Could Improving Your Nose Improve Your Life?

Nose job, rhinoplasty, Dr. Brian Machida, Inland Empire

Dr. Brian Machida is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon in metro Los Angeles. He has an exceptional level of experience, having performed more than 5,000 facial rejuvenation procedures in his career.  Dr. Machida served for years as a clinical professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.  He is now in private practice at STC Plastic Surgery in Ontario, CA, part of California’s Inland Empire.


Research confirms what many have noticed:  Good-looking people enjoy a lot of advantages.  One recent study found that those whose attractiveness was rated lower than average were also considered less intelligent, competent and socially adept.  The consequences of this can really hurt.

The nose is the face’s most prominent feature.  During their school days, many whose noses are less than perfect faced embarrassing comments, name-calling and even bullying.  They may still feel self-conscious.  As a doctor who’s board-certified in both Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) and Facial Plastic Surgery, I’ve performed a lot of rhinoplasty procedures (“nose jobs”) over they years.

Many people believe that improving their noses will improve their lives.  Is this really true?

Does getting a more attractive nose boost self-esteem?

Many patients who realistically assessed their nose as too large, too small or misshapen find that improving their noses has increased their self-esteem.  A British study, for instance, looked at rhinoplasty patients and found that:

Surgical intervention had strong effects in improving self-esteem ratings.

A review of studies published in the US National Library of Medicine revealed that repeated surveys found that 88-90% of patients reported their satisfaction and a higher quality of life after rhinoplasty.  It stated:

“Most of the patients benefit from rhinoplasty regardless of the motivation for surgery. It's a dealThese effects continue to exist even 5 years after the operation. Another study confirmed these results and highlighted that the patients felt to be better accepted in social relationships.”

When a person feels that they look better, and especially when they receive complements from friends, family and workmates, they naturally feel a boost in both self-esteem and self-confidence.  This can really improve their lives.

Whose lives will not improve with a better nose?

An important key to successful rhinoplasty procedures is the patient’s reasonable expectations.  Plastic surgeons that are highly experienced in this procedure can provide excellent results.  As we noted earlier, studies find that the vast majority are satisfied with their new noses.

But one group is often dissatisfied, no matter how good a job their surgeon does.  These are often people with severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder (B.D.D.).  The New York Times interviewed University of Pennsylvania psychology professor David Sarwer.  The article states:

Almost all of us will get up in the morning and look in the mirror and see something in our appearance we may not like or wish looked different,’’ said Dr. Sarwer. “But for patients with B.D.D., that thought never leaves their mind. They are chronically thinking about their nose, checking in the mirror or a reflective surface, or they avoid situations where people can see their profile. You can see that is a distraction and can make it hard to focus on jobs or studies or family.’

Those with severe B.D.D. are never satisfied with their appearance.  They would not make good rhinoplasty candidates.  However, a study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery found that rhinoplasty benefited 90% of patients with mild to moderate B.D.D.  They were satisfied with their results and 81% of the 31 patients tested were no longer unduly concerned with their appearance.

The procedure

 What is a rhinoplasty procedure like?  If you decide to have one, your surgeon will make an incision hidden inside your nose.  Then he will reshape the nasal bone and cartilage according to your needs and goals.

A nasal tip that turns downward often makes a nasal bump look bigger.  In these cases, an experienced plastic surgeon will modify the tip of the nose to reduce downward droop.  This balances the size of the nasal bump and will reduce the amount of reduction needed at the bridge of the nose to achieve a more attractive appearance.

If the bridge needs to be built up to achieve the desired look, your surgeon will graft in cartilage or place an implant.  Finally, he will redrape the tissues over the improved nasal frame and close the incisions.  Then he’ll put a small plastic splint in place on the outside of the nose to minimize swelling and maintain the new shape during healing.  He may place temporary packs inside your nose for a day or two.  Recovery normally takes a week to 10 days.

Could you benefit from a better nose?

Rhinoplasty Before & AfterWhile rhinoplasty doesn’t satisfy every patient, years of surveys and studies make it clear that a strong majority are happy with their results.  And since economists find that more attractive people are more readily hired, get better salary reviews and make more money, you may well find that the benefit to your looks and self-confidence is accompanied by an increase in your income.

Would a “nose job” really improve your looks and your life?  Why not consult with an experienced plastic or facial plastic surgeon and find out the facts for yourself.

About Dr. Brian Machida, MD, FACS

Dr. Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. He has an exceptional level of experience, having performed ( read more )

Articles by Dr. Brian Machida, MD, FACS

Nasolabial Folds – Facelift or Filler? What’s the Most Cost-Effective Solution?

What’s your best and most cost-effective option for improving your nasolabial folds – filler injections or a facelift? Expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida discusses the pros and cons of each method, including how much each will cost you. [Read More]

Facelift Inflation – Does a Higher Price Guarantee a Better Result?

Inflation – now it has hit the facial plastic surgery market. Is facelift inflation necessary? Can you get an outstanding facelift for less in the United States? [Read More]

Bags Under Your Eyes – What’s the Better Solution – Blepharoplasty or Filler Injections?

If bags under your eyes are making you look older than you feel, what’s the best way to treat them? Is blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery – the best way to go? Or, are fillers a good option? An expert facial plastic surgeon reveals the facts. [Read More]

How Can You Afford a Great Facelift?

Can you afford a facelift in this time of inflation? How can you get an outstanding new look that fits your budget? For a great, affordable facelift Inland Empire highly experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida tells what should be on your checklist. [Read More]

Marionette Lines – How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Marionette lines can make you look old and sad when you don’t feel that way. How can you get rid of marionette lines? Is a facelift the only way? Are there marionette lines fillers? Does Botox work? Inland Empire, California expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida tells you the answers. [Read More]

Sagging Cheeks – What’s the Most Cost-Effective Way to Rejuvenate Them?

If you want to firm up your sagging cheeks, what’s the most cost-effective way to do it? A highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon tell you how. [Read More]

Thick Neck? Tech Neck? Why Neck Liposuction Often Fails in Younger People

Do you have a thick neck? Or, have you developed a Tech Neck? Many younger people with these issues turn to neck liposuction. But this may not solve the problem? Why not? Could there be a better solution? An expert facial plastic surgeon gives you the facts. [Read More]

Is the Ponytail Facelift a Better Facelift?

Should you get the Ponytail Facelift? Is the “new facelift” better? Highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Machida of Inland Empire, CA discusses what the “new facelift” can and cannot do and presents what might be a better alternative for you. [Read More]

Facelift Scars – Will People See Yours?

If you’re considering a facelift, are you worried about facelift scars? A highly skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon discusses whether or not you need to be concerned about facelift scars, and what to do if you have noticeable facelift scars. [Read More]

How to Make a $27,000 Beverly Hills-Quality Facelift Cost Much Less

How much should an outstanding facelift cost? A highly experienced facial plastic surgeon, who performed 4,000 facelifts and taught at the University of Southern California, shows how the right surgeon using the right methods can make a great facelift much more affordable. [Read More]