Planning for Surgery

In almost every rhinoplasty consultation there is a conversation about the “best time” to have the procedure. The answer to this question is actually quite complicated and involves a lot of different aspects of both the patient’s life and the surgery. In general, it is best to have your surgery at a time when you can concentrate on healing. The right mindset is truly important for the recovery process – you need time to relax and care for your nose after the procedure. As a way to maximize this benefit, many people prefer to plan surgery during vacation time, breaks from work or school, life transitions, or around the holidays. In addition, there are some post-operative restrictions regarding contact sports and strenuous activity, so it is best to think ahead with respect to these commitments.

A larger question, and one that is particularly important in teenage rhinoplasty, is when in your life is the ideal time. While rhinoplasty is a surgery that can be performed from childhood to old age, most procedures take place between the teen years and the 40’s. For younger patients, it is critical to consider facial growth. Ideally, rhinoplasty is performed when the patient has basically stopped growing (this should be understood in terms of height; gaining muscle mass and “filling out” will often continue after this time). For girls, maximum height typically occurs around age 16. For boys, this is a couple of years later, generally around 18. A good way to determine if a person has stopped growing is whether their shoe size has changed in the past year or so.

Another consideration, both for teens and adults, is planning surgery around transitions in life. This is commonly graduation from high school, finishing college coursework or graduate school, or changing jobs or careers. Having your nose surgery during these times will allow you to focus more on the healing process and will reduce distractions and outside pressures.

Choosing to have a rhinoplasty is a very personal decision. In order to achieve the best result possible, a good relationship between the doctor and the patient is essential. Dr. Ransom is an expert in all types of nose surgery – from cosmetic to functional to reconstructive – and is known for the personal approach he takes toward every procedure. Take the first step in reaching your goals and join us for a comprehensive consultation today.

Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.