Get To Know the Nose Job Preliminaries

So you may not exactly be Pinocchio, but you think a rhinoplasty can do wonders for your self-esteem? Fear not. Whatever your reasons may be for wanting to undergo nose surgery—whether they are aesthetic ones to make your nose proportioned with the rest of your face, or to correct the way your nose is constructed to make you breathe easier, getting one is no longer grist for gossip. You just have to choose surgeons wisely and prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

First off, don’t just go to any corner clinic that lists rhinoplasty as one of its “specialties”. If you need to look up a plastic surgeon from a list (most places have organizations or associations for practitioners who are board certified) to see if he/she has at least a couple of years of practice, specializing in plastic surgery and even more years as a general surgeon, do it. While it’s best to target those who’ve made rhinoplasty their area of specialization, it’s still good to look at the rest of the “menu” on his cosmetic surgery portfolio. One botched job in an otherwise pristine plastic surgery history means a lot, and you wouldn’t want to end up swelling up the bad statistic, would you?

Then consider what exactly you want done on your nose. Not satisfied with its shape? Had a childhood accident that disfigured it? Your friends calling you Captain Hook or Double Barreled Shotgun? Make sure to relay to your surgeon in detail what it is exactly you want altered, removed, enhanced, etc. A consultation is not the time to be shy or wishy-washy! Don’t be afraid to ask questions that may be causing you anxiety, and trust that you’ll be answered with professional expertise. In turn, expect to be asked some pretty personal questions regarding drug use or alcohol consumption, or if you’ve undergone other surgeries in the recent past. Also, it’s important to tell the doctor about any allergies you might have to avoid complications while the surgery is underway. Afterwards, the surgeon might take pictures of your nose from all angles, and take measurements of your nose in relation to your face.

A few weeks prior to the date of your nose job, give up smoking if it’s a habit. Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medication to decrease the chance of bleeding during the surgery, and get a medical check-up to see if you’re allergic to specific anesthetics or medication that may be used. Discuss this aspect thoroughly with your surgeon way before the actual surgery to avoid all possible risks. For instance, if you bruise easily, the doctor might advise against a total reshaping of your nose in one go, and recommend follow-up sessions.

Another imperative thing to discuss is where the surgery will take place. While most plastic surgeons conduct rhinoplasties in the confines of their own private clinic, you can also opt to have it done in a hospital if it’s more comfortable for you. That way, you can rest and recover fully without having to worry about going home. If it’s an outpatient set-up you prefer, however, make sure someone will be around to take you to the clinic and pick you up after because you won’t be in any fit condition to drive yourself home after a nose job.