Rhinoplasty, or nasal reconstruction, is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures today. Not only is it capable of repairing functional issues of the nose, but it can also improve the overall aesthetics of your face. But as with all surgical procedures, you must undergo a bit of a “screening process” done by your rhinoplasty surgeon to assess whether you are an ideal candidate for this type of procedure. Understanding what makes a good candidate (and what doesn’t) for rhinoplasty can help you set accurate expectations for your own cosmetic procedures.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

With the complexity of this type of procedure, it is important for your surgeon to ascertain whether you meet the general physical and emotional requirements as a candidate for rhinoplasty. While this list is not exhaustive, most candidates at a minimum meet the following criteria:

• The patient is currently unhappy with or self-conscious about his or her nose.
• The patient has a nasal deformity that needs to be corrected.
• The patient is displeased with changes that have occurred to his or her nose with age.
• The patient is generally well-adjusted and has reasonable expectations of the procedure.
• The patient desires to improve the way he or she looks and is not seeking to look “perfect.”
• The patient can be generally described as “happy with life” and does not expect that the procedure alone will change his or her happiness greatly.
• The patient is an appropriate age for surgery. While it is possible to get a rhinoplasty at a younger age, it is best to wait until the nose has stopped growing and changing significantly.
• The patient understands what is involved in the procedure and is equipped to take the necessary measures to prepare for it. For example, he or she will take the necessary time off from work to recover.
• The patient is aware of his or her own medical conditions and allergies and has provided this information to the surgeon.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

The term rhinoplasty is generally used to refer to a procedure performed to change the shape of the nose. Most procedures take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on several factors, including the desired outcome and amount of work to be done.

To perform the surgery, the doctor will make small incisions inside the nostrils to reduce the appearance of scars. From these incisions, he will be able to manipulate the bone and cartilage to reshape and enhance the nose to improve its form and function. Once these adjustments have been made, the surgeon re-drapes the skin over the nose and typically applies a splint outside of the nose to increase its stability and functionality during the healing process.

While most people view rhinoplasty solely as a cosmetic procedure, there are several benefits of the surgery that go far beyond just improving one’s looks. The benefits of nasal reconstruction are many and include:

1. Improving the function of the nose.

Nasal deformities are caused by a number of different complications, including congenital defects, nasal injury or trauma, allergic reactions, unexpected diseases, and more. No matter the cause, deformities can causes serious health issues, such as chronic sinusitis, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, and even altered ability to taste or smell food. A rhinoplasty that corrects a deformity also has the potential to improve these other health concerns.

2. Correcting breathing problems.

The chronic stuffiness with which many individuals live can also be corrected by rhinoplasty. This breathing issue generally responds well to this type of treatment, as compared to more conventional methods, because it is typically caused by an issue that inhibits the proper function of the airways. A crooked septum, overgrowth of nasal tissue, drooping skin, or collapse of the nasal passage are all common culprits of breathing conditions that can be corrected with rhinoplasty.

3. Boosting energy levels.

Believe it or not, many individuals who undergo rhinoplasty report increased energy levels. This benefit has one of several causes. For one, the oxygen that circulates throughout the body is largely inhaled through the nose. So if the nasal passage is blocked at all, the amount of oxygen in the body is altered. Likewise, a blocked nasal passage can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body, slowly poisoning you over time. Additionally, individuals with poorly constructed nasal passages often do not sleep well at night because of snoring and poor nighttime breathing. For all of these reasons, a rhinoplasty may have the benefit of correcting a nasal issue as well as boosting energy levels.

With these additional benefits of rhinoplasty, it’s important to avoid writing yourself off as a candidate for the treatment simply because you’re generally happy with the appearance of your nose. If you’ve been having issues with nasal stuffiness, breathing problems, low energy, and/or sleeping issues, it may be worth having a conversation with Dr. Becker to explore your options.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

In most cases, Dr. Becker will work with a patient to ascertain the possibility of meeting his or her expectations with rhinoplasty. However, there are a few instances in which an individual is simply not the best candidate for the treatment. This is generally the case when the risks of the procedure outweigh the benefits as a result of:

• Skin and/or nasal cartilage that lacks the structural integrity to undergo surgery.
• Unrealistic expectations for how the procedure will alter your appearance.
• A request for the procedure that is primarily someone else’s desire.
• An underlying mental health concern, such as depression or body dysmorphic disorder.

You may also be discluded from consideration for the procedure if you have any of the following physical health concerns:

• High blood pressure
• History of heavy drinking or smoking
• Bleeding disorders
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• High cholesterol
• Severe allergies