Plastic Surgeon Explains Why He Turns Down Patients Seeking Nose Jobs (Exclusive)

Dr. Lexie Wang shares information about why a nose job may not always be the best option.

After the plastic surgeon, located at West End Plastic Surgery in Washington DC, he did a TikTok videos explaining that she turned down a prospective patient who wanted rhinoplasty because the subtle changes weren’t worth the risk, Dr. Wang explains to PEOPLE why being able to say “no” to her patients is so important.

“There have been growing doubts from the general public about the integrity of doctors and the health profession,” says Dr. Wang. “Plastic surgery is specifically targeted because everyone assumes we’re here to steal patients’ money by offering unnecessary treatments. Sure, there are some bad doctors out there, but there are bad players in every industry.”

“The majority of us are not like that, and I want the audience to see that side of us,” he continues. “I’m also a firm believer in patient self-efficacy, so education is a huge pillar in empowering patients with knowledge of what can and can’t be achieved in plastic surgery. We’re not wizards! I always say there’s no such thing as perfect plastic surgery.”

Dr. Wang began training in plastic surgery in 2016 and has been practicing independently since 2022. And while she can’t remember the first time she turned down a patient, she made it clear that it’s something she finds herself doing often.

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“The two biggest reasons I’ll turn down a patient are either the patient isn’t a good candidate physically (bothered by something I can’t fix) and/or the patient isn’t a good candidate mentally (unrealistic expectations),” shares Dr. Wang.

Dr. Wang adds that these discussions arise more often when patients are considering a nose job instead of other procedures.

“This is technically one of the most challenging procedures for any plastic surgeon,” he says. “But if you add in the fact that it takes a long time to see a final result (months to years), it’s the center of the patient’s face and therefore a key part of their identity, and that it’s even harder to revise, you can see why I want to make sure patients are 100% ready before starting rhinoplasty!”

While Dr. Wang has found that some patients are “reasonably frustrated” when she advises them to avoid surgery, she stresses that most seem to appreciate being told no. As he put it, “they find honesty refreshing, especially in a profit-driven business.”

“At the end of the day, it’s our job to be realistic and honest, and this is a very big decision that the patient makes, so I try to convey to them that I’m really on their side and have their best interests in mind,” she concludes. “We are always taught that you (surgeon) never regret the patients you say no to. The main thing I learned is that even though I may say no more than other surgeons, I could be better!”