One of the biggest fears people have about getting a nose job is that the procedure might get botched in some way. If you’re looking to correct the shape of your nose, the last thing you want is for it to get ruined because of an incompetent plastic surgeon.
A nose job, also known as a rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that can seem intimidating because of the associated risk, but there are ways to ensure that everything goes according to plan and you get the nose of your dreams. In this article, we’ll discuss what a botched nose job is and how to avoid one.
Ready for a complimentary rhinoplasty consultation? Contact us at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today and our exceptional cosmetic surgeons will help you reach your aesthetic goals.
What is a Botched Nose Job?
A botched nose job is essentially any rhinoplasty procedure that hasn’t gone according to plan for one reason or another. However, recognizing a botched nose job might be difficult in some situations. Not every nose job is the same, as people have different goals and surgeons have different techniques. However there are a few telltale signs that a nose job has been botched:
- If the tip of the nose is noticeably thin after rhinoplasty, the surgeon may have narrowed it down to the same width as the bridge of the nose. Noses often look more natural when the tip is slightly wider than the bridge.
- A nose may appear pinched, in which case the surgeon has likely removed too much cartilage from around the nostrils.
- If the nose has taken on a “scooped” appearance, the surgeon likely removed too much cartilage and possibly bone from the bridge.
- The nose is upturned at an unnatural angle, which often means that too much dorsal reduction was done or the tip was not positioned correctly.
While it may seem like you’re at the mercy of your plastic surgeon when it comes to the results of your rhinoplasty, there are some effective methods to avoid botched nose jobs. Follow these tips to ensure you get the satisfying results you deserve.
Do Your Research
All modern medical practitioners are held to extremely high standards in the United States. Shockingly, any medical doctor in the US can legally perform plastic surgery, even if they’re not board certified.
While some states, including Florida, California, Texas, and Louisiana, have laws prohibiting doctors from falsely advertising their qualifications, nothing prevents someone specializing in dermatology or orthopedic surgery from doing a rhinoplasty procedure.
That’s why it is so important to ask about a plastic surgeon’s credentials. Only choose a plastic surgeon certified by one of the following boards: American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), American Board of Plastic Surgery or who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
While they’re not mandatory, an ABFPRS certification proves to patients that the surgeon has fulfilled the necessary standards to receive this accreditation. The Board established requirements for the education, qualification, training, review, and certification of surgeons who specialize in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The Board’s specific objectives include:
- To establish standards for achieving and maintaining certification for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
- To determine which candidates fulfill these standards of qualification.
- To conduct examinations of such candidates and issue certificates upon satisfactory completion of requirements.
- To improve the opportunities for graduate education and training of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve found a reputable plastic surgeon in your area, schedule a consultation with them to get a feel for their style and to ask questions about the finer details of the surgical procedure. The best information you can get is from a professional, and it’s important to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Questions to Ask a Rhinoplasty Surgeon
When speaking with a rhinoplasty surgeon, there are a few key questions to ask that should help you decide if they are the right person for your cosmetic procedure. Here are some of the most important questions to ask a rhinoplasty surgeon:
- Are you a board-certified surgeon?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are the premiere points of certification for worthy surgeons. Certification is voluntary, but it’s a good indicator that your surgeon is qualified to perform your desired procedure.
- How many rhinoplasties do you perform annually?
Nose jobs are a unique form of plastic surgery, and knowing how many your surgeon does in a given year can be a great way to gauge how proficient they are in the procedure. If they only do a handful of operations every year, it may be best to find a different surgeon that specializes rhinoplasties.
- Am I a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?
Most people who are of sound health without any serious medical conditions can be good candidates for rhinoplasty. That said, it’s best to get an honest opinion from your surgeon before making a final decision.
- What rhinoplasty technique will you use for my nose?
There are multiple ways a surgeon can go about performing a nose job. Your procedure could be done using an open technique or a closed technique. Depending on which one you have, the recovery time may differ and it’s important to ask informed questions before committing to the procedure.
- What can I do to ensure the best results from my nose job?
Most nose jobs will require some kind of aftercare, and a good surgeon will clearly explain any postoperative instructions so that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
- Are my cosmetic goals realistic?
While plastic surgeons are capable of accomplishing great things, there are some nose job aspirations that are too lofty for even the most experienced surgeons. Some requests may be too dangerous, while others may just end up looking unnatural, and it’s important to get an honest opinion from your surgeon and set realistic expectations.
Choose the Most Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Once you’ve done all of the necessary research, it’s important to choose the most qualified plastic surgeon for the nose job that you want. There are a number of ways to ensure that you’ve found the right plastic surgeon for your needs.
Ask About Experience
Even if a surgeon is board-certified, they may not have as much experience as other surgeons in your area. Ask your surgeon about their experience to better understand their breadth of experience. That way, you’ll be able to move forward comfortable and confident in their skills.
Look at Before and After Pictures
Many plastic surgeons will provide before and after pictures of past procedures so that people can get a firsthand look at their work. If there’s consistent quality between multiple before and after photos, then the surgeon should prove to be a good option. On the other hand, if you notice significant irregularities, you may want to go with a more experienced plastic surgeon.
Talk to Past Patients
If you know other people who have worked with the plastic surgeon you’re interested in, speaking with them about their experience can help you decide which surgeon to choose. It can also be helpful to look at online reviews to get a general idea about your surgeon’s services.
Be Clear with Your Desired Outcome
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your nose job goes according to plan is to communicate with your surgeon about your desired outcome. The more a surgeon knows about your personal rhinoplasty vision, the better they’ll be able to meet your needs.
If you’re ambiguous about what you want, a plastic surgeon may do something to make your nose look different from how you pictured it. It’s important to be as thorough as possible in your explanation so your surgeon can produce your desired results.
Follow Pre and Post-Op Instructions
A nose job can be a very delicate procedure that requires some pre-and post-op care. It’s essential to follow all instructions to ensure the quality of the end result and avoid any complications. One of the most effective ways to keep your nose job intact is to avoid putting pressure on the nose to allow for healing and prevent any structural shifting.
Schedule a Consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery Today
If you’re interested in getting a nose job, schedule a consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery to learn how we can help you achieve your ideal nose without the risk of a botched procedure.
Dr. Dominic is double board-certified plastic surgeon with a wide range of experience performing cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty. We know what makes a good nose job, and we’ll work with you to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation!
