You’re not the only one who thinks about your nose more than your morning coffee. In Portland, “nose job” or rhinoplasty has become a common term. Some people want to breathe better, some want their face to be more symmetrical, and a few just want to quit avoiding group shots. The interest is real, click our extra resources for another topics!

But what is it truly like to get surgery in Portland? Dr. Julie Harper explains that it’s a mix of science, art, and a little bit of therapy for people who are nervous before surgery. She says, “Sometimes I’m a surgeon, and other times I’m a therapist. Either way, it’s about making someone feel at home in their own skin.” Surgeons in Portland are known for not ignoring your ideas and instead listening to them. They want you to leave with a nose that complements your features and your personality.

Let’s get to the point: results. There is no magic wand. Good surgeons are honest; they’ll tell you what is possible and what isn’t. “Social media filters aren’t my scalpel,” Dr. Minh Tran tells his patients. There is honesty here that makes people trust each other, not stories.

The real discourse happens during consultations. Don’t anticipate small talk that is chilly and clinical. Surgeons like Dr. Kim Bishop look at old family photos to find inherited traits or ask patients what they really enjoy about how they look. One patient quipped that her main wish was to finally look natural in ski goggles. There is no request that is too strange. They’ve heard everything.

Some people are scared about anesthesia and recovery. Surgery isn’t like going to the spa. You should expect swelling, maybe some bruising, and a week or two without taking selfies. But most people say the hardest part is not wanting to look ahead of time. Dr. Tran explains, “Patience is your best friend here.” “Everyone wants to see results right away, but good things, like pizza crust and a healed nose, take time.”

Have you ever been afraid that your nose would seem “done”? A lot of people are afraid of that. The top doctors in Portland don’t give the same results every time. They work on mending what worries you without telling everyone about it. You might be astonished to learn that many of their clientele are professionals, singers, and athletes—people you wouldn’t think would ever go to a plastic surgeon.

Of course, the first thing everyone wants to know is how much it costs. Prices can change more than the weather in April. There are deals to be had, but most top surgeons say it’s best not to look for them. Keep in mind that this isn’t a haircut. If you save a few cash now, you could have to pay a lot to rectify things later.

In the end, thinking about getting a rhinoplasty is personal, sometimes scary, and always a little strange. What excellent news? The best doctors in Portland want you to ask any question you have, even if it seems strange, honest, or “dumb.” What do they want? One funny-shaped piece of cartilage at a time, replace fears about your nose with confidence.