Cosmetic surgery procedures aim to correct imbalances or irregularities, resulting in a natural, proportionate appearance and boosting self-confidence. Few procedures can accomplish this as effectively as a nose job, as the nose is the face’s focal point, and affects the overall symmetry and look of your face in a very significant way. So when the nose is crooked, hooked, humped, or features another type of visual deformity, the face’s symmetry can be thrown “off” significantly.
However, while correcting these irregularities can have a profound impact on your overall look, it’s important to have realistic expectations, and to make cosmetic changes that are still complementary to the rest of your facial features — this is the best way to ensure a natural-looking nose job that will have a significant impact on your overall look, and your self-esteem.
What Is a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)?
A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is a reconstructive type of facial plastic surgery that improves the look and functionality of the nose. Rhinoplasty can restore or create optimal facial-nasal proportion, leading to better facial symmetry and overall harmony. Because the nasal bones and cartilage are very delicate, rhinoplasty is an intricate and complex facial surgery.
What Types of Changes Can Be Made to a Nose?
There are a number of concerns that a rhinoplasty patient may have relating to the shape of their nose, many (if not all) of which can be addressed by a nose job.
Rhinoplasty can be used to:
- Straighten a crooked nose, either through fillers or reconstructive surgery
- Reduce or eliminate a bulbous tip
- Reduce or eliminate a dorsal hump (a prominent bump that appears on the bridge of the nose)
- Reduce the size of a nose that is too large in proportion to other facial features
- Correct asymmetry that may have occurred as the result of an injury or another nasal surgery
- Narrow a nose that is too wide in proportion to other facial features
- Reduce the length of a protrusive nasal tip
- Restore function to a nose where structural issues, such as a deviated septum, have resulted in difficulty breathing (through septoplasty or other procedures)
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Nose Job?
While there are no specific criteria that define a good rhinoplasty candidate, some traits make patients better suited to this type of surgery than others. Ideally, a rhinoplasty patient will be at least 17-18 years old; before this point, the nose has not fully stopped growing, and it is best to perform surgery on a fully developed nose (except in cases where a birth abnormality or defect is resulting in partially or fully obstructed nostrils, and difficulty breathing).
Patients with well-defined bone structure may also have better rhinoplasty results, as good bone structure will give the surgeon better support while performing alterations to the delicate nasal structure. In addition, patients should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations surrounding the risks, benefits, and desired surgery results.
In addition, pregnant patients at the time of surgery, or those who have already had multiple rhinoplasty procedures, are not candidates for rhinoplasty at SpaMedica.
What Makes a Nose Job Natural?
The key criteria to a natural-looking nose job is that the results are proportionate to the rest of the face. Drastically altering the nose in a way that does not take into consideration the patient’s overall facial structure and unique features will result in a rhinoplasty that looks jarring and unnatural.
Your Facial Dimensions
You may wish to have a nose job because your nose is too large or wide; this is a common reason for undergoing rhinoplasty. However, when altering the size of the nose, it’s important to be aware that the nose should appear well-balanced against the rest of your facial features, including your eyes and mouth but the overall size and structure of your head and face. Just as a too-large nose can cause facial asymmetry, a too-small nose can negatively impact your overall appearance and will result in an unnaturally disproportionate look.
The Nose Structure
It is very important that your plastic surgeon believes that the correct structure can be built to support your rhinoplasty. If your desired results or expectations require alterations that, due to your existing facial and nasal structure, cannot be supported by a strong internal structure, built by your cosmetic surgeon during the procedure, your results will not last. At SpaMedica, Dr. Bell will advise on whether your desired results are realistic, and will be able to determine what types of cosmetic changes can be made that will be natural-looking in addition to long-lasting.
Tips for Getting a Natural Nose Job
Having realistic expectations, considering your facial proportions, and consulting with an experienced cosmetic surgeon are surefire ways to ensure your rhinoplasty yields a beautiful, natural-looking result. Here are a few more tips:
1. Choose Your Surgeon Wisely
Dr. Bell, the Lead Surgeon at SpaMedica, is one of Canada’s most sought-after plastic surgeons. He has performed thousands of complex cosmetic surgeries, including rhinoplasties, over decades of work. Dr. Bell is not only experienced, but they understand that each cosmetic procedure is highly individualized. This is why they will consult with you ahead of your rhinoplasty to understand your concerns and expectations and advise on the type of work that can be done to create a beautiful, proportional, natural-looking nose job result.
2. Use Digital Imaging Technology
SpaMedica’s state-of-the-art digital imaging technology, offered to all rhinoplasty patients, allows you to see how your rhinoplasty will look. This technology can not only show you your optimal results, but will also enable you to see what too-drastic alterations — such as decreasing your nose’s size or width in a way that is not proportionate to the rest of your face — would look like, helping you to understand the types of changes that are ideal for a more successful rhinoplasty.
3. Prepare for the Surgery Accordingly
In your consultation, your surgeon will advise on steps to take to prepare for your rhinoplasty, such as researching the type of alterations you’d like to have done, collecting before-and-after pictures, and discussing whether you may need revision rhinoplasty if you are unhappy with your results. Your surgeon will also let you know how to prepare for the day of your surgery, including what to eat and drink, and whether you will be able to travel home from the clinic on your own.
4. Follow All Post Surgery Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-op instructions to ensure a full, complication-free rhinoplasty recovery. These will include instructions on how to minimize swelling and discomfort, any medications you can take to alleviate pain (in addition to medications that should be avoided), and how to care for any incisions to minimize scarring. In addition, your surgeon will advise on what types of activities should be avoided during your recovery, and when you can remove any dressings or nasal packing. It is essential to trust your surgeon’s expertise, and follow their instructions closely.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
Before your initial consultation, and in consultation with your surgeon at SpaMedica, it is important to set and maintain realistic expectations for your rhinoplasty. A natural, aesthetically pleasing nose job can be achieved by understanding your overall facial proportions, and working with your surgeon to determine what types of changes can realistically be made to your nose to result in a beautiful, natural-looking nose that will boost your confidence and overall self-esteem.
Contact SpaMedica to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Bell today!
