How to Deal with Psychological Part of Rhinoplasty?

Question

My surgery is scheduled for the middle of July. I have conducted four months of research educating myself on what to expect before, during and after my Rhinoplasty procedure.I am fairly comfortable with the actual surgical part of this venture. Yet, I can’t seem to get passed the psychological part? How do I field the “did you get a nose job” question without A: getting angry that someone would ask me that question or B: avoiding answering the question altogether. Any advice on how to get passed my insecurities of admitting I am somewhat vain, hence the nose job?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty is, first and foremost, something you
do for yourself. It is primarily intended to improve your self-image and
self-concept, and should be something you are undergoing to make yourself look
and feel better. Still, it is understandable that you are worried about how
others will respond to your nose job. How you react to the questions that come
after your surgery is entirely up to you- you can either admit to having
surgery done or can simply state that your decision was personal and need not
explain yourself further. Either way, you should feel comfortable with the fact
that your surgeon is working to make you a more confident version of yourself
and that the opinion of others does not truly matter.

Richard D. Gentile, MD · Answer

It is rare to recieve rude questions about improved appearance after cosmetic surgery and this becomes even more unusual if the surgery is well done. People may stare at you because human evolution has made us very skilled at picking up minor changes when scanning a persons face. So it probing questions are asked you must decide whether to share your experience with others or to stonewall the intrusions. Do not be overwhelmed by stares as people are trying to decide what is different about you they are not staring because you have obviously had a rhinoplasty..... Don't worry about this for too long. Other people will adjust to your new nose just as you will and forget about the appearance of the old nose.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Pickel,
Valium or Xanax works well; you won't care what they say (just kidding).The best compliment that you can receive following rhinoplasty is "You look really good, have you changed your hair style, lost weight, have a new boy/girl friend?" That is fine when the nose is sculpted into a natural shape from a pre-operative nose that was not obviously a "honker" (think Cyrano de Bergerac).
If your nose has obviously changed, there are many stories patients tell to protect their vanity. For instance, "I was walking my dog when he took off for a dog in heat; I got caught up in the leash, fell and broke my nose. Since we were there anyway, the doctor said she would take my bump off".
Or you could use the Ashley Tisdale line, "I went in to have my deviated septum fixed to breathe better, and the doc said he would take a little off the top as long as I was already under anesthesia".
In the end, don't worry about what others say or think about your new nose, most likely they will be jealous of your new, good looking nose. It sounds like you have chosen your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully, which is the most important aspect of your rhinoplasty.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Having any surgery is a very personal decision. In this day and age of excessive media exposure about cosmetic surgery, many patients are more open, but others are more inquisitive about other people's personal business. 
How to answer that specific question is very difficult to give advice on. What's more important is to demonstrate that you have a good self-image and are comfortable with yourself. Your decision to have surgery is a personal matter and you would hope that good friends and family would support your decision.
As for looking fixed, if you are having surgery by a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon, results are now more subtle than ever. So, if you found a good doctor who is skilled at rhinoplasty, leave yourself in their hands. 
Most patients who have rhinoplasty are actually happy with their results.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A good rhinoplasty should give a subtle change. Unless you have a very large hump on the nose, nobody should notice much. If you will be in public right away, then obviously it will be noticed. However, once the nasal splint comes off and bruising has resolved, you might go unnoticed.
Feel comfortable about having a rhinoplasty. You do not owe an explanation to anyone. You should answer the way you want to. Usually the easiest way is a plain 'yes'
One thing you have to be careful about. Even the most emotionally balanced person can become obsessed with his or her nose after a rhinoplasty. On a daily basis we do not look at our nose. After a rhinoplasty, you will. Its only natural. The risk is that you might start looking for perfection, and that is not realistic. Remember if your nose looks good from six feet away looking in a mirror, then it is good. Do not look into a magnifying glass and do not feel your nose to find any lumps or bumps.
Start getting excited about your rhinoplasty and then you will feel good. This forum can also help as a support system.
Goodluck and enjoy the journey.
Regards

How to Deal with Psychological Part of Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)