passages, keeping the nose “closed” for the procedure. Open rhinoplasty is similar to the closed method but adds a small incision on the tissue that sits between the nostrils. The type of procedure you require will depend on your needs and desired results, something that will be determined by Dr. Rappaport during your consultation at Houston Center for Plastic Surgery.

What Are the Risks?

While all surgical procedures come with risks, most associated with rhinoplasty surgery are minor, and serious complications are rare during the procedure. The most common potential risks for undergoing a rhinoplasty include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to the underlying nasal structure
  • Damage to septum
  • Scarring
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Unsatisfactory results

How Will My New Nose Look?

According to CBS News, actress Natalie Portman’s nose is the nose that is requested most by Houston rhinoplasty patients. While it’s easy to understand the temptation to cut and paste the flawless features of celebrities onto ourselves, it is not practical to think that the nose of one person will pair well with your unique features. The two most influential factors in the final appearance of your nose will be determined by the expertise of your cosmetic surgeon, and the existing structure of your face.

The results of your nasal surgery are permanent, so it’s crucial that you find a board certified surgeon who understands your goals and can help make them a reality. You need to ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page and that you are approaching the surgery with realistic expectations for your results.

Dr. Rappaport will work within the structural integrity of your face to achieve the most natural-looking results, blending your new nose to work harmoniously with your features. With the emergence of new 3D imaging technologies like Crisalix 3D, patients can now see a virtual outcome of what the procedure will may look like on their face or body. Houston Center for Plastic Surgery utilizes this technology to empower patients with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision and helps to ensure they will be satisfied with their future appearance. All imaging is a simulation and not a guarantee of the final appearance.

Will it be Obvious That I Had Work Done?

Many patients worry that undergoing a cosmetic procedure will drastically change their appearance or make them unrecognizable to their friends and family. Many fear that it will seem obvious that they’ve had “work done” or that their new nose will look fake or unnatural.
What distinguishes a superior rhinoplasty procedure from one with an unsatisfactory outcome is selecting a surgeon who possesses the artistry and skill to carefully enhance your existing natural beauty while reshaping your nose to blend effortlessly with your facial framework.

Dr. Rappaport’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that the subtle improvements to your face after your rhinoplasty procedure will be noticeable to you but will not be overtly apparent to others. Casual observers may notice that something looks different and that you may appear more attractive and symmetrical; however, your new nose should complete your look, not alter it.

Rhinoplasty is a precise procedure that requires a highly skilled surgeon who has the knowledge and expertise to balance and enhance your unique facial features. Dr. Rappaport has been performing nose reshaping surgery on patients for many years and uses techniques that deliver naturally beautiful and long-lasting results. To learn more about how rhinoplasty can change your life, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery today at 713-955-7281.

 

Author: Norman H. Rappaport, MD, FACS, a certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in Houston, TX.

Houston Center For Plastic Surgery

6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc