Debunking 10 Common Rhinoplasty Myths

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures in the cosmetic industry. It’s a surgical treatment that remodels and reshapes the nose by targeting unwanted bumps along the bridge and straightens any crooked alignment.

While a rhinoplasty is a relatively simple surgery, there are tons of myths circulating the internet around the procedure that are simply not true. We’ve combed through some of the most common ones and break down the real truths behind these myths.

Myth: Rhinoplasty Is Painful
Depending on the clinic, patients who undergo rhinoplasty either go under local or general anesthetic, so during the procedure itself patients don’t actually feel any pain. Once the anesthesia wears off and they enter the recovery period, patients tend to feel some discomfort and swelling around their nose and face. This is easily managed with pain medication recommended by your surgeon.

Myth: A Rhinoplasty Will Look Unnatural
Any cosmetic surgery that’s done poorly will look unnatural. That’s why it’s essential to do your research before booking any procedure. If you go to a certified surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty, you can be confident that your results will not only have that “born with it” aesthetic, but the results will also complement your face shape. When done properly, scarring will be minimal at first then almost nonexistent when things fully recover, so your results will look very natural. Poorly done rhinoplasties are often a result of going to inexperienced surgeons who don’t specialize in the procedure.

Myth: Any Surgeon Can Perform A Successful Rhinoplasty
No matter what cosmetic surgical procedure you’re looking to get done, whether it’s a breast augmentation, facelift or rhinoplasty — you want to make sure your surgeon has the expertise and experience to perform that surgery. Be sure to do your research beforehand and make sure that whoever you get the procedure done with, that they specialize in it so you can be confident you’ll get the results you’re looking for.

Myth: Rhinoplasty Is Only A Cosmetic Procedure
Apart from making cosmetic improvements, rhinoplasty is also used to correct many functional issues such as breathing issues and deviated septums. Functional rhinoplasty can be done on its own to correct the functional ailments the patient may be experiencing, or it can also be paired with cosmetic rhinoplasty. Doubling up means the patient will not only correct the function of their nose but also improve the physical appearance of it as well.

Myth: You Will Lose Your Sense Of Smell After The Surgery
This is a common fear patients have as the procedure does deal with the nose. During recovery, swelling does occur which may impede your ability to smell properly but that doesn’t mean that ability is gone forever. Once the swelling goes down, you’ll find that everything will be in working order and you’ll be able to smell normally again.

Myth: Rhinoplasty Can Cause Breathing Problems
This is simply not true. In fact, if your procedure is done by a qualified plastic surgeon, breathing through your nose could actually improve especially after correcting crooked and bumpy noses. As mentioned earlier, people who already experience breathing problems typically go for functional rhinoplasty as a corrective measure to fix the problem.

Myth: Only Women Get Nose Jobs
Statistically speaking, a majority of people who seek rhinoplasty are women but a growing number of men are getting the procedure done as well. When it comes to their nose, men experience the same insecurities as women do, especially when it doesn’t look as straight or aesthetically pleasing as they’d it like to. Since the finished product of a woman’s nose is very different to a man’s, different surgical techniques are used on male patients to ensure the results have a masculine finish.

Myth: You Can Have The Nose Of Any Famous Celebrity
Cosmetic procedures don’t exist for you to look like copy-cats of other people, but instead, are available to help bring out the best in you! Ethical practicing surgeons will tell their patients this straight off the bat. Firstly, it’s almost impossible to replicate physical features of someone else. No matter how close you may get, what looks good on one person may not necessarily look good on you. This is why it’s important to get a rhinoplasty that will actually compliment your face and features, not that of someone else’s.

Myth: A Rhinoplasty Is A Simple Procedure
This is only partly true. While rhinoplasty is a very common and highly sought after cosmetic procedure, because it has to do with intricacies of the nose and face, it’s still a delicate procedure that requires the expertise of a certified surgeon.

Myth: Rhinoplasty Is Covered By Insurance
This only depends on why you’re getting rhinoplasty done. Patients who are getting rhinoplasty for functionality reasons (i.e. they have trouble breathing through their nose), can potentially get their procedure covered by insurance. Those who are getting it done for cosmetic reasons should expect to pay out of pocket.

If you have any additional questions or concerns around rhinoplasty, contact the McLean Clinic today for a consultation. Not only will they help ease your mind, walk you through the procedure and what you can expect every step of the way. With over 30 years of experience under their belt, McLean Clinic has been servicing patients from all over the Greater Toronto Area, helping them put their best face forward.