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Lose Weight Before Rhinoplasty?

I recently gained weight, which I am working on losing and plan to continue losing after rhinoplasty. I am still in a weight range that is considered overweight. But I really want to have a rhinoplasty so that my nose can suit my features more.

Since weight loss may cause my face to become leaner, should I wait until after I lose the weight before I go ahead with the nose job? Will the fact that I am carrying excess body fat cause the plastic surgeon to overestimate what size my new nose should be to suit my face?

Asked 27 months ago by emilym in usa
Sort 16 expert answers by:
+1

You can have an evaluation for surgery without waiting.

 The body weight you have will not affect your nasal surgery. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss your goals with him. Make sure you like the work he does.
Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

No need to

Weight loss may make you look and feel better about yourself; however, it has nothing whatsoever to do with having your nose done. Speak to your doctor about what you want and you should be happy with the result.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and weight loss

While weight loss is great for your over all health it is not a factor in your rhinoplasty surgery. A skilled surgeon bases your rhinoplasty on your facial structure and your desired results. I use an imaging computer in my practice and this can be a very helpful tool in the consulting phase. Your surgeon is able to show you the proposed result prior to the surgery. I wish you the best in your surgical ventures and your weight loss. The ultimate goal of all procedures is to make the patient... more
Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Body weight does not influence a surgeon's approach to rhinoplasty

Weight loss is a good idea to entertain, not for the rhinoplasty it self, but the general anesthesia used during surgery. It is best to be at an ideal body weight so as to not have any complications from the anesthetic. The surgeon will match the nose to your face within reason regardless of weight gain or loss.
William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and Weight Loss

Weight loss will not influence the goals of your rhinoplasty, which is based on the underlying bony structure. However, continue your effort to lose weight  which will improve your general health. You then will be able to enjoy your new nose a lot longer.
Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weight loss before Rhinoplasty

 Hello, An expert surgeon will be able to base the rhinoplasty on your facial framework. Excess bodyfat will not effect the outcome. Losing weight is great for your overall health, but will not influence rhinoplasty one way or another. Thank you, and best of luck. Dr. Nassif
Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and weight loss

You do not need to achieve your total weight loss prior to undergoing rhinoplasty. The nose itself will not change with weight loss. Although your face will certainly become leaner, an experienced surgeon will be able to bring the nose into harmony with your underlying bone structure, which will not change either with weight loss. Congratulations on your attempts to achieve a healthy weight and good luck, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and Weight Loss

Although weight loss may help lower blood pressure, improve your general health (blood sugar, sleep apnea, etc), and your self esteem, it will not have any bearing on a Rhinoplasty result. The nose is typically not affected by weight gain/loss from a functional or aesthetic standpoint. You may be better prepared psychologically for a Rhinoplasty after reaching your weight goal. If you are taking appetite suppressants, make sure that you discontinue them at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and weight Loss

Hi, Losing weight should not have an impact on rhinoplasty results or decisions. Unless you are morbidly obese (> 300lbs.) and are going to lose n=more than 100lbs. Best, Dr.S.
Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weight and rhinoplasty

Although being overweight brings up other issues regarding your health,  I do not think it should impact a rhinoplasty specifically.  The rhinoplasty results are determined by the work performed on fixed structures such as the bones, septum, and cartilages.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and weight

 There is no significant relationship between your weight and the appearance of your nose.  An accurate evaluation of your nose will be the same regardless of your weight.  Thus, losing weight is not necessary in order to get a good result.  
Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weught and Tummy Tuck

Generally, your weight will have very little influence on the techniques used to accomplish a rhinoplasty. It is my opinion that you could proceed with this procedure at this time with undue concern.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

No need to Lose weight before Rhinoplasty

The shape of your nose is determined by your nasal bones, your septal, and upper and lower lateral cartilages as well as by the thickness of your skin - but is has NOTHING to do with your weight. While reaching a healthy body weight is a great goal - it would not affect the shape of your nose or what your surgeon may need to do to correct your nose.
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reward for Weight Loss

Although weight loss really has nothing to do with your nose anatomically because of minimal fat, many patients choose plastic surgery as a reward for losing weight. Set a diet goal, and then set the date for your procedure.
Kevin Ende, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and Weight Loss

Hi Em, Fortunately, the nose has minimal fat within it, and being overweight should not affect your rhinoplasty. Of course it should be discussed with the surgeon that your carefully choose to perform your rhinoplasty. You may consider liposuction of your neck (if indicated) as well. Many times once patients see how great their neck looks after the procedure, they are further motivated to lose their excess weight. Good luck with your diet, and enjoy your new nose. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Weight loss and rhinoplasty

 There really is no relation between these two and the surgeon doesn't guage the size of your nose based on your facial fat, but I think you would like your result better if you lost the weight first.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
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