Rhinoplasty: a humbling experience.
Rhinoplasty can produce a dramatic improvement in one's appearance, but if not performed properly, a lasting deformity exists. Appearance-related surgery places the surgeon's professional reputation at stake more than with other types of surgery. Artistic skills are needed, along with knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nose, and recognition of factors that produced the problem. The standards of our society demand consistently good results: a surgeon performing rhinoplasty is considered proficient only after approximately 8 years of experience and continuing education. The unpredictable response of nasal tissues to the surgery can present a humbling experience to the surgeon who critically evaluates his or her results.