Should I Get a Nose Job? How to Make the Right Decision For You

It’s not surprising that ‘should I get a nose job’ is commonly searched in Google; over 1,000 people search this query every month. So, if you're unsure about whether a nose job is right for you, don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Getting any cosmetic surgery to alter your appearance is always an intensely personal decision. A nose job, or rhinoplasty, to use its technical name, is especially individual as your nose is central to your face; getting a rhinoplasty can change your entire appearance.

So, should I get a nose job? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. But, we’ve outlined some of the common rhinoplasty patient questions so you have all the information to make the right decision for yourself.

Why Do You Want a Nose Job?

Unless you’re getting rhinoplasty to correct a medical issue or fix a defect caused by an accident, your first question may even be, 'do I need a nose job?' But remember that wanting one simply because you're not happy with the way your nose looks is a totally valid reason, because everyone wants to change something about their appearance, right? How do you know whether it will make you happier with how you look?

Writers at Refinery29 and Cosmopolitan both tackled the topic of ‘should I get a nose job’ - one writer explains her reasons for ultimately deciding against surgery and the other talks about her reasons for getting one.

Both of these writers came to the same conclusion: any decision you make about your body should be about you and you alone. Don’t get surgery to please others but also don’t think it’ll solve all your problems. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons as, although most patients who have the surgery love their new nose, they’ve gone into surgery with managed expectations and full knowledge of what it’ll involve.

What Type of Nose Job Should I Get?

If you’ve asked the question ‘should I get a nose job’ and come to the conclusion that you want one, then you have to ask what type of nose job should I get?

There are many different types of rhinoplasty surgery tackling different issues. It depends on what you dislike about your nose and what would like to see different. For example, if you like the shape of your nose but you think it’s too big then a Reduction Rhinoplasty would be the best option. Similarly, if you like the size but you’re unhappy with the shape then an Augmentation Rhinoplasty would help to get your desired look. By the way, if you’re unhappy with the size and shape then many patients opt for both of these surgeries and they can be completed at the same time.

Not sure? No problem, you don’t have to be an expert in different surgery types to get a consultation. Simply speak to your desired surgeon and explain what you like and don’t like about your current nose, they should be able to show different options so you can make the best decision. 

How Old Should I Be To Get a Nose Job?

Rhinoplasty cannot be performed until the nose has stopped growing. This tends to happen at around 15-16 for girls and 17-18 for boys. But, if you want to get a nose job when you’re under 18 most clinics will need parental consent and some countries won’t offer cosmetic surgeries to under 18s at all. 

Regardless of legal or medical protocols, there’s also a concern that getting a cosmetic procedure when you’re very young doesn’t give you enough time to make an informed decision about your surgery. If you’re young and you want a nose job as soon as possible, it’s important that you understand the risks, are mature enough to handle the surgery and have realistic expectations of how it’ll turn out. 

When Should I Get a Nose Job?

If you’re set on getting a nose job then the question of ‘when’ becomes very important. Not just age, but also logistically, when in your busy life can you fit in a surgery?

Age

There’s no perfect age to get a nose job but like any surgery, the older you get, the more risky surgery can be. In the UK, the average age for women getting first-time facial surgery is 37, and 43 for men, although rhinoplasty surgery is done at a younger age on average. 

Recovery

What’s important when thinking about when you should get a nose job is figuring out when you’ll have time to recover properly. Modern technology has made surgery safe and very fast, with most rhinoplasty surgeries taking only 2-3 hours to perform. 

After the surgery, you may be required to stay overnight in the hospital. If you go abroad for rhinoplasty surgery you will also need to recover in that country for at least four days before you can fly home. 

After your surgery:

• You’ll need 5-7 days off work to rest

• 7-14 days after the majority of swelling and bruising will be gone

• 4-6 weeks after the swelling should be gone completely

So, when you’re thinking about when you should get a nose job, make sure you have plenty of time to rest and recuperate. This is also why many people travel abroad for surgery as it gives them the opportunity to combine a holiday and also avoid seeing people until they feel comfortable to show off their new nose to the world.

Where Should I Get a Nose Job? 

Picking the right country for your nose job is probably one of the most important things to consider. In fact, the question ‘should I get a nose job’ is probably easily answered once you start researching the best doctors and clinics for you.

In the UK, rhinoplasty is rarely covered on the NHS, it’s typically reserved for people who’ve had severe injuries to their nose or who struggle breathing through it. Privately a nose job in the UK can cost between £4,000-7,000 depending on which doctor you choose and the complexity of your surgery. 

In the past few years, many people (including celebrities) have been travelling abroad for surgery. This isn’t just because the cost of rhinoplasty tends to be lower but also some of the best surgeons work in other countries. 

Having a rhinoplasty in Turkey has become a popular option for people looking to find an affordable deal without compromising on quality. Dr. Gazme Bektas at the GOP Hospital in Istanbul has published many medical texts on aesthetic and reconstructive nose surgery and has been a surgeon for 16 years. Another great specialist to see is Dr Elmas, who practices at the Cayra Clinic in Antalya.

Patient Story: Fereba's Rhinoplasty with Qunomedical

Living in Germany, Fereba tried looking into options locally but none of the clinics and doctors felt right. So after getting in touch with us, she finally took the plunge and had her rhinoplasty surgery in Turkey. She tells her story as follows:

'With the help of Qunomedical, I traveled to Turkey for my treatment. My nose had always bothered me because I just didn't like the way it looked. That's why I planned to have a rhinoplasty.

At first I looked in Germany, but I didn’t find a clinic or doctor that I really liked, or someone I could talk to - and the costs for the surgery were very high. A friend finally suggested I look for options abroad, and that’s how I found Qunomedical. They got in touch with me right away and provided me with my personal patient manager, who looked after me during the whole process.

'After discussing what I was looking for, I got various options sent to me. Based on this and the conversations with my patient manager, I decided that GOP Hospital was the best choice for me. 'Of course I had doubts, but these were quickly settled by the attention and all-around care I received at the Turkish clinic. And I could always reach out to Qunomedical at any time if I needed to. I was picked up on time and without problems from the airport in Turkey and was driven to the hotel. Everything was already organised there, so that I could immediately check in. 'The next morning I was picked up and taken to the hospital. A very friendly and competent contact person was assigned to me; she was a great help, especially with all the translations. In the hospital, which was very modern, all the important tests were done. Then we joined the doctor who would perform the surgery for my consultation. She really took the time to make me feel comfortable, asked again what exactly I imagined and gave me some advice and tips. 'The surgery was done the same day without any complications. I spent one night in the hospital in my own private room. My condition and state of health were being monitored constantly. The food was adjusted to my needs and the nurses came by to make sure I drank enough water again and again. The next day I was driven to the hotel where I spent the rest of the stay to recover, without any complications. The day before my departure I was taken back to the hospital for a follow-up check and the plaster removal.

I’m completely happy with the result. Even though the final result will only be visible after six months, I’m so very satisfied already. Qunomedical checked in with me on a regular basis asking if everything went well at the hotel, the airport and the hospital.

'I have to say that I had my doubts at the beginning, but all my questions were answered super fast, so that both myself and my family were reassured. The results have not only made me happy, but also my family.'

Should I Get Rhinoplasty Surgery? I Still Don’t Know

Getting a nose job isn’t a simple decision. The most important thing is that you make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons and you get as much information as possible. If you want one and you’re worried, sometimes being very informed about the surgery can help you feel more at ease and in control of the situation.

Whatever you decide, make sure you’re in the best hands possible! If you’re interested in a free assessment and quote, contact one of our experienced Patient Managers below to start your journey today.