Rhinoplasty has come a long way from its roots in ancient India, now using modern techniques and less invasive anesthesia. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean everyone is an ideal candidate for cosmetic nasal surgery. While only a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon can assess your individual candidacy, here are some health considerations and other factors that could prevent you from being a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Facial plastic surgeons are double board certified (Otolaryngology & facial plastic surgery), and are sometimes an ENT doctor. They are more likely to be able to help you correct breathing issues at the same time as your rhinoplasty.
General Health
Since rhinoplasty is a fairly invasive surgery, patients must have a certain level of general health and wellness in order to undergo surgery. Nasal surgery is complex, requiring a great deal of finesse and skill, and the nose can take up to a year to fully heal. Poor health can compromise healing, cause anesthesia risks, and increase the chances of a poor outcome. In any case, you will most likely need to have a physical exam and blood test before surgery.
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you might consider using your desire for surgery as motivation to help you quit. Ethical doctors refuse to operate on patients who continue to smoke before and after surgery. At a minimum, you’ll have to quit smoking for a few months or weeks before and after the procedure. It is advisable to stop as far in advance as possible, however, as smoking can compromise healing and cause other problems.
Unrealistic Expectations
Rhinoplasty surgery can produce excellent results that greatly improve the appearance of the nose and face as a whole, but it doesn’t usually work miracles. If you don’t have realistic expectations about your surgery, you may end up seeking a second, unnecessary surgery if your new nose doesn’t match your fantasy. Consider carefully how much improvement you expect, and discuss your goals with prospective surgeons. Computer imaging can facilitate communication between you and your plastic surgeon. If you and your doctor have a similar concept of what is an attractive nose, you are more likely to be happy with your results.
Health Conditions & Conflicting Medications
If you have a bleeding disorder, asthma, or other medical condition, you may not be eligible for a rhinoplasty. Check with your doctor and be sure to disclose all relevant conditions and medications during your rhinoplasty consultations.
Age
Since most people who undergo rhinoplasty surgery are young men and women, age is usually not an important factor for determining candidacy. However, teens who wish to have the surgery are not candidates for rhinoplasty until the nose has stopped growing. This age varies, with girls maturing faster than boys. This is usually age 16 for girls and 17 to 18 for boys. In contrast, older patients have to understand potential risks with anesthesia, medications, and nasal skin quality. Older patients tend to want to desire less drastic changes as they have lived their entire life with their nose.
