Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty surgery?

UsefulRhinoplastyInformation.com is intended as a helpful resource for people considering nose surgery, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Rhinoplasty is consistently one of the most requested forms of plastic surgery and the number of people seeking a nose job increases every year. Any form of cosmetic surgery is a big commitment and deciding to undergo it should be given a great deal of time, research and consideration. Your first concern should be whether you are a suitable candidate for the rhinoplasty procedure.

A nose job can either be for cosmetic or medical purposes. Most people consider it an operation to improve the appearance of the nose - for instance reducing the size or width, straightening the bridge or augmenting the tip - but you may also benefit from rhinoplasty to repair defects such as impaired breathing. These medical problems may have arisen from birth defects, illness or an accident. Your family doctor will be able to confirm if your condition makes you eligible for rhinoplasty.

Peer pressure, bullying and low self esteem have led to increasing numbers of teenagers seeking rhinoplasty to increase their confidence. If the imperfections are relatively minor - for instance a small dorsal hump - then most surgeons will suggest the patient waits till growth is complete. However, the procedure can be performed in girls as young as 13 or 14, particularly if surgery is needed as a result of facial trauma, or around the age of 16 in boys.

A good surgeon will rigorously assess their patient’s suitability for plastic surgery. In patients of all ages, their mental state is of equal importance to their physical health. For example, there must be no underlying problems such as body dysmorphia behind their motivation for having a nose job. Physically, the patient should be in good health so that they are strong enough to undergo surgery and make a good recovery. Always advise the surgeon of any pre-existing medical conditions, such as bone disorders, as some conditions will make rhinoplasty unfeasible or risky. Some medicines, such as Accutane, will also preclude a person from undergoing nasal surgery.

If you are planning on having rhinoplasty in the near future but are also trying to conceive you may be wondering is it safe to have rhinoplasty while pregnant? In short, pregnant women or nursing mothers should wait until after this time before undergoing major surgery. Doctors consider it best that expectant mothers err on the side of caution and anaesthesia and pain killers should be avoided if possible. Recovering from surgery can also be a tiring and stressful period for a patient without the addition of the body coping with pregnancy. If you are having a nose job always consult your doctor or surgeon if you are pregnant or likely to become so in the near future.

The only way of knowing for sure whether you are a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty is to book a consultation with a good rhinoplasty surgeon. The initial consultation is usually free and you are under no obligation to commit to surgery.