Do Surgeons Always Impose Their Idea of an "Ideal Nose"?

asked 3 years ago by curious88 in Washington, DC
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 581 times

When performing a rhinoplasty, do surgeons place more emphasis on what the patient wants or what is considered an aesthetically ideal nose? I ask because I had Rhinoplasty in which my nose was overshortened, despite my imploring to my surgeon not to shorten my nose. I then went on a consultation and the other surgeon disagreed with my desire to restore my nose to its original length, saying that doing so would create a nose that doesn't conform to agreed-upon aesthetic standards. This is frustrating; I want a nose that fits my face and is pleasing to me. Thoughts?

6 answers to Do Surgeons Always Impose Their Idea of an "Ideal Nose"?

Nose should compliment and be in balance with other facial features.

Most surgeons like to give the nose that makes the patients happy. It is important to discuss your goals and expectations prior to undergoing any elective cosmetic surgery. We put a high emphasis on making improvements on the nose that the patient desires as long as it is within reason. We strive to give patients a cosmetically acceptable and natural looking nose that is balanced with their face.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Listening to the patient is the most important thing a doctor can do

I would definitely say that the most important thing a surgeon can do is to listen to the patient that he is treating. If you think your nose is too short, IT IS. Period. You're the person who has to live with your nose and you should be happy with it. I completely believe that. Yes, there are aesthetic standards out there. But, do you know that our current understanding of aesthetics is significantly flawed? We are still using Leonardo da Vinci's theories of facial aesthetics and this... more

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tough question--you both are right

You are asking a tough question. Yes, you should get the nose you want, but you are also paying for the skills of the surgeon, who has studied what proportions of the nose are aesthetically pleasing. For example, sometimes a person complains that their nose is too long, and they want it shortened. Once they are examined, however, the nose has perfect proportions, and they actually have a small chin . It would be a mistake to shorten that nose, when a chin implant would make the nose appear... more

Theda C. Kontis, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

facialplasticsurgerymd.com

Getting the nose you want

While I do not think anyone should impose their ideals on you, it is difficult to always get what you want. This can be especially true in rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is part science, part engineering, and part art. For each individuals particular anatomy, there are certain changes that are anatomically and physiologically possible - and that dictates the science part of rhinoplasty. The art component is the image that the surgeon performing the procedure is hoping to attain. (There is a... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty...Who Should Decide What the Ideal Nose Is?

Hi Secondary Rhino in DC, The most important aspect of a nasal consultation is the agreement between surgeon and patient about what the goals of the surgery are, and what can realistically be expected. I know of rhinoplasty surgeons who impose there will and their "idea of the ideal nose" on the majority of their patients. If you visit their waiting rooms there is usually a group of patients who have the same nose, the "Dr. So and So" nose. When you meet with the... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Defining ideal in Rhinoplasty

Beauty and the concept of ideal is subjective in nature. While aesthetic standards do exist and are helpful in guiding surgical planning, no one nose will fit everyone's face. I use various techniques in my rhinoplasty operations in order to have the ability to tailor my results to the patient's anatomy and desires. Some surgeons prefer using one primary technique, which may explain the answers you received. The reason that I do imaging as part of my consultation process is to allow the... more

Richard W. Westreich, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

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