Rhinoplasty in Atlanta, GA
If you’re unhappy with the shape, size, or projection of your nose–or if you do not love your profile–a rhinoplasty, a.k.a. A nose job can permanently correct whatever it is you don’t like about your nose. The nose is perhaps the most prominent feature on the face–it’s what most people notice first–and when it’s too pronounced, it can offset the entire balance of the face.
Rhinoplasty surgery continues to be a popular procedure and for good reasons. The surgery can drastically improve the width, height, and length of the nose and eliminate any humps, bumps, and bulbousness, as well as a drooping tip (a lack of support causes the tip to droop, which occurs from natural aging). It can also correct breathing problems and nasal obstructions resulting from a deviated or overly large septum (cartilage in the nose that separates the nostrils).
Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David B. Brothers, Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta offers rhinoplasty for men and women in Sandy Springs, Decatur, Duluth, and the surrounding areas.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The ideal rhinoplasty patient is someone who wants to permanently improve the look of their nose or correct a bulbous or droopy tip, bumps, humps, and asymmetries.
Before performing rhinoplasty, your surgeon will sit down with the patient and discuss how the surgery can help alleviate breathing issues and/or create a more attractive nose.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that adjusts the nose’s size, shape, and projection to better ‘fit’ your face and compliments other features, like the chin and jaw. Rhinoplasty can also correct nasal abnormalities or breathing issues due to a nasal defect or deviated septum.
During the surgery, your plastic surgeon will reshape the nose. While it sounds scarier and more painful than it is, your surgeon will make an internally controlled break (inside the nose), which allows him to reshape it and, ultimately, enhance your appearance. If additional support is needed to support the tip, your surgeon will add cartilage.
Since anesthesia is required, it is generally advised that candidates do not smoke, are in good health, and have realistic expectations of what a rhinoplasty will do for them. The best way to determine if rhinoplasty is the right choice for you is by consulting with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty is always performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. During your consultation, Dr. Brothers will examine your nose’s anatomy and structure to determine which rhinoplasty technique is best suited to correct the issues.
The three techniques used during rhinoplasty include:
CLOSED Rhinoplasty
This option requires two small incisions on the inside of the nostrils–they will be well hidden so that the resulting scars are virtually undetectable. Then, Dr. Brothers will use a special tool to reshape the existing cartilage, nasal bone, and surrounding tissue.
Open Rhinoplasty
While it is rare, an open rhinoplasty is usually a better option for patients with more complex nasal concerns or an abnormally larger nose.
The same incisions are made as closed during an open rhinoplasty, but an additional incision is made externally across the skin that separates the nostrils (the columella). This technique allows Dr. Brothers better accessibility to the nasal structure to reshape the cartilage, bones, and tissue.
Tip Rhinoplasty
When the tip of the nose drops too far forward, it can create an aged appearance that detracts from facial harmony. However, some patients only require improvement of the tip and not the rest of the nose.
A minimally invasive approach to correcting the nose, a tip rhinoplasty, corrects just the nasal tip. It can be performed either open or closed.
What Is Recovery Like After Rhinoplasty?
After surgery, you will wake up with a splint over the nose and a few small tubes in the nose, which will help fluid to drain correctly. There may also be packing inside your nose, which provides additional support as the nose heals, and a drip pad to catch any fluid or blood.
Stitches will also be used, which may dissolve independently in the coming weeks or need to be removed by Dr. Brothers. It’s crucial that you do not remove the splint, packaging, or sutures by yourself, no matter what.
Since rhinoplasty is significant surgery, it’s essential to have someone drive you home from surgery and stay with you for at least the first day.
It’s common for swelling to occur in and around the nose and for there to be some pain. Bruising around the eyes and cheeks is also typical. You may also feel like your nose is stuffed up as if you have a cold.
Since chewing may be cumbersome, it’s best to stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids. Also, sleep on your back and with your head elevated, which will assist in the overall recovery process.
After one week, you should be able to resume your everyday life. Then, after three to six weeks, you can start to exercise again.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Atlanta?
The cost of rhinoplasty varies by patient. During your consultation, you will be given a detailed cost estimate that includes all applicable surgical fees for Dr. Brothers, his surgical staff, medical supplies, and follow-up care.
Financing options for rhinoplasty are available via CareCredit®. We also accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.
Rhinoplasty FAQS
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How should I choose my rhinoplasty surgeon?
It’s essential to do your research first and always book a consultation with a plastic surgeon before committing to rhinoplasty. Doing your homework before surgery allows you to thoroughly inquire about the procedure and judge your comfort level with the surgeon.
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What type of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?
Both general anesthesia and local anesthesia with IV sedation can be used for rhinoplasty surgery. The right anesthesia choice depends on the technique that you and your surgeon depend on and your medical history, which will be reviewed during your consultation.
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Will I have scars after my rhinoplasty procedure?
Like all surgical procedures, a scar will form. However, most rhinoplasty scars are well hidden and barely detectable once you fully heal.
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When will I see my rhinoplasty results?
You may be able to notice a difference in the first few weeks after surgery, but there will be residual swelling that will take months to subside. At the year mark, your final results will be fully evident.
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What risks, if any, are associated with Rhinoplasty?
Due to anesthesia, rhinoplasty comes with potential risks, like all other elective procedures, although most are rare. They include:
- Bleeding
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bruising
- Poor healing
- Prolonged pain
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What other procedures should I consider to maximize my Rhinoplasty results?
Some patients choose to combine rhinoplasty with other surgical procedures to create better facial balance. For example, it’s common, although not necessary, to pair rhinoplasty with a chin implant if the chin appears weak and recessed.