You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are bothered by the size, shape, or function of your nose, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Rhinoplasty can address both cosmetic concerns and breathing problems while creating better facial balance and harmony.
Common Reasons People Consider Rhinoplasty
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, you may identify with one or more of these concerns:
- My nose is crooked
- I have a bump on the bridge of my nose
- The tip of my nose is too round or bulbous
- The tip of my nose is asymmetrical
- My nose is too wide
- My nose is too long
- My nose is too large for my face
- My nose sticks out from my face too much
- My nose doesn’t fit my face
- The tip of my nose droops when I smile
- I have difficulty breathing through my nose
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your specific concerns and determine whether rhinoplasty can help you achieve your goals.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate several factors to determine whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for you. In general, good candidates:
- Are in good physical health
- Have completed most facial growth
- Want surgery for their own reasons, not to satisfy someone else
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the recovery process and potential limitations of surgery
Both cosmetic and functional concerns may make you a candidate for rhinoplasty.
How To Prepare for Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
Before your consultation, think about the specific aspects of your nose you would like to change and be prepared to discuss your medical history, previous nasal injuries or surgeries, any breathing concerns, and your motivations for rhinoplasty.
You can expect your consultation to include the following:
Physical Examination and Surgical Planning
I perform a physical examination to carefully evaluate the anatomic structure of your nose, inside and out.
Next, I will discuss a treatment plan with options to accomplish your goals. I will have you look into a handheld mirror while I explain what can be done. I will supplement this discussion using a schematic of the nose and point out the underlying bone and cartilage that will be sculpted.
Rhinoplasty Computer Imaging & Surgical Preview
We will then review computer imaging of your nose, showing what your nose should look like after surgery. We have done this for many years and have a high correlation rate with what we accomplish in surgery. I explain that our goal is to improve upon the appearance and function of your nose, making you look natural. After surgery, patients will tell us all the time that no one knows they had a rhinoplasty. We take that as a real compliment!
Rapid Recovery Planning
We will also discuss our Rapid Recovery program and our goal for you to recover from surgery as seamlessly and quickly as possible. You can read our related blog post to learn more about tips for a smooth rhinoplasty recovery.
Understanding Rhinoplasty Risks & Limitations
We will also discuss potential risks and complications during your consultation. I want to be sure that you have realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish, understand the limitations of surgery, and know what recovery after surgery entails.
Rhinoplasty can achieve significant improvements in nasal appearance and function, but every procedure has limitations. Understanding both the benefits and risks helps patients make informed decisions about surgery.
Take the Next Step
The best way to find out whether rhinoplasty is right for you is through a personalized consultation. Request a consultation using our online form or call the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery at (201) 967-1212 to get started.
This post was originally published in March 2025 and updated in June 2026.
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