It can feel like you’re at the foot of a mountain when you think about rhinoplasty. Especially in Michigan, where choices appear to go on forever, like Lake Superior on a gloomy November morning. Some people desire a small alteration, some need aid after an injury, and some just want to breathe better. Believe it or not, every case is a conundrum. learn more
Let’s begin with the reason. You might not have liked the hump in your profile, or maybe a game of pick-up basketball made your nose crooked. Maybe it’s always been about the breathing. You are definitely not alone. People in Michigan talk about their lives like people in the Midwest talk about the weather. “Rough day for sinuses, huh?” is a great way to start a conversation.
Most people want to know how much it hurts. You should expect some swelling, and yes, your nose might seem like it got hit by a runaway snowball in the first several days. But with the right pain management and a doctor who is honest, pain is typically tolerable.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to choose a surgeon in Michigan. Each clinic, from well-known ones in metro Detroit to tiny ones in Grand Rapids, has its own way of doing things. Try to pay attention to board certification, real patient evaluations, and before-and-after pictures that aren’t just models living a tinted life on Instagram. Talk to your surgeon. Don’t be afraid to ask any question about your face.
Like the cream in a Vernors float, the expense issue always comes up. Insurance pays for surgeries to fix functional problems, like fixing a deviated septum, but if you want a slimmer shape, you’ll probably have to pay for it yourself. Prices in Michigan are all over the place, like leaves in the fall. A good range is between $5,000 and $12,000.
It’s not a race to get better. Swelling can last for a long time, like a Detroit winter that slowly melts away over the course of months. So if you want to make a huge announcement during your cousin’s wedding this fall, think about when you want to do it. Take your time. Be kind to yourself and make sure your Netflix queue is longer than Woodward Avenue.
Here’s some Michigan advice: be honest with your provider about what you want and what you’re not sure about. You don’t need to use fancy words or sugarcoat things. Just be clear with your communication, and you’ll get results that work for you. Rhinoplasty is easier with proper advice and time, just like crossing the Mackinac Bridge.
Are you thinking about taking the plunge? Talk to your doctor, read those reviews, and don’t let your nerves stop you from going through with your plans. Don’t worry, Michigander; you can do this.