If you have either visual or functional concerns about your nose, there’s a chance you might be a rhinoplasty candidate. When figuring out if you’re a candidate for surgery, there are lots of things to consider. And although the best way to find out is through speaking privately with a surgeon, there are some general principles that you can think about. In this article, we will answer your questions about who is a candidate for this procedure.
A great way to get advice on whether the procedure can benefit you is by speaking to an experienced and reputable professional. Our team here at Aesthetic Edge are always happy to answer questions and guide patients in the right direction. Find out if you are a rhinoplasty candidate by booking a consultation with us in Sydney.
What is rhinoplasty surgery?
In order to learn whether you’re a rhinoplasty candidate, we need to know what the procedure is and what it involves. Rhinoplasty, sometimes called “nose surgery,” is a procedure that reshapes the nose. It can involve manipulating the cartilage, skin, and bone in order to adjust the nose’s shape, size, projection, or symmetry.
There are lots of reasons why someone might choose to get this surgery, including concerns about:
- Nose asymmetry
- The shape of the nose tip
- The angle or projection of the nose
- High or low nasal bridge
- Deviated septum
- Issues caused by injury
- Birth defects
- Breathing difficulties
There are two general types of this procedure: open and closed rhinoplasty. They are similar in that they both address the shape or size of the nose, but the methods are a bit different. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision under the nose, between the nostrils. This allows good access to the underlying structure of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty is when incisions are made inside the nose to conceal the resulting scars. Both options can be suitable, and you can discuss which would be most conducive to your goals at your consultation.
Who is a good candidate?
There are lots of different factors to consider regarding who is a good rhinoplasty candidate. You’ll need to consider your health, motivations, financial readiness, and expectations.
In general, a good rhinoplasty candidate is a person who is worried about the look or the function of their nose. The surgery can either be performed for aesthetic or functional (such as breathing difficulty) reasons. This means in order to help your surgeon cater to your needs, you’ll need to consider your motives and what you want to achieve. If you are sure about what you want, and provided that your expectations are realistic, your surgeon can better tailor the process to suit you.
To be a candidate, you also need to know what the procedure will involve, practically. This means being prepared financially to cover the costs and to follow the preparation advice given by your surgeon. This might include quitting smoking before and after surgery. Habits like smoking can increase your risk of adverse complications, as smoking impedes your body’s ability to heal. You might also be instructed to stop taking certain medications for a period of time to reduce the risk of complications.
Additionally, candidates need to be prepared for the aftercare process and give themselves enough time away from work and other responsibilities. Since you’ll need time to recover, good rhinoplasty candidates should make sure they have the support and care they need, especially in those initial stages. This might include getting someone to help you around the house, with general chores or cooking. Your support person might need to help you lift things or take care of your little children. You should be prepared to take enough time off work and ensure that your environment is set up such that you can get plenty of rest.
Other requirements to be a rhinoplasty candidate include:
- Good physical health
- No underlying medical conditions
- Completed facial growth
- Realistic expectations
- Awareness of risks and recovery
Potential patients should have finished their adolescence and development. In some cases, patients might be seeking revision surgery after a previous rhinoplasty. Such people can also be candidates, provided that they understand the risks and have realistic goals. All patients should understand the risks involved before getting a procedure done.
Who is not a good candidate?
There are also some ways to know if you’re not a good rhinoplasty candidate. Good physical health is necessary, in addition to a positive mindset. If your expectations aren’t realistic or if you’re not sure whether you want to proceed, it might not be a good time for this procedure. Additionally, if you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you might not be suitable.
Your health and safety should be a priority for your surgeon. This means that if your surgeon advises against the procedure, it’s best to listen and take their advice.
What’s the next step?
If you think you might be a rhinoplasty candidate and are interested in pursuing the surgery, the first step is to consult with a surgeon who can confirm one way or the other. There’s no sure-fire way to know if you’re a candidate, other than by actually getting a recommendation from a qualified professional. You’ll be able to ask further questions and get advice that pertains to your particular situation.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your condition, health, and ask you about your goals. It’s important to be honest about any medical conditions so that you can get appropriate and useful guidance.
Reasons to choose Aesthetic Edge Clinic for rhinoplasty in Sydney
If you want to know whether you’re a rhinoplasty candidate, you’ll need to choose a reputable clinic. This is an important decision, as the clinic and surgeon you choose will play a big part in your outcomes. At Aesthetic Edge Clinic, we aim to give our patients individualised care in a friendly atmosphere.
Dr Jeremy Hunt and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi are experienced professionals who want patients to be well-informed about their chosen procedure, as well as our clinic and team. We aim to provide care and attention to patients from their consultation right through to their recovery and results. Learn more about our team or book your consultation to get started on your path towards rhinoplasty surgery.
