Rhinoplasty: Cost, Pics, Reviews, Q&A

The most experienced surgeons know when NOT to operate

During a rhinoplasty consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your nasal anatomy and your aesthetic goals and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for surgery.

I would recommend seeing more than one surgeon, just to get a few different points of view, then you will make a better “educated” decision. (Theda C. Kontis, MD, Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially in rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a very demanding procedure and requires very good preoperative communication between patient and surgeon, and good operative planning. It is more important what you think about your nasal appearance than what a surgeon would tell you that you “need,” as most people don’t “need” any cosmetic surgery.

Right? Patients WANT cosmetic surgery, and it is up to ethical, board-certified plastic surgeons to educate a prospective patient on options and to determine if the patient is a candidate for the surgery, or if there are other treatments available.

If you can be specific about what bothers you, a good plastic surgeon can assess if you are likely to get a result you are seeking in that surgeon’s hands, and will also tell you if your expectations are unlikely to be met.

Personally, I would never operate on a poor candidate or someone who just wants me to determine what they “need” cosmetically. That is a setup for an unhappy patient after surgery, which is not in the best interest of the patient or the surgeon.

Plastic surgery for nose rhinoplasty

Why don’t you schedule an appointment with 1 or 2 local, well-reputed, board-certified plastic surgeons and get an opinion. Before you go in, however, outline your surgery goals very specifically; for example, I want the bump at the top of my nose to be smoother and I want my nasal tip to be narrower, etc.  (Tim A. Sayed, MD, FACS, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)

Rhinoplasty consultation

From the information you have given, it sounds like a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeron would be helpful. The analysis includes not only your subjective concerns, but also an evaluation of your anatomy and what could or should be done to improve it.

If the surgeon feels that you would not benefit from a surgery, he or she would share this opinion without reservation. (Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, Columbia Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic surgery for nose pictures

Plastic surgery for nose is a very subjective thing. If ther eis something bothering you, then perhaps you should discuss it with a surgeon. An honorable surgeon ( which I think the majority if not all are) will tell you the truth. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic surgery for nose consult

If you are happy with your nose, then leave it alone. If you are considering surgery, then it would be best to visit a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation. Tell them exactly what you are looking for and they will evaluate you and see if you are a good candidate. Who knows, they may even tell you that you are not a good candidate for surgery or that your expectations for surgery on unrealistic. If you post some pictures of your face from different angles, then we may be able to give you some advice as well. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Choose rhinoplasty only if important to you

Plastic surgery for nose picture

I can see your dilemma, it’s kind of like asking a car dealer is he thinks you need a new car. Unfortunately, in the field of cosmetic surgery some will give a fair and honest opinion, though others may not.

My advice is only consider rhinoplasty if you have your heart into the change or improvement, never based on what others may think. Stay true to yourself, and choose cosmetic surgery only if it fits into your life goals and needs. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Deciding on Plastic Surgery

You cannot ask your Plastic Surgeon if you need cosmetic surgery. Only you can answer that question. However, if “everyone” is telling you that your nose is OK, perhaps you should listen to them.

Plastic surgery for nose photos

If you are really unhappy with your nose, see someone. They will evaluate you and tell you how difficult what you wish is and the risks associated with making the change. Since you are approaching them to make a change, they will only tell you “No” if the risks are too high or there is no way to accommodate your desires.

They may also tell you if they think you are “being silly” if the change is minor, but this will depend on how you present your request. Also, remember, minor changes are the hardest to accomplish. (Robert T. Buchanan, MD, Highlands Plastic Surgeon)

Do I need a plastic surgery for nose?

There is no standard established about who does or doesn’t need plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is subjective by nature, and elective. This means you are the only one who can say if you need surgery on your nose. A professional can tell you what the options are and give you a sound idea of what can and cannot be done.

Plastic surgery for nose image

Computer imaging can be helpful to facilitate the discussion and exchange of ideas. With this information, you can make an informed decision, and you can consider if the problem or the “cure” is preferable. If you are seeking more information, consider getting three consultations, and waiting before making a decision. Many patients see several doctors over a period of time before making a decision.

It doesn’t hurt to ask, and skilled professionals do not need to play on unfounded fears to make a living. It is not a wise long term strategy. BTW – It is not allows possible to stop someone who is determined to have something done. All I can do when a patient has goals that I don’t understand is to listen hard and try to understand. There are limits to what the best Board Certified Plastic Surgeons can do. When risks outstrip the benefits, the best treatment is no treatment. If the goals are likely to lead to tragedy, I can explain what the likely outcome is, but I cannot stop them from asking someone else.

Rhinoplasty plastic surgery for nose

If you need another example check out my blog post below. It’s the story of a woman so determined to have her breast overly enlarged, despite being advised against it, when she couldn’t find a willing surgeon in the US, she went to Brazil. (Joseph Mele, MD, Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic surgery for nose or not?

If you like your nose leave it alone. If you see a surgeon who is experienced and you tell him what you don’t like he can tell you if your goals are realistic or not. (Toby Mayer, MD, Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon)

First, you need to decide if you are unhappy with the shape of your nose. Rhinoplasty is a permanent procedure and should be taken seriously. A surgeon should listen to your needs and goals and make decisions with you, not for you. Good luck on your search! (Philip Young, MD, Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon)