Cosmetic Procedures - Nasal Surgery - Before Surgery

Patients that are considered for rhinoplasty must be of sufficient age. Usually, patients must be at least 12 to 13 years of age so that the nose may be near full development so that surgery will not interfere with its growth. In addition, the maturity that comes with an older age helps ensure that the desired nasal changes arebased on the patient's own feelings rather than that of others or from trendy looks.

Conversely, there is no older age at which rhinoplasty can not be performed. In the older patient, it is not uncommon to perform rhinoplasty with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid/brow surgery.

Patients that have the following nasal problems may be candidates for surgery:

In consultation, a thorough medical history will be taken with emphasis on any history of bleeding problems or difficulty breathing through the nose. Medications that may interfere with the ability of the blood to clot (e.g., aspirin) or the use of nasal sprays or decongestants will also be noted. It is extremely important to very specifically identify what about your nose you do not like or exactly which parts you want to be changed. This is usually done in front of a mirror at the time of your consultation. The nose will then be examined by feeling its outer structures and breathing through the nostrils tested. Photographs will then be taken to more fully evaluate your nose and its relationship to your face and to determine if other procedures (e.g., chin surgery) may also be helpful to provide better facial balance and proportions.

It is important to understand that not every patient can achieve the same result from rhinoplastic surgery. Good results are usually obtained, however, when the surgeon and patient have a mutual and realistic understanding of the goals and expectations from the procedure.