An interesting thing happens to my rhinoplasty patients in the Orlando area. They spend months carefully planning for their procedures, discussing their goals with me, and making arrangements for their surgery and aftercare. Then, they have the surgery, recover, and go back to their everyday lives. Very often, they’re surprised to find out just how few people actually notice the change to their appearance. Curious co-workers and friends might ask if they changed their hair, lost weight, or bought new glasses. But they can’t quite put their finger on what’s different.
When I hear about these experiences, I can’t help but feel I have done my job. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, my goal is never to completely change the way someone looks. Instead, it is my objective to make subtle, natural-looking modifications that enhance a patient’s face without making him or her look like an entirely different person. I think that’s what most people are truly hoping for when they decide to get a nose job. After all, we usually seek rhinoplasty so we don’t stick out.
In some cases, you may be pleased others don’t know your surgical secret, but other times there are people you will want to tell. If, how, and when you tell others about your surgery is a highly personal decision. But those who decide to be open about their choice often have trouble finding the right words.
Here are 5 simple steps you can take to make the process as easy as possible.
1. Confide first in those you trust the most. Think of this as your warm-up! Start by telling the people in your life who you know will support you no matter what. This could be your family, your best friend, or a trusted colleague. I think you’ll find that once you open up to a close confidant, you’ll have a little practice and be more prepared to share your news with your outer circles, if you want to.
2. Manage your expectations. Do not seek or expect approval. You don’t need it! This is a big one. Prepare yourself for well-meaning but often uncomfortable comments from those who seem to question your motivation for having nose surgery. You may hear something like, “But you looked great before! I don’t understand why you would want to change.” When you set realistic expectations with the understanding that sometimes people just say the wrong things, or the right things at the wrong time, you can let unpleasant reactions slide a bit.
3. Share how your life has improved. The best way to help others understand your decision is to focus on how it has made your life better. For example, you could say, “I had trouble breathing, and now I feel much better, thanks.” You might also say, “I finally put an old injury behind me,” or simply, “I never liked my nose, and I finally decided to fix it so I can focus on more important things.”
4. Listen. Don’t make it a one-way conversation. Chances are, your friends and co-workers will compliment your new appearance. They may also share their own insecurities or plastic surgery stories. Make sure you’re there to listen.
5. Offer advice if asked. Be prepared, because your newfound confidence might just inspire someone around you to finally make a change they have also long considered. When asked, give honest advice and share any tips or pointers that may be helpful.
Whether you are considering rhinoplasty or supporting a loved one through the experience, I wish you the best. It truly is one of the most rewarding facial plastic surgery procedures there is. If you want to talk more about this, I invite you to contact my practice online and we’ll reach out to you to schedule a consultation.
Do you have any tips that helped you or that you plan on trying? Share them with my other readers in a comment below!
Leave a Reply