Lose Weight Before Rhinoplasty?

Question

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?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

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

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

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.

Corey S. Maas, MD · Answer

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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.

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

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.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

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.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

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.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

Lose Weight Before Rhinoplasty?

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