Although every cosmetic procedure is intended to produce the best result possible, sometimes things don’t work out as the patient had hoped. Rhinoplasty is a very popular procedure, but it also has one of the highest revision rates. It’s estimated that around 15% of rhinoplasty procedures will need to be repeated. Here are some things to think about in order to maximize your satisfaction with the outcome the first time around, and to avoid a repeat surgery.
Having a good working relationship with your rhinoplasty surgeon is essential to your satisfaction. You must find a surgeon with whom you feel fully comfortable, and who you feel has a real understanding of your goals. It may take a few consultations with your surgeon to discuss your desires before you are ready to undergo the operation. Your surgeon should also work with you to be sure that your expectations are reasonable. He should assist you in understanding the anatomy of your nose, what the procedure can accomplish, and what the limitations might be.
You should also be sure, with the help of your surgeon, that you are choosing a look you will like and that is in harmony with your other features. Your surgeon may employ some kind of imaging technology to help you envision yourself with a different nose. There are also many before-and-after images available online that you should look through. Finding people with faces similar to yours may help you figure out what your ideal nose would look like.
Lastly, it is important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These may include using compresses, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activity for some period of time. These instructions have been carefully crafted to optimize the healing process. If you do not follow them, you may disturb the healing process and end up with a less than satisfactory nose. All the preparation in the world can’t help if you don’t take care of yourself after surgery.
If you are interested in discussing how rhinoplasty might benefit you, contact Dr. Kabaker’s office in Oakland, California, at 800-914-4247 to schedule a consultation.