Rhinoplasty is the surgical correction of nasal issues. A patient’s nose may be experiencing cosmetic issues, meaning ones that are purely aesthetic in nature. Their issues may also be functional, meaning that they affect the nose’s ability to function correctly. Regardless of the type of issue, correcting a nasal problem can have a major positive impact on a patient’s quality of life.
*Actual Patient
If you feel like your nose is too big or looks somehow unusual, it’s best to make an appointment for a nasal surgery consultation at Marietta Plastic Surgery. During a consultation, your nose will be evaluated in order to better understand the nasal problems you are experiencing.
You will also be able to discuss your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon and ask questions about the nose surgery itself. During this time, your medical history will be reviewed, and an evaluation of your current health will be performed to determine if you are fit enough to undergo surgery.
In some cases, patients elect to undergo additional face procedures like eyelid surgery or a brow lift for further enhancement and rejuvenation. This can be discussed with your doctor during your consultation.
What Can Be Achieved Using Rhinoplasty?
Noses can experience a wide variety of irregularities, including pollybeak, dorsal hump, inverted V, saddle nose/boxer’s nose, bulbous or pinched nasal tip, deviated septum, drooping nasal tip, overprojected nose, crooked nose, wide nasal base, hanging columella, and upturned nose.
Many of these problems are genetic, appearing at birth or at some point during a person’s nasal development. Others come from trauma to the nasal area, which may displace the nasal bones or otherwise cause weaknesses in the internal architecture.
Rhinoplasty can be performed on individuals as young as 16 years old. Prior to this age, the nose is still undergoing development. Any growth or changes that occur as a result of continued development can affect the results of rhinoplasty.
Your Rhinoplasty will be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon at Marietta Plastic Surgery located in Marietta, GA, just outside of Atlanta.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty:
- Improved Facial Harmony: Rhinoplasty can enhance the balance and proportion of facial features, bringing harmony to your overall appearance.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: Correcting nasal irregularities can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to a more positive self-image.
- Correction of Breathing Issues: Rhinoplasty can address functional issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal obstruction, improving breathing and overall quality of life.
- Personalized Results: Each rhinoplasty is tailored to the individual’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals, ensuring natural-looking results that complement your features.
- Permanent Results: Rhinoplasty provides long-lasting results, with the changes made to the nasal structure typically enduring for a lifetime.
- Reduced Nasal Discomfort: You may experience relief from discomfort caused by nasal irregularities or breathing difficulties, leading to improved comfort.
- Versatile Procedure: Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of nasal concerns, including reducing the size of the nose, refining the nasal tip, or straightening a crooked nose.
- Increased Social and Professional Opportunities:Greater confidence and a more balanced facial appearance can positively impact personal and professional interactions, opening up new opportunities in various aspects of life.
*Actual Patient
Closed vs. Open Rhinoplasty
There are two methods of rhinoplasty available: open and closed. Open rhinoplasty is often employed for complex nasal procedures since it offers a great deal of access to the internal structures. This method involves a tiny incision on the columella, which is the external soft-tissue area separating the nostrils. The skin of the area is then lifted.
Closed rhinoplasty is less invasive. For this method, the plastic surgeon will make small incisions within the nostrils and will then make internal changes through these incisions.
When the incisions heal after surgery, any leftover marks will be well hidden within the nostrils.
Either closed or open rhinoplasty may be available for use by your plastic surgeon, depending on the exact nature of the corrections being made, along with your preferences and those of your surgeon. This topic will be discussed during your initial consultation.
*Actual Patient
Candidates for Rhinoplasty
If you are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or functionality of your nose, you may be a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty in Marietta, Woodstock, or the greater Atlanta area. Patients often express concerns about the appearance of their nose, such as a prominent dorsal hump, asymmetry, or a bulbous tip. They may also experience functional issues like a deviated septum, which can obstruct airflow and impact breathing.
Additionally, candidates for a rhinoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. They should also be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking prior to surgery, as smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you meet these requirements, you might be the right candidate.
However, it’s important to undergo a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your suitability for rhinoplasty. During the consultation, our skilled surgeons will evaluate your nasal structure, discuss your goals and expectations, and outline the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. After a thorough discussion with our surgeons, you can make informed decisions about whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for you.
How Rhinoplasty Is Performed
The rhinoplasty procedure begins with the application of either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. This decision, like many associated with plastic surgery, is made before the procedure during the consultation between the patient and the plastic surgeon.
After the incisions have been created, the plastic surgeon will perform any needed alterations to the patient’s nasal architecture, including changes to the cartilage, bones, and soft tissue.
Once the nasal issues have been carefully corrected, the incisions will be closed using medical sutures.
A splint may be applied to help retain the new shape of the nose during recovery. A stent may also be inserted into the nasal cavity to allow for better airflow since swelling and blockages can occur as a result of surgery.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty often involves fracturing nasal bones, trimming cartilage, and manipulating and repositioning soft tissues. This causes a significant amount of trauma, no matter how precise and careful the surgeon is. Because of this, bruising in areas around the nose, like underneath the eyes, may occur.
There is also a significant amount of swelling that occurs. A majority of the swelling will go down after around a week or more, and the issue will continue to ameliorate over the next few months. Some swelling can last six months to a year, though this swelling is largely internal. The nasal tip can hold on to swelling for months.
Results from Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty can lead to significant changes in appearance and function. Following the procedure, you can expect improvements in the size, shape, and symmetry of your nose, aligning it more closely with your desired goals. Whether you seek subtle refinements or more significant changes, rhinoplasty can help you achieve a nose that enhances facial harmony.
The initial results of rhinoplasty become apparent once the initial swelling subsides, typically within the first few weeks after surgery. However, it’s essential to understand that complete healing and final results may take several months to a year to fully appear. During this time, residual swelling gradually dissipates, allowing for a more refined and natural-looking outcome.
One of the most rewarding aspects of rhinoplasty is its long-lasting impact. Once you’ve healed fully, the results of your procedure are generally permanent. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your nose from trauma to ensure the longevity of your results. By adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments, you can maintain the results of your procedure for a lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Rhinoplasty
To learn more about rhinoplasty, including pre-operative and post-operative care directions, or if you have decided that rhinoplasty is right for you and are ready to start the process, contact Marietta Plastic Surgery to arrange a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Our surgeons serve Marietta, Woodstock, and the greater Atlanta area and will take the time to understand your specific aesthetic goals so that they can provide you with rhinoplasty results that fully satisfy your needs. They will walk you through the procedure in greater detail, including the recovery process. Contact us to get started today.
