Nearly 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed in America each year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.
While it’s an exciting time for those wanting to improve or change the shape of their nose, getting the right surgeon for the job and managing expectations for the procedure are essential to enjoying lifelong satisfactory results.
Here, Dr. Arthur Shektman discusses the most important topics for patients to cover during their rhinoplasty consultation. To learn more or to book a consultation, please call (781) 239-0680 or complete our online form.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that changes the shape and size of the patient’s nose.
Patients choose rhinoplasty surgery for many reasons, whether it be to improve the appearance of the nose, correct breathing problems, or help fix previous nasal trauma. During rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Shektman reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to produce the desired result.
Rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed technique, depending on the extent of the surgery required. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires 1 to 2 hours to complete. Recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within 7 to 10 days. However, it may take several months for the full results of the surgery to become apparent.
How Do I Prepare for a Rhinoplasty Consultation?
Deciding to undergo rhinoplasty, or any cosmetic surgery, is a major life decision, and patients should approach it as such.
Thus, preparing for your rhinoplasty consultation is an important stage of getting the desired results and clarifying in your mind why you want rhinoplasty.
First, understanding the procedure, setting realistic goals, and knowing how long recovery will take can help patients manage their expectations for the entire process.
Next, patients must identify the correct surgeon to perform the rhinoplasty. While the consultation is certainly a great opportunity to learn more about the rhinoplasty procedure itself, it’s also an essential opportunity for a patient to vet their surgeon, and discover their experience, qualifications, and the likelihood of being able to deliver what they promise.
Finally, it helps if patients arrive at their consultation after abstaining from alcohol and enjoying a healthy lifestyle for several weeks. This helps reduce facial swelling and shows the face’s true aesthetic, in a well-rested, natural state. This can help your surgeon better visualize your features for optimal results.
What Topics Should We Cover During the Consultation?
Your rhinoplasty consultation in Boston with Dr. Arthur Shektman is your chance to learn everything you need to know about rhinoplasty and learn about Dr. Shektman’s philosophy and approach to rhinoplasty. Here are some of the topics we suggest any patient covers with their rhinoplasty surgeon during their consultation:
Can I See Photos of Previous Patients’ Work?
Seeing before and after photos of a surgeon’s past patients is one of the best ways to verify the quality of a surgeon’s work. Pay close attention to the facial structure and appearance of these past patients—look for people with similar facial structures, similar noses to yours, and pay particular attention to the results they achieved. You may find your best results when you locate results you find desirable on a face with features similar to your own.
Before and after photos are also a great way to help manage your expectations for the results that rhinoplasty can produce. Rhinoplasty can deliver significant results, however, it’s important to know what is possible and what isn’t with the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Discussing this question with your surgeon is actually a very important part of your consultation.
Ideal rhinoplasty candidates are those who:
- Are in good physical health and have realistic expectations for the surgery
- Are concerned by the shape or size of their nose and want to change it for cosmetic reasons
- Are seeking improvement, not perfection, in the appearance of their nose
- Are at least 15 years old, as the nose is typically still developing until this age
Patients who want rhinoplasty for the wrong reasons or who have unrealistic expectations for the procedure will find that they aren’t happy with the results and will perhaps be better off either choosing a different facial treatment or reconsidering cosmetic surgery altogether.
What Is the Revision Rate for Your Rhinoplasty Patients?
Revision rhinoplasty is the procedure used to fix the results of poorly-done primary rhinoplasties. It’s estimated that an average of 5% of rhinoplasty surgeries get revision rhinoplasty, but the best surgeons have a rate far fewer than this.
Ask your surgeon for their revision rates and for reasons why patients decided to revise the procedure. Understanding this information will help determine the suitability of the surgeon for your procedure.
What Qualifies You to Perform Rhinoplasty?
In the US, surgeons require a career of study, experience, and certification to perform rhinoplasty. The particular qualifications include:
- Medical Degree: The surgeon must have a medical degree and complete a residency program in plastic surgery or otolaryngology.
- Board Certification: The surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AOBOO-HNS).
- Specialized Training: The surgeon should have specialized training and experience in performing rhinoplasty. They should also have a proven track record of successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Active License: The surgeon must have a current, active medical license to practice in the state where they will perform the surgery.
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon with experience and expertise in rhinoplasty is vital to ensure the best possible outcome. You can verify the surgeon’s credentials by checking their medical degree, board certification, and professional affiliations.
In other countries, where rhinoplasty is often cheaper, surgeons do not necessarily need to comply with such stringent guidelines. For this reason, there is a greater chance of getting unsatisfactory results overseas than compared to the United States.
Why Is It Important to Partner with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
By working with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can have confidence that you are in the hands of a medical professional who has the expertise and qualifications necessary to deliver the best possible results. Additionally, a board-certified plastic surgeon has the experience and skill to manage any unexpected outcomes or complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Board certification indicates that the surgeon:
- Has completed a rigorous training program and passed comprehensive written and oral exams
- Meets high standards for surgical skills and patient care
- Keeps up to date with the latest advancements and techniques in plastic surgery
- Adheres to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct
Why Choose Dr. Shektman?
Dr. Arthur Shektman is one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Boston. He has been practicing for over 30 years, a testament to his reputation and the quality of results he delivers to his patients.
Dr. Shektman’s Boston rhinoplasty surgery offers unparalleled levels of customer care, from the very first consultation all the way through to post-procedure follow-ups. He has served thousands of patients, and his client list continues to grow, despite increasing competition from local and international doctors.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
What age do most people get nose jobs?
The most popular age for a nose job in the US is between 20 to 29 years old. This is likely because the body has fully formed by this age, and patients are able to properly decide whether or not they want to change their noses for the rest of their lives.
Which country has the highest rate of nose jobs?
Per capita, Iran has the highest number of nose jobs in the world. This has been caused by the desire to have a smaller, straighter nose, which is considered highly aesthetically appealing.
What happens if you sneeze after a nose job?
During the first two weeks after your nose job, treating your nose as gently as possible is important. Sneezing or blowing your nose can lead to increased bruising, swelling, and bleeding. As such, it’s important to undergo a nose job only when you’re feeling fully healthy and have some time available to rest at home for the first two weeks after the procedure.