Rhinoplasty surgery has consistently been among the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures, ranked behind breast augmentations. The procedure is designed to balance out facial features and imporve overal symmetry of the face and nose.  So who is a good candiate for the rhinoplasty procedure?  Below, Dr. Paul Pin has provided some general guidelines for those patients who will be the best candidates.

Adolescent Years

It is not uncommon for patients to start to feel self conscious about the shape or size of their nose starting in adolescence, as this is a period of dramatic changes to the body. While Dr. Pin does receive inquiries about rhinoplasty procedures for patients as young as 14 or 15, he urges patients to wait until at least their late teens before having surgery. The nasal bones, cavities, and surrounding structures are still growing in the mid-adolescent years. Waiting until the teen growth spurt is over will ensure better results and reduce the chances of revision surgery later on.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Ideal rhinoplasty candidates will be non-smokers and only occasionally drink alcohol. Tobacco smoke can dry out the facial skin, which may result in longer healing times with excessive scarring. Alcohol is a known blood thinner that may cause excessive bleeding both during and after surgery. This may also lead to longer healing times and excessive scarring. Dr. Pin recommends that patients stop tobacco and alcohol use two to three weeks prior to surgery, and a few weeks after surgery. He further urges patients to quit for good at that time.

General Health

Patients wishing to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure should be in good general health, preferably without chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma. Patients with these conditions who want to have the procedure done should have their medical conditions well managed and coordinate care between Dr. Pin and their regular doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Realistic Expectations

With any cosmetic procedure, the goal is to enhance the natural features of the body. This is particularly true in the case of rhinoplasty, as the nose is the central feature of the face, taking up the middle horizontal and vertical third of the face. Good candidates for a rhinoplasty are those who have realistic expectations and goals for the procedure.

Starting at the very first consultation visit, Dr. Pin will work closely with patients to help them refine their goals for the procedure so that they achieve the best possible outcome. Patients who not only have a realistic goal in mind, but are also motivated to work with Dr. Pin toward that goal by taking care of their health, will be far more likely to get the results they want from the procedure. Contact Dr. Pin's practice today to schedule a consultation.