As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I take considerable pride in being able to educate my patients thoroughly on all of their available cosmetic surgery options. While I’m always happy to meet with patients who have clearly been proactive when it comes to doing their own research, it’s also valuable to remember that the information available online is vast and not particularly well regulated, depending on the source. So in the spirit of clarity and knowledge, I was happy to take some time to sort through a few true and false statements regarding rhinoplasty surgery.
True or False: Patients May Lose Sensitivity In Their Nose Following Rhinoplasty
This is true, but with the caveat that this is a natural and temporary effect of the procedure and not anything that patients should worry about. Due to the nature of the rhinoplasty procedure, there can be some disruption in the nerves in the tip of the nose, leading to a temporary loss of sensation. However, this effect will subside in the days (or weeks) following surgery, and soon full sensation will return to the area.
True or False: Any Cosmetic Surgeon Can Perform My Rhinoplasty
False. In fact, it is essential to ensure that your procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The term “cosmetic surgeon” is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, meaning there is no rigorous training or certification required to use this title. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon, with extensive experience performing rhinoplasty, is the best way to ensure long-term safety and satisfaction with the procedure.
True or False: Rhinoplasty Can Help Both Male and Female Patients
This is absolutely true. Both men and women can benefit greatly from rejuvenating the appearance of their nose if the procedure is right for them as an individual. Although it’s worth noting that male and female rhinoplasty patients generally have different aesthetic goals in mind regarding their surgery. For male rhinoplasty patients, the goal is often to improve facial symmetry by altering the size of the nose or correcting imperfections like a dorsal hump. For women, rhinoplasty can help by correcting certain features that are generally considered more masculine in appearance. This is often done by recontouring the nose to look straighter and longer with a slight dorsal hump. I also perform ethnic rhinoplasty to help better serve the needs of male and female patients of different ethnicities receive the specialized results they desire.
Rhinoplasty is one of the truly universal cosmetic surgery procedures due to its ability to assist such a wide range of patients. My hope is that by clarifying these statements, I can enlighten even more readers to the many ways that rhinoplasty can help improve their appearance and overall self-esteem. For more information on plastic surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional tips, news, and so much more.