Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty in Washington DC

Almost anyone can get nasal surgery if they are of the right age – but that does not mean that everyone will be an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty in Washington DC. There are some limitations, from both a medical and a mindset standpoint, that need to be addressed first. All potential candidates will first consult with Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek to determine if they can move forward with their desired surgery.

The Most Important Factor for a Rhinoplasty Patient

The number one factor that makes for a good rhinoplasty candidate is a person who has realistic expectations. Ideally, the patient has features that can be successfully addressed through surgery, such as a dorsal hump, tip asymmetries, wide nasal bones, or even breathing issues such as nasal obstruction.

If you are hoping for a brand-new nose that is not going to be medically possible, you may be asked to reconsider your expectations. It is critical that both patient and doctor are on the same page before any type of plastic surgery, and that any concerns or discrepancies are discussed during the consultation.

Health Conditions Potentially Affecting a Candidacy

Dr. Somenek will always ask a potential patient for a complete medical history before he elects to do surgery on somebody. This information should include any pertinent medical history that they have and any previous surgeries that they have had on their nose. However, other medical conditions that do not directly involve the nose must be disclosed as well, including anything involving the bloodstream, such as anemia. It is also important to confirm if you have been having breathing problems, which might require a septoplasty.

Candidate Age Requirements

While there is no strict age limit when it comes to rhinoplasty, there is a grey area with teenage nasal surgery patients. With girls, it is best if they are fully grown, which is usually somewhere around 15 or 16 years of age. Boys tend to hit their last growth spurt a little bit later, when they are 16 or 17. Dr. Somenek tends to perform rhinoplasty in males slightly later in age as compared to females.

As long as the patient is fully grown, it does not matter what age they are, as long as they are healthy and are deemed to be an appropriate surgical candidate for a DC rhinoplasty. A younger patient, such as a male who is 13 years old, will likely have to wait until he has experienced his last growth spurt before being approved.

Differences Between Men and Women

Women tend to have a smaller nose than men, although that is not necessarily true of all women. When assessing the profile or desires for a female nose as compared to a male nose, most women want a little bit more of a feminine sloped profile, versus men who frequently seek a very straight profile. However, these distinctions are largely a personal choice, and most patients can decide for themselves which kind of shape or structure they want.

Consult with a DC Plastic Surgeon About Whether You Are an Ideal Candidate for a Rhinoplasty

If you are looking to change the shape or functionality of your nose, Somenek+Pittman MD can provide a customized approach that meets your needs. However, to be an ideal candidate for a rhinoplasty in Washington DC, you must first consult with Dr. Michael Somenek and provide a full medical history. It is important to meet the basic criteria and have reasonable expectations for the final result in order for the process to go as smoothly as possible.