Worried about what others might think on Rhinoplasty. Do you get many patients with this kind of apprehension?

Thank you for your question. Your apprehension about the way others may feel about your decision to have rhinoplasty is actually very common. At the end of the day, the procedure is a very personal choice. While it can be very helpful to have the support of some close family members or friends around the time of the surgery, for some people, privacy before undergoing surgery can make them feel more comfortable.When done well, rhinoplasty shouldn't change your identity or appearance in a drastic way. Subtle changes should help to make you feel confident about your appearance and at the end of the day, you might be surprised by the positive reaction from those that are dear to you!

Being subconscious about other's opinions is natural and common. What's amazing is that with most rhinoplasties after the splint is removed at one week, the casual observer rarely notices the changes. I even had one patient have to tell her family at a holiday dinner when no one noticed. What it comes down to is do what is right for your body image because most others really do not care much. 

I like this question.  I'd say people have many reasons for being nervous about the surgery and possible outcomes.  Many patients also worry about what friends and family with think.  The way you describe your  concerns it sounds like you wouldn't worry so much about what people think about the surgery itself but that you're worried you'll be talked out of it.  If that's the case then maybe you still have reservations yourself?  If you are close to your friends and family and their support is important to you then you may want to discuss this with some of them before because after surgery their support could be very important to you.  This is particularly true if you are slow to heal or something isn't perfect.  Terrific surgery or not so great surgery, you'll need to be surrounded by positivity.  You may want to discuss it with some friends or family first but in the end you're responsible for your decisions and how you feel about them.Chase Lay, MD

I think most patients are a bit nervous about undergoing a rhinoplasty.  But, everyone responds differently. Some patients tell everyone, and others like to keep it private. It's a personal choice.

Many patients have this type of apprehension  before undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure. It's important to perform the rhinoplasty for yourself, and not anyone else. If  the issues on your nose are bothering you  enough,  then proceed with performing the procedure.  It is important to find an experienced  rhinoplasty surgeon for best results

Dear crazy4cooking,

Thank you for your clinical post on RealSelf. It is a very common sentiment in rhinoplasty
and facial plastic surgery patients that they’ll be judged negatively by their
family or friends around them for having undergone an aesthetic procedure that
might seem vein and unnecessary. The
personal choice to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure is a very personal one and
if shared by supportive friends and family that’s great, but very often
patients do not disclose this to their closest family members or friends until
after the surgery. Well done and
executed rhinoplasty surgery is often very subtle and even if noticeable to the
patient, I’m always quite amazed how frequently close family members and
friends don’t notice the significant and pleasing aesthetic improvements
achieved with rhinoplasty surgery.

In general, a consultation should include nasal imaging to review
the kind of changes that you are seeking and to ensure that those expectations
are realistic. Once the cast comes off
the nose is quite swollen and simple excuse regarding some type of nasal trauma
will throw most of friends and even family members off the scent of possible
rhinoplasty surgery. The slow recovery
to nasofacial shape and form takes many many weeks and the subtle changes that
occur over the first 12-24 weeks are barely perceptable day in and day out to
the casual observer of your nose and face.

As I mentioned, I’m often very surprised how few family
members and friends actually notice even significant reduction rhinoplasty or
augmentation results following surgery and in these circumstances your concerns
will be alleviated as rarely will individuals comment.

You will likely share your decision to undergo this procedure
with your very closest friends and even if this occurs post-operative, your
true friends will be supportive in your decision and your post-operative
course.

Best of luck. I’m sure
you’ll achieve the aesthetic goals and concerns that you’re seeking and not
alienate family and friends.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Elective surgery is surgery you want to do for you and not for others.  You will be amazed at how many people will know you look better, but not sure why.  Best to you!