Toronto rhinoplasty procedures can create subtle or dramatic changes to your nose and your overall facial appearance. Feeling like a whole new person afterwards is not uncommon and the improvements in airflow can be satisfying, and in cases of snoring, even relationship-saving.

This doesn’t mean you should immediately schedule your surgery as every medical or cosmetic procedure comes with serious considerations. It’s important to be able to take a step back and weigh the pros and cons properly before deciding if rhinoplasty is right for you.

Pros

Better Breathing

Everyone likes being able to breathe easily, but if you struggle with snoring, chronic sinus troubles, a deviated septum, or other airway problems, rhinoplasty can correct and repair the issues at hand. This might involve realigning the septum (the partition between your nostrils), adjusting the size of the airways, widening the sinus passages, or repairing a nose that didn’t heal quite right after taking a soccer ball to the face.

More Confidence

You should ensure that your surgeon is board certified, experienced and well-trained, and that they operate from fully accredited surgical centres or hospitals. Important questions to ask include those regarding any additional fees, follow up appointments or other costs you could incur.

Proper Sleep

A deviated septum is one of the possible causes of sleep apnea, a serious disorder where you actually stop breathing while you sleep. After your Toronto rhinoplasty, you can finally start enjoying a solid, healthy night’s rest.

Balance

The nose can be an eye-catching feature that enhances your overall appearance, but sometimes its size or shape is more hindrance than help. Rhinoplasty can reduce the overall size of your nose or remove its more distracting features to restore the overall balance of your face.

Insurance May Cover The Costs

OHIP will usually cover rhinoplasty if it’s needed to address breathing problems or issues such as a deviated septum. Some cases may require prior approval from the Ministry before coverage will kick in, but the bottom line is that if you need rhinoplasty to breathe better then you can usually count on the province for help.

Cons

Nose Jobs Aren’t Magic

It may sound contradictory, but although rhinoplasty can feel life-changing it is not actually capable of changing your life. Expectations should be kept realistic and stay focused on what your individual needs are. This means that you shouldn’t get rhinoplasty to please someone else and that your desires should ideally focus on the particular parts of your nose that concern you as opposed to simply looking to “upgrade” to make your nose look like a certain celebrity’s.

You Will Need Downtime

For the first two or three days following a rhinoplasty, it is important to focus on rest and keeping any possible agitation of the site to a minimum. You will likely be able to return to work and your normal routines after a week but more time will be required before you can engage in heavy lifting, exercise, or other types of physical exertion.

Prepwork

Rhinoplasty is surgery, and as such you will have to follow specific instructions in the days leading up to your appointment. It’s highly recommended that you avoid alcohol, aspirin, advil, smoking both cigarettes and marijuana as well as some supplements, in order to reduce the risk of prolonged bleeding and swelling.

Aftercare

In addition to the downtime considerations, you will need to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure your nose heals properly and safely.

Dr. Philip Solomon is an Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon who practices Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Toronto. He specializes in rhinoplasty and facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and is sought out for his experience and skill by patients from across Canada.. To learn more about Toronto rhinoplasty or to book a consultation, call Solomon Facial Plastic at 1-866-293-0616.