Rhinoplasty, commonly called a “nose job,” is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) Annual Procedural Statistics Report, over 47,000 rhinoplasties were performed in the United States in 2023 alone. While this highly technical procedure has helped countless individuals improve both the appearance and functionality of their noses, many misconceptions still surround rhinoplasty. Unfortunately, these myths can deter potential candidates from considering a nose job and create unrealistic expectations about what this procedure can achieve. As one of the Twin Cities’ top providers of rhinoplasty surgery, Edina Plastic Surgery would like to shed light on some of the most common myths we hear about the procedure to ensure you have the most accurate information to make the decision that is right for you and your appearance.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
“Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and/or resizes the nose to enhance facial harmony and improve a patient’s self-confidence,” explains Dr. Brian Kobienia, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “While some individuals undergo rhinoplasty for medical reasons, such as correcting breathing problems, cosmetic rhinoplasty is primarily focused on aesthetics and is what we focus on at Edina Plastic Surgery. It can achieve many beautiful outcomes for the appearance of a patient’s nose, like refining the width and contour of the nasal bridge, adjusting the elevation and shape of the nasal tip, narrowing the nostrils so they are more proportionate to the nose, smoothing humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose, and correcting asymmetries.”
“As plastic surgeries go, rhinoplasty requires very advanced skill and technique from your plastic surgeon,” advises Dr. Kobienia. “So, be sure to research the experience of any provider you are interested in having perform this procedure. Ask to see before and after pictures of real patients they have achieved successful outcomes for and have questions prepared for your consultation to ensure you and your surgeon are on the same aesthetic wavelength for your goals.”
Nose surgery is most commonly performed under general anesthesia for patient safety and airway protection. Some minor procedures can safely be done with local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Depending on the complexity, rhinoplasty can be done using either an open or closed technique. The open approach involves an incision on the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), allowing for greater visibility and precision. In contrast, the closed approach involves incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no external scars. Your plastic surgeon will recommend which technique they believe is most beneficial for you after assessing your nose during your initial consultation.
Now, let’s dispel the common myths surrounding rhinoplasty!
Myth #1: A Nose Job Will Always Look Fake
One of the biggest misconceptions is that rhinoplasty results in an artificial or “done” appearance. Unfortunately, reality TV show cast members, and some celebrities have reinforced this myth. In reality, a skilled plastic surgeon tailors the procedure to complement the patient’s unique facial features, ensuring a natural and balanced look. Advances in surgical techniques and individualized planning allow for subtle yet effective enhancements that do not appear overdone.
“The goal of rhinoplasty surgery is to bring the nose into better balance and harmony with the rest of the face,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “The best way to do this is by respecting the natural beauty and architecture of the existing features. This ensures your final outcome will look 100% natural and authentically YOU.”
Myth #2: Rhinoplasty Is Only for Vanity
While many people choose rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons, it is not purely a vanity procedure. A significant number of patients around the world seek surgery to correct congenital deformities, repair injuries, or improve nasal function. Oftentimes, a well-performed cosmetic rhinoplasty can enhance both appearance and quality of life!
Myth #3: Anyone Can Get a Nose Job
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty. An appropriate candidate should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and have a fully developed nose (typically by age 16-18). Patients with certain medical conditions or psychological concerns may not be suitable for surgery.
“As with any surgery, a combination of factors affects a person’s candidacy for rhinoplasty,” says Dr. Kobienia. “A good candidate is free from tobacco use, high blood pressure, obesity, or other preexisting health conditions that would make surgery too high of a risk. They are also in good mental health, have realistic expectations for their rhinoplasty results, and can take off an appropriate amount of time for recovery after the procedure.”
Myth #4: Rhinoplasty Is a Simple Procedure
Although rhinoplasty is common, it is one of the most complex plastic surgeries. The nose is a delicate structure with intricate anatomy, and even small changes can significantly impact appearance and function. A qualified, experienced surgeon is essential to achieving the best results.
“Rhinoplasty is an excellent way to sculpt a nose that looks natural, functions properly, and enhances facial harmony,” says Dr. Kobienia. “While the risk of serious complications is low, rhinoplasty is a major surgical procedure. Nose surgery involves several tissue types – bone, cartilage, and skin – as well as a complex structure and the important function of breathing. Because of this, rhinoplasty requires special surgical expertise and should only be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who has spent years perfecting their technique.”
At Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons go the extra mile in rhinoplasty consultations to develop a thorough understanding of your concerns and desires. The surgery only proceeds if you are a suitable candidate and you and your surgeon are on the same page about the goals of the procedure.
Myth #5: Recovery Is Extremely Painful
Many people fear rhinoplasty because they assume recovery will be extensive and painful. While some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected, severe pain is uncommon. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Within a week, most swelling and bruising subside significantly.
“Immediately after your rhinoplasty surgery, you may experience pain, stuffiness, pressure, and tenderness in the nose area,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “A splint may be placed inside your nose to keep your new nasal structure in place while it heals. It is normal to experience a fairly significant amount of swelling and bruising throughout your face for the first week after a rhinoplasty. Still, most patients report feeling less pain and discomfort than expected.”
Myth #6: Rhinoplasty Results Are Immediate
Patience is key when it comes to rhinoplasty. While some changes are visible once the initial swelling subsides, the final results may take up to a year to fully develop as residual swelling gradually diminishes.
“We all wish results from plastic surgery were instantaneous, but like so many things in life, you need to be patient to reap the reward,” says Dr. Kobienia. “After rhinoplasty surgery, the final shape of your nose will be apparent when all postoperative swelling is gone, which can take a year or more. Because of the complexity of nose surgery and healing variability, it is not uncommon to need minor revision work to fine-tune your results.”
Myth #7: Only Women Get Nose Jobs
Although rhinoplasty is popular among women, an increasing number of men are opting for the procedure to enhance their facial harmony or correct structural issues. The techniques and aesthetic goals may differ, but rhinoplasty is suitable for all genders!
Myth #8: Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Can Replace Surgery
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, which involves using dermal fillers to reshape the nose temporarily, has gained popularity in recent years. However, it cannot achieve the same results as surgical rhinoplasty.
“I know patients’ social media feeds are filled with non-surgical nose jobs, but the truth is, fillers will never be able to achieve what a surgical rhinoplasty can,” stresses Dr. Kobienia. “While dermal fillers can temporarily improve the nose’s appearance by adding volume and smoothing out minor irregularities, they cannot reduce the size of the nose, refine nasal structures, or correct functional issues like breathing difficulties. On the other hand, surgical rhinoplasty allows for precise reshaping by altering bone and cartilage, providing long-lasting and dramatic results. Additionally, fillers have limitations in addressing severe asymmetries or structural deformities, making surgery the only option for significant nasal changes.”
Myth #9: Rhinoplasty Leaves Noticeable Scars
When performed by a skilled surgeon, scarring from rhinoplasty is minimal. The closed technique leaves no visible scars, while the open technique results in a tiny, well-hidden incision on the columella that fades over time.
“An open approach to rhinoplasty surgery allows your surgeon the most access to your nasal structure, which means they can provide more thorough and dramatic results in most cases,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “The trade-off is that the incision for this method is made externally across the bit of tissue that separates the nostrils, called the columella. The resulting scar may be visible initially but fades significantly by a year or so after surgery.”
“A closed approach to rhinoplasty uses incisions made inside the nostrils,” continues Dr. Kobienia. “While this removes any chance of visible scarring, it limits your surgeon’s access to the inner architecture of your nose. You and your surgeon will discuss if your desired improvements can be achieved effectively through a closed approach during your consultation.”
Myth #10: You Can Choose Any Celebrity’s Nose
Many patients come into Edina Plastic Surgery with photos of their favorite celebrities, hoping to replicate their noses. However, a nose that looks great on one person may not suit another’s face. A successful rhinoplasty is about creating balance and harmony with an individual’s unique facial structure rather than copying someone else’s nose.
“I really appreciate it when a patient has a clear idea of what aesthetic they hope to achieve with rhinoplasty,” says Dr. Kobienia. “Although bringing in pictures of your favorite celebrity noses can be helpful if their facial structure resembles yours, it’s important to be realistic about expectations. Beauty is about balance. That means the nose shape and size that looks extremely attractive on one face may not be appropriate for your facial anatomy and measurements. Celebrate the natural beauty of your face and how unique it is! Together, we can honor it by creating a nose shape and size that compliments it perfectly!”
Why Choose Edina Plastic Surgery for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty is a highly customizable procedure that requires the skill and talent of an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure safe and successful outcomes. Together, the surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery have performed thousands of nose surgeries over the decades. We excel at helping our patients look their best and feel their most confident. If you are considering rhinoplasty, we’d love to partner with you! Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brian Kobienia or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery by calling (952) 234-6145, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE!
