How do I know if I am making the right decision to have surgery done on my nose?
The most recent statistics put out by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most sought after forms of cosmetic surgery being done today. Taking the top slot in the list of 28 cosmetic surgical procedures is breast augmentation, closely followed by liposuction and then rhinoplasty. For the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who choose rhinoplasty, whether for functional reasons or purely for aesthetics, the results can be life-changing.
That said, how do you know if nose surgery is worth the cost? A better question might be, “how do you know if nose surgery is worth the cost to you?” Of course, you will want to do your research and make sure that the monetary cost is realistic: no one wants to overpay and, if the price you are quoted is too low, that should make you suspicious. But, value is defined in many ways, with monetary being only one of them.
In general, the cost is a function of benefit. Clever marketers have used the concept of “priceless” to tug on heartstrings and increase profits for years. Whether nose surgery is worth the time, money and discomfort is totally dependent upon your reasons for wanting to have it done.
Someone born with a deviated septum who has had to struggle for the breaths that the rest of us take for granted might well feel like nose surgery would be worth any price. The same could be said for the youngster who is constantly made fun of and bullied because of an oversized or misshapen nose. The “cost” to that child’s self-image will be paid out over a lifetime and could never be calculated by dollars and cents.
Cost Versus Benefit
Many things in life can be viewed through the lens of cost versus benefit. While not everything that is costly is truly valuable, the higher the benefit the more the cost. This brings us to the real question, which has to do with your motivation for wanting nose surgery. Are you having trouble breathing or consistently suffering from sinus infections? Is there some sort of birth defect or injury that has left you with a nose that is significantly out of balance with the rest of your face? Or is it a whim? Have you been looking at too many magazines at the check-out counter and become fixated on having Kate Middleton’s nose?
The Duchess of Cambridge has a near-perfect nose, straight with a rounded tip and totally proportionate to her face. But is it right for your face? It may well be and deciding that it is in consultation with your rhinoplasty surgeon may be the first step on a path that brings true benefit to your life. Then again, it may not be a good choice at all, in which case, the cost will vastly outweigh the benefit if you push forward with it anyway.
The moral of our story is simple. Rhinoplasty can be life-changing in so many ways, making cost a very secondary consideration. But, the decisions involved are unique to each individual and should only be made with realistic expectations and understanding of why you are doing it and what the end results are most likely to be. Working with a highly skilled and experienced surgeon who you are confident has your best interests at heart is the most important part of this equation.
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 8 years in a row in 2020 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.
Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.