Atlanta rhinoplasty

Cosmetic nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, has long been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures because the nose can have such a strong impact on the overall look of the face. Even a small change to the nose can improve the balance and symmetry of all the facial features. But despite how common the surgery is, many patients are nervous and have a lot of unanswered questions as they begin to learn about rhinoplasty. Today, Atlanta board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott is answering some of the most frequently asked questions about nose surgery.

What cosmetic issues can rhinoplasty address?
Dr. Elliott: Like all plastic surgeries, rhinoplasty differs from patient to patient because it’s tailored to your unique needs. The procedure can improve the appearance of crooked or asymmetrical noses, noses with bumps or depressions, overly large nasal tips or nostrils, and noses that are larger or smaller than the patient would like them to be. But this isn’t an exhaustive list, so you should talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your specific concerns.

Can rhinoplasty fix breathing problems?
Dr. Elliott: Generally speaking, yes, there are several breathing problems that can be improved with nose surgery, including a deviated septum and structural breathing obstructions. In many cases, these medical changes are accompanied by aesthetic changes as well. However, not all breathing issues can be corrected with rhinoplasty, so be sure to schedule a plastic surgery consultation to discuss your specific goals and expectations.

Is rhinoplasty safe?
Dr. Elliott: Nose surgery has existed for a long time and medical advancements have made it an increasingly safe procedure. However, every surgery has risks, and I discuss this thoroughly with my patients before their surgery so they can make an informed decision. The best way to minimize your risk of complications is to choose an experienced and reputable board-certified plastic surgeon and to follow all of their instructions both before and after your procedure.

What scarring can I expect after rhinoplasty?
Dr. Elliott: Your scars depend on the details of your surgery. For some rhinoplasty patients, incisions can be made solely inside the nose itself, so that no scarring will be visible. Other patients require an incision across the small area between their nostrils, but scarring is still minimal and is in a rather discrete area of the face. To change the size of the nostrils, you may require external incisions, but these scars can be disguised within the natural creases of the nose.

How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?
Dr. Elliott: In general, rhinoplasty patients can expect to return to most of their daily activities within two to three weeks after their surgery. However, it depends on how extensive your procedure was, as well as your individual medical needs. Before any plastic surgery, I discuss my patient’s expected recovery time based on their specific circumstances and help them understand how to prepare.

As with any cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty can make a powerful difference in a patient’s life by giving them confidence and self-esteem they’ve never had. However, not everyone is a good candidate for rhinoplasty. To start discussing whether rhinoplasty (or a different plastic surgery) may be a good choice for you, scheduled a consultation with Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful tips and the latest plastic surgery news, follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.