If you asked strangers why they think people get rhinoplasty, we guarantee that many would chalk it up to vanity. But sometimes, resculpting an imperfect nose (or other body part) can provide just the right dose of confidence that can help people escape a rut and walk proud. This post will examine some of the positive emotional benefits of receiving a rhinoplasty, but also, some caveats.
Rhinoplasty Can Increase Self-Esteem
Some of us have an easier time finding the mental switch that allows us to mute our inner critics. For others, not so much. Tendencies to dwell on and ruminate over our looks—nose shape included— is influenced by genetics, upbringing and more. That’s why in some cases, it’s easier to change the nose altogether.
If you struggle to look in the mirror or take photos at awkward angles, a rhinoplasty can take the edge off. Patients often report higher self-esteem and confidence after rhinoplasty. Even small changes can make you appreciate your new nasal shape and the way it improves your facial symmetry. That gives you reason to take photos more comfortably and engage with others minus the self-doubt.
Successful Rhinoplasty Can Mean Better Social Interactions and Opportunities
Let’s go back to the photo scenario. If you’re always taking awkward photos or avoiding them, certain poses and gestures can give others the impression that you’re socially aloof.
Similarly, imagine being self-conscious about your nose during job interviews, on dates, or at parties. You might find ways to conceal your face, sending an unintentional, non-verbal message to others that you’re standoffish. That can limit social opportunities.
If a rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to a more aesthetically-pleasing look and balances your facial symmetry, you’ll immediately feel more confident in how you look. Naturally, that eliminates the desire to hide yourself in settings that require openness.
With a freer, confident self, comes more assured voice, body movements, and communication skills. Putting this best version of yourself on display can open doors and leave positive impressions on others.
Functional Rhinoplasty Can Improve Breathing
Take a big breath of air—was it refreshing and clear? Well, count your blessings because many people have nasal deformities that make breathing a chore.
And that leads to the most impactful benefit that rhinoplasty can have on a person.
For individuals with issues such as a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valve, breathing takes effort. A functional rhinoplasty can restructure the malformed tissues so that the person can breathe clearly and without effort—just the way it should be.
This is powerful, because breathing has a strong and direct link with our overall physical and mental health. A balanced breathing pattern can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, not to mention, improve our ability to concentrate and recall vital information. Naturally, helping patients breathe better, through rhinoplasty, can increase their quality of life several notches.
Caveats to Rhinoplasty and its Ability to Improve Self-Confidence
Rhinoplasties are successful up to 90% of the time. The remaining 10% of patients may require revision rhinoplasty because the new nasal shape didn’t conform to the patient’s expectations.
However, some people simply aren’t satisfied with even the most satisfactory results. And for these folks, it’s best avoided.
Patients Who May Not Be Good Rhinoplasty Candidates
- Sufferers of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) — Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition where one has “persistent shame and intense focus or anxiety towards a perceived or very minor body defect”. The condition is devastating and causes people to obsess, hide and go to extreme lengths to fix the “defect”. For such people, rhinoplasty may not be advisable because for a couple reasons. First, their nose might not require any modification at all. Second, they may achieve a near perfect correction and still want additional treatment. For sufferers of BDD, no amount of cosmetic surgery can fix them—psychotherapy is much more valuable.
- Patients with unrealistic expectations towards their heritage — Some patients end up regretting getting a rhinoplasty altogether. One of the biggest reasons for this is there is a sense of betrayal to one’s heritage or ancestry, which even some celebrities like Bella Hadid have expressed. This is not a failure on part of the surgeon—even the patient is not to blame—but a change of heart can happen. Think of it as a buyer’s remorse but under a medical setting.
In recent years, surgeons have started doing mental health screenings before a rhinoplasty to prevent possible regret and to temper unrealistic expectations. If the patient doesn’t meet certain criteria, a surgeon can even decline to operate. Of course, a surgeon worth their salt won’t overpromise or sell results that don’t make sense for the patient.
Making the Most of Your New Nose
Piggybacking off the last section, having realistic expectations is key to feeling the confidence boost of a rhinoplasty. If you think you’re gonna transform into a celebrity you admire, your final nose shape might become a real bummer.
But if you adhere to a surgeon’s expectations, you’ll more than likely agree that his or her efforts will give you a nose you can appreciate. And that’s all you need to smile back at the mirror or in that Instagram post.
More importantly, it’s crucial to research your surgeon before you pick one, so you get a sense of their expertise, approach, and reputation. The more you get to know them, the more likely it is you’ll find the best person to reshape your nose.
Are you hoping to restore your confidence with the help of a rhinoplasty? Get in touch with us here at the offices of Dr. Rival and start the journey to a new you today!