Blog

Rhinoplasty in Washington D.C.: Are You a Good Candidate

Both men and women undergo rhinoplasty in Washington D.C. at Capital Facial Plastic Surgery for one of two reasons: function or aesthetics. But some patients get a nose job for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a nose job for some time now, the best way to know whether to proceed with it is to consult a rhinoplasty surgeon. Not all plastic surgeons, or even facial plastic surgeons, are skilled in rhinoplasty. Some cosmetic surgeons choose not to include rhinoplasty in their field of expertise because it is a complicated and delicate procedure.

That said, you first need to find a clinic that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery in Washington D.C. (or your current location). But don’t simply go to the first clinic you see. Do your research, and double-check the surgeon’s credentials, success rate, and patient satisfaction rating. You also need to check whether they specialize in the type of nasal enhancement you wish to receive.

What makes a good rhinoplasty candidate

Once you find the right clinic for your rhinoplasty in Washington D.C., the next thing to determine is whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Here are a few factors that make for the ideal candidate for rhinoplasty surgery in Washington D.C.:

  • Your nasal bones are fully grown
  • You are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectations
  • You are not allergic to anesthesia
  • You have no underlying medical condition that puts you at risk during surgeries

Aesthetic vs health reasons

If the nose job will be performed for aesthetic reasons, surgeons generally do not recommend it for younger patients (teenagers) unless their nasal bones have fully developed. For girls, this is usually around the age of 15 or older. For boys, it could take about a year or two more as girls generally mature faster than boys.

However, if the patient will be undergoing rhinoplasty in Washington D.C. for health reasons such as to correct a breathing problem (usually caused by a deviated septum), then they may not need to wait until their nasal bones are fully grown. Also, if rhinoplasty surgery in Washington D.C. is prescribed for health reasons, the patient’s medical insurance may cover a portion of the cost of treatment.

Managing expectations

Facial plastic surgeons also discuss their expectations with patients during consultation. While a picture may give the surgeon an idea of what the patient wishes to achieve, whether it can be achieved will largely depend on the patient’s nasal structure and facial features. If the “ideal” nose negatively affects facial symmetry, the surgeon may recommend other improvements to the nose.

Part of managing expectations is keeping one’s emotions in check. Sometimes, patients become anxious and impatient when they do not see the expected results. Surgeons remind patients that results do not become apparent right away. It may take months to one year for optimal results to be achieved.

Consult Dr. Adam E. Singleton at Capital Facial Plastic Surgery to find out if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty in Washington D.C. Please feel free to call Capital Facial Plastic Surgery at (240) 630-8175. You may also click here to schedule your consultation.