Is It Worth It to Get a Subtle Rhinoplasty?

Question

I wanted to have a rhinoplasty in a few months and I wasn't planning on telling anyone because I know no one would support me getting a nose job. So I thought I would get a subtle surgery; but everyone says if I'm going under the knife I should go all out.I'm not sure what to do. I really want to change the appearance of my nose but I don't want my parents to know. My nose is pretty wide and there's a bump in it that can be seen in the picture.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Rachel,
Most importantly you need to decide what bothers you about your nose, and what you would be happily satisfied with as an end result.
From what you describe, it seems that the features of your nose that bother you are much more than a subtle rhinoplasty could correct.  On the other hand, just because you are having a rhinoplasty doesn't mean that you should "go all out".
What you really need to do is discuss your feelings about your nose with your parents.  In this case, you can't have the nose changes that you desire ("I really want to change the appearance of my nose") without your parents noticing.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I am assuming you are 18 or older.
If you have a rhinoplasty, no matter how subtle there is always a possibility of bruising that might be noticeable even 2 weeks after surgery. This means you might not be able to hide it from your parents. So, you might as well get the exact rhinoplasty that you desire.
The most important question here is of parental approval. If you value their approval and are not willing to share it with them, then you risk more disapproval and criticism after surgery if you have delayed healing or a complication. You need to think about these issues before you decide on surgery.  Do you have friends or other social support systems to help you in recovery from surgery. Surgery can be stressful and can at times lead to depression as well. So, please address these issues before you proceed.
Regards.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

You are seeking a subtle result. This is a common request with patients seeking rhinoplasty. There are two main motivations. First, this person may only need subtle changes. Yet, small changes can dramatically help both a cosmetic result as well as self esteem. Alternatively, a patient may feel that by asking for "less" they will not look "fixed." With modern rhinoplasty techniques, noses should not look fixed. Seek out a rhinoplasty specialist who can discuss your goals and will work with you in determining what is best for you.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty can have either a dramatic effect or a subtle effect on the appearance of the nose depending on what techniques are used and depending on the patient's preference.
The best way for patient to gain a better understanding of how their nose might look is to visit with a surgeon who uses computer imaging to set the goals for surgery. Recently, 3D rhinoplasty imaging has become available which allows patients to compare their preop picture with a simulated postop picture and look at them from any angle to see how surgery might change their overall appearance.
In the end, only the patient can make the decision on where subtle changes are worth the time, expense, and recovery from surgery.  Gaining a better understanding of what the result would look like before undergoing surgery can help make that decision.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

You really need to do what makes you happy. Getting other people's opinion is important but it is your body and you have to look at yourself in the mirror every day. So, if you want a subtle change, then go for it. Good luck with your procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is probably not a good idea to get a subtle rhinoplasty since the cost is approximately $6,000, and it is not worth going through that if you are not happy or change your mind. If you really want to have a nose job done, do it right, completely the first time, as the rhinoplasty operation is a very difficult operation to perform and it is not a good idea to have it done just for subtle reasons.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

Figuring out what you want your nose to look like can be done with special computer programs that can morph the pictures of your nose. Once you come up with an agreement on what that goal is for the appearance then the surgeon and you will determine how to achieve that. Depending on what you decide the end result could be subtle or could be a bigger and more noticeable change. But ultimately you should set these aesthetic goals based on your desires of what you want your nose to look like and not what others may want your nose to look like. After all, it is your nose and you have to live with it on a day to day basis.
To make your nose smaller you may need to bring your nasal bones in as well as make the cartilages in your nasal tip smaller and the cartilage components above the tip more narrow as well.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a personal choice, but I do not think that you should go behind your parents back, even if you are of age, and have surgery.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Rachel
I assume you are referring to less is more. In rhinoplasty there is a very fine line between good, excellent, and disaster. Why not discuss with the plastic surgeons you are seeing what you are trying to achieve with your rhinoplasty. Sometimes this means using computer imaging to show you what you are asking for. Many times a subtle change in the tip bump and width will make for a fantastic result and leave people wondering why you look so good.
Communication with your plastic surgeon is key. Good luck!

Jason D. Meier, MD · Answer

First, I highly recommend that you discuss surgery with people who are important in your life. However, a decision for surgery can only be made between you and your surgeon. The decision process involves the following:
You are bothered by your appearance and want to improve it, you have a consultation with a surgeon that you trust and like, your goals and expectations of the surgery can be met, and scheduling a time in your life that the surgery best suits you. 
If all of these factors are met, then you should feel comfortable with your decision.  Otherwise, surgery may not be in your best interest.

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