Don’t completely love the look of your nose? Maybe you’ve had an incident in the past that left you with a bump, or you don’t feel the shape of your nose fits your face. Regardless of the why, deciding to undergo rhinoplasty is exciting and deeply personal, and it’s vital that you’re fully informed before ever going under the knife. To help you prepare with confidence, Dr. Dhir and our team have come up with a list of 8 things to know before your rhinoplasty—from what to expect before the procedure to how to set realistic goals for your result. This way, you achieve the outcome you’ve always hoped for.
8 Things to Know Before Your Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty isn’t just one of the most popular cosmetic procedures—it’s also one of the most intricate. Your nose is a central feature of your face and plays a significant role in both your aesthetic and breathing function. That’s why preparing, asking the right questions, and understanding your surgical journey are important.
These eight things will give you the confidence and clarity you need when considering your procedure.
1. Not All Noses Are the Same—And Neither Are Surgeries
Every nose is different. The shape, skin thickness, cartilage structure, and nasal function vary from person to person. Because of this, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all rhinoplasty. It’s vital to work with a plastic surgeon who specializes in the nose and tailors the procedure to your anatomy and goals.
Dr. Dhir takes a highly personalized approach, considering your ethnicity, gender, facial proportions, and breathing function, to ensure your results feel natural, not “done.”
2. Clear Communication Is the Key to Success
Being open about your goals is key. Bring reference photos, be honest about what bothers you, and ask questions about what’s possible. Your consultation is your opportunity to collaborate with your surgeon and set clear, realistic expectations.
3. Healing Takes Time (Sometimes More Than You Think)
Yes, you’ll be able to return to everyday life relatively quickly, but complete healing? That takes time. Most patients return to work or school in about a week, but swelling can last for months, and final results may take up to a year to fully refine.
Patience is part of the process, and knowing this upfront helps you stay positive and focused on your end result.
4. Breathing Matters as Much as Beauty
Rhinoplasty isn’t just cosmetic. Many patients also want to improve their nasal function, especially if they have a deviated septum or chronic congestion. A truly qualified plastic surgeon will assess your airway and preserve (or even improve) your ability to breathe clearly.
5. Revision Surgery Is Possible—But Avoidable
While revision rhinoplasty is common, it’s often preventable with the right surgeon the first time around. Revisions are more complex due to scar tissue and altered anatomy, so your best results typically come from getting it right from the start.
Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience and a proven track record, like Dr. Dhir, dramatically reduces the risk of needing revision later.
6. Your Lifestyle Affects Your Recovery
Things like smoking, poor sleep, or heavy alcohol use can slow your healing and increase the risk of complications. For best results, you’ll want to follow all pre- and post-op instructions closely, including pausing workouts, avoiding sun exposure, and steering clear of blood thinners like aspirin.
Even healthy habits like facial massages or skincare routines should be paused until your surgeon gives the green light.
7. Emotional Preparation Is Part of the Process
Even when results are positive, it’s not uncommon to feel an emotional rollercoaster after surgery. Swelling, bruising, and uncertainty during the healing phase can affect your self-image. Staying emotionally grounded and knowing what to expect will help you stay calm and confident throughout the process.
Remember: this is a transformation, not an overnight fix. Support from your plastic surgeon and your circle of friends and family is invaluable.
8. Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Is Everything
This might be the most important thing on the list. Your choice of surgeon will shape every part of your experience—from consultation and surgical planning to the final result. A highly specialized rhinoplasty expert like Dr. Dhir brings both artistic vision and surgical precision to the table.
Look for board certification, years of experience, before-and-after photos, and a consultation that makes you feel heard, respected, and informed.
Take the Next Step Toward the Look You Love
Ready to explore your rhinoplasty journey? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dhir today and take the first step toward a nose and confidence you’ll love for years to come.