13 Tips to Help You Prepare for Getting a Nose Job

Whether you're in pursuit of the perfect nose or just looking to breathe easier, getting a nose job — formally known as rhinoplasty — is a big decision that can have a lasting impact on both your appearance and your confidence. Although this procedure is one of the most common plastic surgeries, it’s not always just about aesthetics. For some, it can also be about improving nasal function and overall quality of life.

No matter what your goals are, it’s good to keep in mind that rhinoplasty is a major surgery. It’s worth taking the time to think it through and consider all your options. From setting realistic expectations to understanding the recovery process, here are 13 things to consider before signing up for a nose job.

1. Understand Why You Want a Nose Job

As you consider rhinoplasty surgery, reflect on any underlying reasons for wanting to change your nose. Understanding your "why" helps guide your actions and decisions toward goals that truly matter to you, which can lead to greater fulfillment.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what your motivation is as long as it is personal and grounded in reality. Some of the most common psychological reasons people get a nose job include:¹

• Aligning your outer appearance with your inner self
• Boosting self-esteem
• Enhancing social confidence
• Improving body image
• Improving quality of life
• Increasing motivation and self-determination
• Overcoming bullying or teasing
• Reducing social anxiety

2. Set Realistic Expectations

Some patients say they wish they had focused more on realistic expectations rather than perfection before getting a nose job. Rhinoplasty can reshape your nose to improve its appearance or function, but it has limitations. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. While it can enhance facial harmony, it won’t necessarily make you look like someone else or solve deep-seated self-esteem issues.²

In most cases, a nose job can help in the following areas:²

• Addressing age-related changes
• Altering the appearance of the nasal tip
• Correcting a birth defect, such as a cleft lip or palate
• Correcting a hump on the nose
• Improving the appearance of the nose
• Improving the symmetry of the face
• Making the nose smaller
• Opening up nasal passages to improve breathing
• Repairing damage caused by injury
• Straightening a crooked nose
• Treating chronic sinus problems

3. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered by health insurance unless it serves a functional purpose, such as fixing a deviated septum or nasal obstruction.³ Talk to your plastic surgeon about your medical history to see if your procedure qualifies for coverage. Be prepared to finance or pay out of pocket for changes that are purely cosmetic.

4. Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

It is important to find a surgeon whose aesthetic style matches your goals. A surgeon can be highly skilled, but if their vision of the perfect nose doesn’t match yours, you may end up dissatisfied. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty. Research their credentials, ask about their experience with previous patients and review before-and-after photos to ensure their work aligns with your vision.⁴

5. Make Sure You Are a Good Candidate

To determine if you’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty, your surgeon will perform a thorough physical examination of your nose structure, including your nasal tip, nasal bones and overall health.² This ensures you’re healthy enough for surgery and helps the surgeon create a custom plan for your procedure.

Suitable candidates should meet these criteria:⁵

• Your facial development is complete. This ensures that your nose has stopped growing, providing more predictable and lasting results.
• You are in overall good health. Being in good physical health is essential for undergoing a surgical procedure like rhinoplasty.
• You do not smoke. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues.
• You have realistic expectations and a positive outlook. Understanding that the surgery won’t create perfection but rather can improve upon your natural features is key to being satisfied with your results.
• You’re committed to following postsurgery care instructions. Being a good candidate for rhinoplasty also means being prepared to follow your surgeon’s advice during recovery.
• You’re emotionally ready for the changes. Being mentally prepared for the transition and understanding that it may take time for the final results to appear will help you have a better experience.

6. Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements Before Surgery

Before your rhinoplasty procedure, avoid certain medications and herbal supplements, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they can increase the chance of bleeding.⁶ Your surgeon will provide a complete list of what to avoid before and after the procedure.

