A good rhinoplasty candidate is someone in stable health, of an appropriate age, with specific cosmetic or breathing concerns about the nose, and with realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Understanding what surgeons look for helps you walk into your consultation prepared and confident.
At our practice in Newport Beach, Dr. Zarrabi evaluates each patient in person to decide whether nose surgery is the right next step.
A good candidate is generally a healthy person who is finished growing and is bothered by the shape, size, or function of their nose – whether a dorsal hump, bulbous tip, crooked bridge, or a deviated septum that impedes breathing. The ideal candidate does not smoke or is willing to stop, can clearly explain what they would like to improve, and seeks surgery for personal reasons rather than to meet someone else’s expectations.
Dr. Zarrabi performs only primary rhinoplasty – first nose surgery. If you have never had nose surgery before, including septoplasty, you may be a strong fit. Because rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, an in-person evaluation is required. Learn more about our approach to rhinoplasty.
During your in-person consultation, Dr. Zarrabi carefully assesses several key areas to determine whether surgery is safe, appropriate, and likely to produce a result you will be happy with.
The nose needs to be fully developed before surgery. This usually occurs around age 15–16 for girls and 16–17 for boys, when facial growth is complete. Operating on a still-developing nose can lead to changes as the face matures. There is no strict upper age limit, provided the patient is in good health.
Good general health is paramount. Candidates should be free of conditions that could make surgery or anesthesia risky, and should be non-smokers or willing to quit well before and after surgery. Patients complete medical clearance, which can include:
Lab work
An EKG
A letter from their physician clearing them for anesthesia
An in-person anesthesiologist assessment
A candidate’s mindset is as important as physical health. The strongest candidates are emotionally stable, motivated by their own wishes, and approaching the decision with a calm, positive outlook – not to please someone else or chase a passing trend. They understand recovery takes time and patience.
Many candidates are unhappy with the way their noses look. Being able to point to a specific feature helps the surgeon plan accordingly. Common concerns Dr. Zarrabi addresses include:
Dorsal hump: a prominent bump on the bridge of the nose
Bulbous or drooping tip: a rounded, wide, or downward-pointing nasal tip
Wide nose: a desire to narrow the bridge or nostrils
Crooked nose: asymmetry from genetics or a previous injury
Nose size: a nose too large or small in proportion to other features
Not every candidate is focused on appearance. Some struggle to breathe due to a deviated septum, a previous injury, or other structural problems. Functional rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty correct these issues while also making cosmetic enhancements.
This is perhaps the most important factor. The goal is improvement and balance – a nose that harmonizes with the rest of your face – not a flawless or identical match to a photo. At our practice, photoshopped preview images are shown at the pre-op appointment, alongside in-office 3D imaging, so patients can align their expectations with what is realistically achievable before surgery day.
Candidates who commit to the full process – before and after surgery – tend to have smoother recoveries. That includes:
Attending all post-op appointments
Keeping the cast on until the date the surgeon specifies
Following all recovery instructions
No two noses are the same, and candidates fall into different groups depending on their goals and background.
Cosmetic candidates want to change how the nose looks, while functional candidates want to improve breathing. Many people fall into both categories – a visible bump on the bridge may accompany a deviated septum. Dr. Zarrabi is skilled at addressing the nose’s internal structure and external appearance in a single surgery.
A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Dr. Zarrabi is experienced in performing surgery for a wide variety of backgrounds, refining the nose while preserving the features that reflect a person’s identity:
Gender also plays a role in planning. Male rhinoplasty often calls for a stronger, more defined bridge and tip that complement masculine features – a central consideration in Dr. Zarrabi’s surgical planning.
Your journey begins with a complimentary, in-person consultation at our Newport Beach office. Because nose surgery is a surgical procedure, virtual consultations are not offered, and photos are required for surgical assessment.
Dr. Zarrabi examines the structure of your nose, inside and out – including skin thickness, cartilage, bone, and the way air moves through the nasal passages. Inform our office if you have had any prior nose surgery, including septoplasty, since Dr. Zarrabi specializes exclusively in primary rhinoplasty and uses advanced techniques such as ultrasonic rhinoplasty on structures that have not been previously altered.
If a cartilage graft might be needed, it is discussed at the consultation
Pictures and a CT scan are taken at the time of surgery booking – learn more about our 3D imaging and CT scan technology
This is a two-way conversation: you explain what you would like to change, and Dr. Zarrabi explains what is realistically achievable using advanced 3D imaging to simulate potential results. The clearer you are about your goals, the better the surgeon can guide you.
One additional person is allowed in the consultation room
Spanish-speaking assistance may be available, though patients are encouraged to bring their own translator if needed
Learn more about Dr. Zarrabi and our practice before your visit
Knowing what surgeons look for makes the decision easier. The strongest candidates are healthy, have finished growing, are emotionally ready, and are clear about specific cosmetic or breathing goals – with realistic expectations and a willingness to follow the full recovery plan. If that sounds like you, an in-person consultation at our practice in Newport Beach, CA, is the next step.
Dr. Zarrabi’s practice is a unique combination of art, science and cutting edge technology.
Dr. Zarrabi is a Board Certified Maxillofacial Surgeon and Diplomate of American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also an accomplished Sculptor Artist and he has created masterpieces for collections nationally and around the world.
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