Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons as well as to correct nasal breathing problems, deformities you are born with, or that occur with age. However, you first need to ask yourself the question: is rhinoplasty right for me? There are many factors that go to determine whether a person is a suitable candidate for the surgery. This article looks at these factors.

Reasons to go in for Rhinoplasty Surgery

Considering nasal surgery for one of the following reasons makes you are a good candidate:

• If you are not happy with the shape of your nose, getting cosmetic nose surgery performed could be the answer. This should be a specific problem that is affecting your self esteem or confidence. For instance, it could be to make your nose proportional to the rest of your facial features, remove a bump on the bridge, narrow nostril width, give the tip a better shape or even to correct crookedness. If your plastic surgeon feels that surgery would help you, he will go ahead.
• If you have a breathing problem that is diagnosed as due to a deviated septum or blocked nasal passage caused by an accident or some other trauma you suffered, rhinoplasty could set it right.

Locate an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Once you decide to go ahead with the surgery, you have to find the right plastic surgeon – a doctor with the right credentials, experience and expertise in nasal surgery. Browse the web, look up directories and the yellow pages, and ask for references from your primary care physician or from people who have had similar surgery. Make a shortlist of board-certified surgeons and choose a specialist you feel can offer you the best outcome. Your surgeon, in turn, will make an assessment of your issues during the initial consultation. This will help decide if you are indeed a good candidate for the rhinoplasty procedure. The main factors that your surgeon will take into consideration are:

• Motivation: Your doctor will talk to you about your concerns and reasons for wanting nasal surgery. You would not be considered a good candidate if you are considering the procedure to please others, or to set right issues in your personal or professional life.
• Expectations: With cosmetic nose surgery, your goal should be ‘considerable improvement', not perfection.
• Health: Men and women considering plastic surgery procedure should be in good health and psychologically fit. If you take any kind of medication, inform your surgeon about it at the initial consultation.
• Age: Surgery to improve the shape of your nose is performed only if the patient has reached the age when the nasal and other facial features have matured, that is, around age 15-16 and upwards. However, age is not a limiting factor, as long as you are healthy.

Other things you can expect your doctor to ask you about are whether you smoke or drink heavily, or use drugs, as such issues can reduce the chances of a successful outcome. If you have very thin skin, this could present a challenge, though a skilled surgeon can ensure good results.

Considering all these factors will help answer the question: ‘is rhinoplasty is right for me'? Rhinoplasty is a delicate surgery and solutions have to be customized as every patient's nasal configuration is different. The ideal nose is one that is in proportion to the rest of the facial features. A good rhinoplasty surgeon can give you great results and ensure that nasal breathing is not obstructed following the surgery.