7. Review the Recovery Timeline

Rhinoplasty recovery is not instant. Swelling and bruising are common, and it can take up to a year for your nose to fully settle and reveal its final results. Be patient and follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to achieve the best results.⁷

Many patients say the hardest part of rhinoplasty is waiting for the swelling to subside. It can take weeks or even months before you see subtle improvements in your nose's shape.⁷

8. Plan for Time Off Work

You’ll need time to heal after surgery. Most patients take at least one week off from work or school to recover. Swelling, bruising and nasal splints will make it difficult to resume normal activities immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks to prevent complications.⁷

Avoid heavy lifting, blowing your nose or wearing glasses that rest on your nose for at least a few weeks after surgery. These activities can interfere with the healing process and even ruin the rhinoplasty final results.⁷

9. Discuss Post-Op Care With Your Doctor

It's important to follow the postoperative instructions to the letter. Don't push yourself. Be patient and give your body time to heal completely.⁷

Not following postoperative instructions, engaging in strenuous activities too soon or experiencing trauma to the nose during recovery can negatively impact your results.

10. Prepare for Emotional Ups and Downs

The healing process can be emotionally challenging. Temporary imperfections may leave you doubting your decision at first. This is perfectly normal. Trust the process and keep in mind that the final results take time.⁸

While most patients are satisfied with their results, some regret their decision due to unrealistic expectations or poor communication with their surgeon.⁸ Be sure to discuss your goals thoroughly in advance.

11. Know the Potential Side Effects and Complications

Like any surgery, rhinoplasty comes with potential complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring or dissatisfaction with the results. In rare cases, breathing problems may persist or worsen. Make sure your surgeon explains all potential concerns during the consultation. Most commonly, these can include:⁹

• Anesthetic reaction. You may have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.
• Breathing difficulties. You might need to breathe through your mouth for a week or so.
• Bruising. Bruising around the nose is common.
• Change in sense of smell. Your sense of smell may be impaired or lost.
• Infection. Infections can occur and may require antibiotics or further surgery.
• Nosebleeds. Light nosebleeds are common for a few days after surgery.
• Numbness. Numbness in the nose is common and usually temporary.
• Scarring. Raised and thickened scars, called keloids or hypertrophic scars, can form over healed incisions.
• Septal perforation. This is a hole in the wall between the nostrils.
• Swelling. Swelling is normal after surgery and can last for several weeks.

12. Understand Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

There are two main techniques for rhinoplasty surgery. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision on the columella (the skin between the nostrils) and provides better access to the nasal structure. Closed rhinoplasty is where incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no visible scars. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your nose’s shape and the complexity of the procedure.¹⁰

13. Consider Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

If you want to enhance your nose’s shape without committing to surgery, a non-surgical nose job might be worth exploring. Also known as a liquid rhinoplasty, this procedure uses dermal fillers to temporarily improve the appearance of your nose. While it doesn’t offer permanent results, it is a less invasive option with minimal downtime.¹¹

Here are some things to consider about non-surgical rhinoplasty:¹¹

It’s quick and convenient

A non-surgical rhinoplasty typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and is done in the doctor’s office. There’s no need for general anesthesia or a long recovery period, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.

It's best for minor adjustments

This procedure is ideal for addressing small imperfections, such as smoothing bumps, lifting the nasal tip or improving symmetry. However, it cannot reduce the size of your nose or fix structural issues like a deviated septum or breathing problems.

It can be safer than surgery

Since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, a non-surgical nose job comes with fewer complications than traditional rhinoplasty. However, complications such as bruising, swelling or rare vascular issues can still occur. Always choose an experienced provider to minimize problems.

It’s more affordable

A non-surgical nose job is significantly less expensive than surgery, but keep in mind that the cost of repeated treatments can add up over time if you want to maintain the results.

It’s a great option for testing changes

If you’re unsure about committing to a surgical procedure, a non-surgical nose job allows you to preview potential changes to your nose’s appearance. This can help you decide whether you’d like to pursue a permanent procedure in the future.

The Takeaway About Nose Jobs

While many patients seek rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, others get it to address functional issues, like fixing a deviated septum or improving breathing problems. Whether you’re pursuing cosmetic rhinoplasty or functional nose surgery, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the procedure and consider how it will impact both your appearance and your overall health.

Financing a Nose Job With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a nose job and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.