Should I Get a Nose Job?: 5 Things to Consider

July 5, 2019 - Research

Unhappy with the size of your nose? Having difficulty breathing? In either case, getting a nose job may be an option for you.

This procedure — also known as rhinoplasty — can change many things about your nose. It can alter your nose size, width, and profile, as well as the size and position of the nostrils. It can also improve nasal function after an illness or injury.

If you’re wondering, “Should I get a nose job?”, doing some research can make your decision easier. Here are the 5 key things to know about nose jobs.

1. Types of Procedures

There are two main types of primary rhinoplasty: open and closed. The former involves the surgeon making incisions between the nostrils and inside the nose. The latter is a minor procedure, and it only involves incisions within the nose.

Then you have secondary rhinoplasty, which corrects problems from a previous rhinoplasty. Finally, filler rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical nose job that involves injecting fillers into your nose.

2. Evaluation

Before undergoing nose surgery, you should have a long talk with your surgeon. This will help you make sure that your expectations are realistic. Also, your surgeon will likely want to photograph your nose from several angles.

Ideally, you should bring a few photographs of noses that appeal to you. That way, your surgeon will know what you’re expecting from the procedure. They may even provide a 3D/4D image of what your nose should look like.

3. Preparations

Though rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure, you should still take it seriously. For starters, smokers should kick their habit in advance of the surgery. Smoking compromises blood flow to your skin, which can lead to necrosis.

Other general rules involve no eating after midnight on the day before the procedure. On a similar note, you should abstain from alcohol in the weeks leading up to rhinoplasty. Certain medications may be off-limits as well.

4. Recovery

For the first 24 hours after the surgery, you may have trouble breathing. If your nose is bleeding, you’ll need to apply a cold compress. For the first 48 hours, you’re likely to be on pain medication.

After the first week, you’ll be able to remove your cast or splint. That said, some of your swelling may take up to a year to fully subside. This is why it’s important to be patient with enjoying the results of your rhinoplasty.

5. Costs

The nose job cost comprises the anesthesia fee, the operating room fee, and the surgeon’s fee. Anesthesia usually costs $600 to $1,000, with the facilities ranging from $700 to $1,100. The rest goes to your surgeon.

Surgeon fees vary, but the national average is around $5,350. This also depends on the type of procedure you go for. Secondary rhinoplasty can set you back twice as much, whereas a nonsurgical nose job costs a few hundred dollars.