Rhinoplasty 101: How To Choose A Provider
When it comes to nose surgery, it’s critical to choose a plastic surgeon who has a proven track record and is experienced with conducting this specific surgery. The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery urges rhinoplasty patients in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, to use common sense, check credentials, and be prepared to ask plenty of questions when choosing a provider. These tips are valuable for anyone considering a cosmetic change, no matter where they live.
Whether you dislike the nose you were born with, are unhappy with how aging has affected its appearance, or are hoping to restore the appearance of your nose after trauma, rhinoplasty can bolster self-esteem and help you feel better about yourself. Even the smallest change to your nose can make a big difference for overall facial proportions. Surgeons prefer not to work on patients who have body dysmorphic disorder, other mental health disorders, or those in poor overall physical health. To get the most satisfying results, patients should discuss their expectations with their provider and be aware of what is realistically possible with surgery.
The goal of nose surgery is to create a natural, harmonious look that accomplishes the desired changes without making it obvious that the patient has had any work done. At the end of the day, the planning and decision-making skills of your surgeon will influence how beautiful and satisfying the final appearance will be.
Since surgery permanently alters the face, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is not something patients will want to rush into. Generally speaking, in the world of plastic surgery, you get what you pay for, and choices have long-term repercussions. Cheaper isn’t usually better, so one of the red flags to look out for is prices that seem unusually low for the service being provided. Your focus should be on the quality of what is being offered. To avoid cosmetic nightmares, it’s important to do your research, stay vigilant, and trust your gut if something feels off.
While all serious surgery comes with certain risks, there are steps patients can take to get the most successful outcome possible. Given the great demand for nose surgery, it is not unusual to find untrained practitioners, doctors working outside the scope of their specialty, and unaccredited facilities offering the procedure.
As is the case with any form of cosmetic surgery, inexperienced, unlicensed providers who fail to adhere to industry standards can not only produce unsightly aesthetic results, but also put a patient’s health at greater risk. These so-called “discount” plastic surgery procedures may result in critical injuries or even death. Potential complications from rhinoplasty include infections, scarring, numbness, and breathing difficulties. From a cosmetic standpoint, it can be challenging to correct unfavorable plastic surgery results. Patients who receive botched nose jobs may need revision surgery.
To avoid these problems, ensure that your provider is certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or a similarly prestigious body, and has all the necessary credentials to practice in the United States. Certification with the American Board indicates that they have been through rigorous training, have completed the mandatory examinations, and have met other strict standards for ethics and safety required for their boards. In other words, board-certified practitioners have demonstrated a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of plastic surgery.
It can help to get advice from a friend or loved one who has had rhinoplasty surgery. When considering a particular plastic surgeon, take a look at before-and-after photos of their other patients who have received the operation. Also, seek out and read reviews. Ideally, your provider will have worked on other patients who look similar to you. You’ll also want to make sure that the surgeon has hospital privileges.
Some due diligence can go a long way to ensuring both your safety and your eventual aesthetic outcome.
Curious about what rhinoplasty can do for you? For more details or to book a consultation, send a message or call 415-433-0303 (San Francisco), or 707-473-0220 (Healdsburg) to reach the offices of The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Stanley Jacobs offers computer imaging, which allows patients to see their projected results prior to any surgery being performed.