Arguably, no plastic surgery represents a truer fusion of surgical technique and aesthetic artistry than rhinoplasty. Additionally, there are few areas on the face or body with such a narrow margin of error. Due to the absence of fat or muscle to veil irregularities, even the slightest variance of millimeters can significantly impact the final outcome, as stated by Dr. Dara Liotta, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. That's why it's extremely crucial to select a plastic surgeon with abundant experience and before-and-after photos demonstrating outstanding results.
When evaluating rhinoplasty before-and-after cases, the same standard guidelines for any sort of cosmetic procedure before-and-afters apply (for instance, consistent lighting and background). However, considering the substantial variations in noses among individuals, what other aspects should you pay attention to? It might sound straightforward, but primarily, you should simply be fond of the majority of the noses you observe in a doctor's portfolio of work. "The ultimate outcome of a rhinoplasty depends on what the patient desires, their anatomy, and the surgeon's aesthetic preferences," remarks Dr. Liotta. And although each nose is unique, there tends to be a certain commonality when you examine multiple rhinoplasties from the same surgeon, adds Dr. Edwin Kwon, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills, California. While you may not be able to precisely identify what that is, if you like the majority of the photos you're viewing, it's a positive sign that you and that surgeon share a similar perception of what is aesthetically pleasing, he asserts.
But there are also some more specific details to be vigilant about. Here are six elements that plastic surgeons claim are of utmost importance to look for in nose job before-and-after photos.
1. A diversity of noses and corrections
While most plastic surgeons do have their own "style," you still need to ensure they have operated on diverse types of noses and carried out various types of nose surgeries. Dr. Kwon recommends seeking photos featuring patients of multiple ethnicities and with different nose sizes as well as diverse types of corrections, such as smoothed-out protrusions and refined tips. "This indicates that the surgeon can deliver a variety of outcomes and possesses a range of different tools in their skill repertoire that they can rely on," says Dr. Yael Halaas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. This is significant because the nose is unpredictable – you never know what will occur until you open it up – and you want to ensure your doctor has numerous distinct techniques that they can employ to address any potential issues, she elaborates.
2. Photos captured from different perspectives
"It's technically simpler to obtain better results in a profile photo compared to one that is front-facing or at a three-quarter view," claims Dr. Liotta. For example, a nose that isn't straight will be highly noticeable in front-on photos, while a three-quarter view is the optimal way to identify any irregularities in an area known as the keystone region, she states. "If the middle area, where you can pinch the bridge of your nose, appears to have caved in and the bone seems to be jutting out, that's a warning sign. It implies that the surgeon did not take any measures to support this part of the nose and that this area could potentially collapse and cause breathing difficulties," she explains.
3. Time indications
It's essential for there to be a clear indication on any type of "after" photo regarding precisely how long after the surgery it was taken, but this is even more crucial when it comes to rhinoplasties, given the considerable influence of post-operative swelling. "Even a minor amount of swelling can make a substantial difference," says Dr. Liotta. "It softens irregularities. What typically gives the impression that a nose has undergone surgery are harsh angles and shadows where they shouldn't be, and swelling can conceal that. What might seem like an exceptional result three months after the surgery could look mediocre after a year," she elaborates. Things are largely finalized one year later, making this the ideal time frame. Nevertheless, viewing after photos taken at various intervals assists individuals in grasping the healing process as well as understanding what constitutes a realistic long-term outcome, she says.
4. An overly narrow tip or bridge
Frequently, patients desire a more defined tip and believe that smaller is better – but be cautious of photos where the tip is so small that it appears unnatural, warns Dr. Halaas. Once again, this is where the angle from which the photo is taken matters. The tip might look good from the side, but you need to see it front-on to ensure there is still some triangularity at the base, she says. Excessive shadowing on the sides of the tip is also an indication that it might ultimately pinch or collapse inward, she states.
Similarly, a very narrow bridge can be troublesome. While breathing capacity is complex and multi-factorial (involving other parts of the nose, such as the septum), an overly narrow bridge is a red flag for potential breathing issues in the future, says Dr. Kwon. While there's no precise method to quantify exactly how narrow is too narrow, if your eye detects that the nose appears too slender, it likely is, he remarks.
5. A nose that is proportionate to the remainder of the face
"People only truly notice your nose when it appears abnormal. For instance, if there's a large hump or it's overly wide and doesn't match your face," says Dr. Kwon. These are the reasons that might prompt some individuals to pursue a rhinoplasty, but if you immediately notice the nose in an after photo, that's also not ideal. "The objective of a successful rhinoplasty is that no one should be able to tell you had any procedure done to your nose, and how it aligns with the rest of the face is a significant aspect of that," Dr. Kwon points out. While it should complement your face size, face shape, and other facial characteristics, the balance between the nose and chin is particularly crucial when it comes to achieving a favorable aesthetic result, Dr. Halass adds.
6. A tip that is not overly upturned
"An upturned tip can be suitable for some faces, but generally, it doesn't create a very natural appearance," says Dr. Kwon. The ideal angle between the upper lip and the columella – the base of the tip, the part that separates the nostrils – is typically stated to be 90 degrees for men and between 95 and 105 degrees for women, he explains. However, even 105 degrees tends to be excessive and not an especially realistic angle, he adds. This is something to look for in profile photos, as it's easiest to precisely determine how rotated it is from a side view.
