Imagine this: you’re at a dinner party, laughing at a joke, and someone says something nice about your nose. You smile, maybe flush, and maybe remember the day you decided to get a nose job. You now feel thankful for all those weird selfies you took while you were healing. A simple word for a nose job with The Portland Center for Facial Plastic Surgery: a decision that will change your life. Each nose has its own story: a rough-and-tumble upbringing, a hereditary curve, or the moment you tried to catch a frisbee with your face.
Rhinoplasty is not the same for everyone. You can’t just pull out a “one-size-fits-all” nose. People desire things that fit. Some people really want things to be the same. Some people want a bulge to be less noticeable, their noses to be smaller, and the tip to be shaped nicely. Surgeons have to be both artists and engineers at the same time. They listen, draw, and make changes. They might even joke, “Your nose, your rules,” at times.
Getting better? Let’s be honest: it’s not a spa day. There is swelling, bruising, and a lot of second-guessing in the mirror after the treatment. “Is this puffiness going to go away?” Yes, mostly. Ice packs, patience, and the saying “trust the process” will be your new best friends. Keep in mind that everyone recovers in their own way. Some people wake up six weeks later with a nose that is virtually ready for its close-up. Some people, on the other hand, see small changes that last for a year or more.
Cost is a hot topic. “Will this be covered by insurance?” Not unless you snore like a freight train or have trouble breathing. Most of the time, elective operations don’t make the cut. But many clinics let you pay in installments, and some people save up for years to pay the amount. No one enjoys sticker shock, but acquire good information up front and ask any questions that come to mind, even the strange ones.
Expectations are important, too. Want to have a famous person’s nose on your face? Sometimes feasible, but not always. What looks good on one face may not look good on another. Surgeons that are good take the time to demonstrate 3D models. They’ll explain to you how to measure things like skin thickness and bone structure. There is always a leap of faith, though.
Some people are afraid of “looking fake.” But improvements in methodology make it possible to make smaller changes. People don’t talk about the best results at parties; they just note that you seem rested, happy, or somehow “different” in a nice manner. The idea is to build confidence, not to go to the wax museum.
Stories are helpful. There’s the friend who wishes they hadn’t waited ten years, the relative who wishes they had talked to their doctor more, and the neighbor who is happy they finally did it after their 30th birthday. Talk to people. Get wise.
Rhinoplasty isn’t a magic trick. The patient and the surgeon work together, based on trust, skill, and what is possible. Changing your nose can help you feel better about yourself. That way, the next time someone makes a joke at the dinner table, you’ll be the one who laughs the loudest.