Nose job, anyone?

MANILA, Philippines - Been there, done that. You read that right!

It’s no secret I’ve dug my nose into that rhinoplasty table in the hopes of having a more prominent profile and never having to struggle with eyeglasses sliding off my barely-bridged snout, ever again.

The verdict? Success!  

Firstly, this is not to encourage every meek muzzle out there to head onto the nearest plastic surgeon, on a whim. If anything, this shall serve as a checklist for you to go through before you make any final decisions of going under the nasal knife.

1. Be realistic.

Asians (mostly) have genetically, smaller noses with a low or no nasal bridge. Now in some cases, clients insist on having such pointy noses with really high bridges. As a result, it overstretches the skin and can lead to the nose collapsing. A good doctor is someone who will not give into your every desire. They will give you what they know is safe and suitable for you.

2. To each his own.

Every face is like an outfit. There is a specific item that goes best with another. Angelina Jolie’s nose is perfect as it complements the rest of her facial features.

Thus, even if a nose we “want” looks good on another person doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll look good on us. The nose we should aspire for should also go with the rest of our facial features so it still looks natural. A highly trained plastic surgeon will be able to gauge this for you.

3. Try it on for size.

Say you aren’t sold on getting a permanent nose job, no worries! Injecting synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid (its original form is a natural substance of the body) allows you to “test” a nose lift for up to six months for a nasal bridge augmentation.

“Before you consider having hyaluronic acid treatment, be aware that you might not achieve the results you want with just one treatment,” says Dr. Hector Santos Jr. FPCS, FPAPRAS, plastic surgeon, chief section of plastic surgery at Veterans Memorial Medical Center and DLS Megaclinic. “Depending on how your body reacts, you might need additional injections. Most people need at least three visits before they are completely satisfied with the results.”

He adds, “Do not be fooled by promises of collagen injections offered by cosmetologists in beauty parlors, which may not be real.” He has performed countless emergency rescue procedures from “plastic surgeries gone wrong!”

4. No slim shady.

Indeed, your “new” nose allows you to sport any style of sunglasses. However, in recent times, several incidents have occurred where the implants have “slid” down, pushing against the tip of the nose (requiring reparative surgery). The culprit? Heavy sunglasses.

Post-surgery, other than foregoing wearing shades for at least a month to allow the implant to completely settle internally, it is highly advised to opt for lightweight styles from thereon for optimum maintenance.

Plus, the styles that have “feet” resting on the nose? Don’t pinch them in too tight as this causes more pressure on the implant and possibly push it down.

5. Omit oral.

… for the meantime… like three weeks at least to be sure.

Yes, I do mean activities like heavy kissing, nose-to-nose kisses, included, then use your imagination to fill in the rest of the blanks.

Indeed, the nose knows… just like a pet, a home or a car owner, it needs your responsible attitude to making sure it looks and stays good — for life.