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Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

There are two different types of nose surgery available to meet the needs of our patients.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic rhinoplasty improves your appearance. Your nose is reshaped to be more symmetrical and proportional to your other facial features. It can be used to make your nose smaller, narrower, more/less angled, and to reshape the size and position of your nasal passages.

Functional Rhinoplasty

Some people’s nasal valves are just naturally narrow, while others become impaired through injury or collapse as they age. Functional rhinoplasty involves repairing the cartilage in your nostrils and correcting any structural defects that obstruct your airway to help you breathe better.

Rhinoplasty Consultation

Rhinoplasty is an extremely complex and custom procedure that requires the skill of an expert rhinoplasty surgeon, like our talented doctors in Atlanta, GA. An in-person consultation is the first step in getting a beautiful outcome, and because the rhinoplasty procedure is so custom, effective communication is an essential part of the process. A consultation will help ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page about the desired outcome of the surgery.

During your consultation, you will discuss your goals for surgery, and have your nose assessed by one of our highly trained cosmetic surgeons. You will also have your candidacy assessed and have the opportunity to ask questions about your procedure. Use your consultation time wisely—it's a valuable opportunity for you to get to know your surgeon and plan your procedure.

Rhinoplasty Candidates

While there is no upper age limit on rhinoplasty, the procedure is most popular among young adults. Most people who choose cosmetic nasal surgery have disliked their nose for years and try to take action to fix the problem as soon as they can. Good candidates for rhinoplasty are healthy, non-smoking adults with aesthetic or functional issues of the nose. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results of rhinoplasty, and be willing to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions.

Rhinoplasty Procedure 

Because rhinoplasty is a complex and custom surgery, the procedure is never performed in exactly the same way twice. Surgeons take an artistic approach to cosmetic nasal surgery and use a variety of techniques as needed to reach the patient's goals. Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, and takes a few hours to complete. Incisions are very small, and are made either between the nostrils externally, or inside the nostrils. Techniques that may be used during the surgery include:

  • Cartilage grafting
  • Straightening of the nasal septum
  • Bone rasping
  • Osteotomy (breaking the nose)
  • Nostril re-positioning

Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed and a splint is placed on the nose to protect it for the first few days. Nasal packing is generally unnecessary.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

The initial recovery period from nasal surgery is uncomfortable, but generally not as bad as patients expect. Pain can be controlled with prescribed medication, and remedies like Arnica and Bromelain can help with swelling. The dressings and stitches on the nose will remain in place for about a week, and patients will need to keep their head elevated and avoid anything that might put strain on the nose and the incisions, including bending over, wearing glasses, blowing the nose, smiling/laughing, and vigorous tooth brushing.

After the first one to two weeks, patients can begin to resume normal activities, and can usually go back to a desk job. Bruising will fade over a few weeks, but swelling from the procedure takes longer to resolve. Initial swelling will mostly subside in the first month or two after surgery, but residual swelling can take up to a year to resolve fully. Patients can help encourage a good outcome by following all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.

Rhinoplasty FAQs 
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To book an appointment, please use your MyChart account online or call 404-778-6880.