Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Generally, people have concerns about their nose because of its appearance, its function (breathing), or both. In considering nasal surgery, it is important for the surgeon, as well as the patient, to determine whether the patient is a good candidate. What does it mean to be a good candidate? It is someone who is most likely to have a pleasant and safe experience and obtain a favorable result. In considering whether you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery, the following factors are worthy of reflection.
Medical Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, it is important to ensure you are medically fit and prepared for surgery. Your surgeon will usually ask about your general health, medical history, medications and allergies. Patients undergoing rhinoplasty surgery are often healthy and no special pre-operative tests are required. If the procedure is being performed under general anesthesia, a pre-operative evaluation by a general physician or the patient’s own family doctor may be requested. If there are any chronic conditions such as diabetes, some adjustments may need to be made to the medications being taken before and after surgery.
Age
Rhinoplasty can be performed starting at age 15-16, when the nose has finished its development. Advanced age is not considered a hindrance to surgery. The important factor is not age but the person’s health.
Preparation Before Surgery and Postoperative Care
As with any surgical procedure, pre-operative preparation and post-operative care are essential to ensure safety, an optimal surgical experience, recovery, healing, and a good esthetic result.
Your surgeon should provide you with instructions about measures to take and things to avoid for the periods before and after surgery. These include information about medications and supplements, jewelry and make-up, eating, drinking, and other activities. In addition, the post-operative instructions should include how to contact your surgeon, side effects to watch for such as bleeding and a high fever or severe pain, and medications prescribed (pain-killers, antibiotics, etc.). These instructions should be provided in written form for you to take home. It is important that you familiarize yourself with them prior to surgery and have them available to refer to after the surgery. This is an important step in preparing yourself for surgery to optimize your rhinoplasty experience and result.
Psychological Considerations
As important as being physically healthy for surgery, it is equally important that you be psychologically prepared. Your decision to undergo rhinoplasty needs careful consideration. Below are certain tips that may guide you in making the best decision.
Rhinoplasty should be considered if your goal is to achieve an improvement that will enhance your self-confidence and sense of well-being. You should not engage in the process as a result of being convinced or pressured by friends, colleagues, or even loved ones.
Patients who make impulsive decisions regarding esthetic surgery are less likely to be satisfied with the outcome. People who are in the midst of a personal crisis such as a relationship conflict or the loss of a loved one are not in a position to make a clear decision regarding surgery. It is best to delay such a decision until any turbulence or problems in your personal life are resolved.
Take time to consider your decision and research the topic. A thorough understanding of the procedure is more likely to lead to a positive outcome. A positive mindset regarding your surgery is important. Although it is completely normal to experience some degree of apprehension, you should feel comfortable with your decision and with your surgeon. If you do not, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon or seek additional opinions.
One of the most important considerations, however, is whether you have realistic expectations. The goal should be for an esthetically pleasing nose that does not display the signs of having been operated, but rather fits naturally with the rest of your facial features. Expert rhinoplasty surgeons can achieve marked improvements, but perfection is not usually possible nor does it necessarily look most pleasing. Make sure you and your surgeon share the same view of what would constitute an improvement for you.
The Bottom Line
Most people who decide to undergo rhinoplasty are good candidates, and are likely to enjoy a positive outcome. Occasionally, however, patients are not good candidates for rhinoplasty. In such instances, an honest and ethical surgeon may advise you against undergoing surgery. Be attentive to this advice and although you may seek another opinion, you may wish to reconsider your decision to have a rhinoplasty.
If you think that you would make a good candidate for Rhinoplasty and would like to set up a consultation, please contact our office.