Many rhinoplasty procedures begin with celebrity inspiration but the shape that suits one person won’t necessarily suit another. The main aim of rhinoplasty is to achieve balance and a shape that complements the rest of your features.
The nose is a feature that tends to attract a lot of attention, particularly when we interact with others. When the nose is misshapen, not only does it affect your appearance but it can lead to functionality issues too.
So, how should you go about choosing a nose shape?
A Look at Popular Nose Shapes
Nose shape trends are usually influenced by what people see in the media. Below is a list of shapes that are most commonly requested by patients.
- The Snub. Cute is the operative word with this nose shape. The snub nose is soft, with a slight curve – almost as if the tip turns up.
- The Greek. A straight bridge is the most defining characteristic of this nose shape.
- The Roman. This is another classic, strong nose shape that creates a dignified profile. The bridge tends to be exaggerated, with the nose sloping slightly.
- The Celestial. This is a smaller shape, with a protruding tip. Sometimes, there is also a slight dent in the bridge.
- The Nubian. Lastly, the Nubian nose shape has a wide base and nostrils, and a long, smooth bridge. Those with African ancestry tend to have this shape.
Rhinoplasty Results – What Can Be Achieved?
In order to achieve the best nose shape for your profile, you need to partner with the right surgeon. Once you schedule a consultation, a surgeon will take you through your options after evaluating your current nose, facial features and profile.
During your consultation, how the shape of your nostrils, tip and bridge will be altered will also be discussed. Many of today’s surgeons even use 3D imaging software to show patients what their new nose shape will look like. This way, you can make a more informed decision.
According to the top Australian female plastic surgeon, Dr Anh, here are some of the changes that can potentially be achieved with nose surgery.
- Improved Symmetry. Perfect nasal symmetry can hardly ever be achieved but your surgeon can certainly create better facial harmony.
- Straighter Nose. If your nose is naturally crooked or the appearance was altered due to trauma, rhinoplasty can straighten it.
- Nasal Opening Reduction. To improve breathing, nose surgery can open the nasal passaged and reduce the size of the nasal openings. Septoplasty is generally used to do this.
- Improve Nose Size. If you want to make your nose bigger or smaller or change the shape of the tip, this can be achieved with the help of a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Rhinoplasty Candidates – Are You a Good Fit?
Not everyone is the ideal candidate for nose surgery – this is why a consultation is one of the most important steps in this process.
When discussing and evaluating your options, your health, surgical goals and lifestyle habits will all need to be considered. Let’s look at some of the factors that could prevent you from being an ideal rhinoplasty candidate.
- Cartilage & Bone Structure. To determine what’s possible during surgery, your surgeon needs to evaluate your available cartilage and bone structure. You may qualify for this surgery based on your needs but without enough cartilage and a strong bone structure, rhinoplasty might not be possible.
- Facial Bone Maturity. Rhinoplasty can only be performed on patients with fully mature facial bones. This means male patients need to be at least 17 and girls, at least 16. By operating too early, it can create abnormal growth and deformities.
- Lifestyle Habits. If you’re a smoker and aren’t willing to quit or cut down prior to surgery, you might be declined as a candidate. Smoking increases the risk of complications occurring during and after surgery. It can also impact your final results due to inefficient healing.
- Risk Factors. Your surgeon will also need to take your general health and other risk factors into consideration before you can schedule your procedure. If you’ve had a negative reaction to anesthetic in the past or have problems with bleeding, you might not be a suitable nose surgery candidate.
If you’re considering nose surgery, you’re also going to need to be patient and have realistic expectations. It can take up to a year before you see your final results. There is also a chance that you won’t be happy with the final results, which means you should be prepared to possibly undergo a second surgery. If this is a process you’re willing to commit to, rhinoplasty might be right for you.
Preparing for Your Nose Surgery
Your surgeon is there to prepare you for your procedure and it’s important to follow their advice from start to finish if you want a positive experience.
In the weeks leading up to your rhinoplasty procedure, it’s important to focus on your health and fitness, as this will benefit you during recovery. Your surgeon needs to be made aware of any medications and supplements you’re taking prior to surgery. Certain medications can cause excess bleeding, bruising and other complications.
As previously mentioned, you will also need to cut down, or ideally quit smoking several weeks before your surgery. Smoking affects blood vessels and flow, which can slow down your healing and impact your final results.
Lastly, do a little preparation for your recovery too – many patients forget about this. Making sure that you have everything you need before your surgery will ensure you come home to a comfortable healing space. It also helps if you have some support at home, at least for the first few days.
You will need to get as much rest as possible and won’t be able to do any heavy lifting or bending. Anything that might put pressure on your nose or face should be avoided. If you have small children at home, you will definitely need someone to help you out for the first week.
By taking the necessary steps, particularly during the early stages of the rhinoplasty process, you can look forward to results that look and feel good.
