Rhinoplasty
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
When you think of a beautiful face, you probably think of harmony and balance between all facial features. Because the nose is at the center of the face, it mustn’t distract from the rest of your features. Suppose you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose and wish to improve the aesthetic features of your overall facial appearance. In that case, a cosmetic rhinoplasty may be a good option for you. Having a specialist perform your rhinoplasty is paramount and the best way to ensure natural-looking, beautiful results while improving or at least maintaining your nasal bones and breathing.
What is Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty, also referred to as “nose job”, is a cosmetic procedure done to reshape your nose to enhance your facial harmony while optimizing nasal airflow. This procedure is very popular and is performed on clients of a wide age range starting as young as a teenager. Rhinoplasty can address many nasal problems, including:
- Size of the nose.
- Dorsal hump, nasal bridge height, and width.
- Crooked nose.
- Bulbous tip.
- Nasal tip size, rotation, and projection.
- Nostril size, width, and shape.
- Amorphous nasal shape.
- Alar-columellar relationship.
- Nasal asymmetry.
- Nasal obstruction.
As part of rhinoplasty, Dr. Walker corrects a deviated septum, if present, in which the nasal septum is crooked or off-center, contributing to difficulty breathing. Nasal valve collapse correction, inferior turbinate reduction, and septal perforation repair are commonly performed with a rhinoplasty. Dr. Walker can adjust any nasal structure to produce proper alignment for easier breathing, which often leads to decreased snoring, increased exercise tolerance, less frequent dry throats, and improved quality of life.
Background / Training
Dr. Walker grew up in southern Germany and relocated with his family to the United States in 2000, where he completed his college, medical school, residency, and fellowship in various parts of the country. He underwent extensive surgical training solely dedicated to the head and neck that began with a five-year residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery accredited by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) at the University of Miami. He was appointed Chief Resident his final year of residency by his mentors and peers. During his residency training, Dr. Walker worked with some of the most renowned and respected rhinoplasty surgeons in the world, namely Dr. Richard Davis and Dr. Robert Simons. Dr. Walker was subsequently selected as one of approximately 40 surgeons annually to complete a highly competitive, one-year apprenticeship-style fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accredited by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), which he completed at the University of Illinois – Chicago as the personal fellow of Dr. Dean Toriumi. Dr. Toriumi is a pioneer of modern and structural rhinoplasty and is widely regarded as one of the best rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgeons in the world.
During his time in Chicago, Dr. Walker served as clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois – Chicago where he taught and helped foster Facial Plastic Surgery skills of the ENT residents at UIC. This position provided Dr. Walker with exposure to some of the most advanced techniques in modern rhinoplasty surgery as well as to some of the most complex cases from across the globe.
Professional Experience
His extensive training in various plastic surgery capitals of the world, Miami and Chicago, laid the foundation for Dr. Walker’s broad armamentarium to perform all ranges of rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery: primary rhinoplasty (noses that were never operated on before), Ethnic Rhinoplasty, Asian Rhinoplasty, African-American Rhinoplasty, Revision (secondary and tertiary) Rhinoplasty, or complicated cases such as saddle nose deformities, cocaine noses, cleft lip nasal deformities, noses damaged by implants or fillers, and septal perforations.
As a double board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOTO), and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Walker exhibits the highest level of specialization, education, and certification in Facial Plastic Surgery as well as the highest standards of patient care with board-certification in all areas of his expertise. Dr. Walker is also a member of the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor society, an accolade reserved only for the top 5% of students in medical school. He has been active as a research investigator and has presented his research at the national and international level. He has also authored publications and book chapters in the most highly regarded publications in the fields of facial plastic surgery.
In his spare time, Dr. Walker enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing golf and tennis, baking, and traveling the world.
Before & After Results
Rhinoplasty Recovery
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will go home on the day of your surgery under the care of a responsible adult family member or friend. The recovery from rhinoplasty occurs in various stages. From that perspective, rhinoplasty is somewhat different from other facial surgeries. There is an initial 1- to 2-week period during which the bruising (if present) subsides, and the nasal external and internal swelling improves for improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed one week after your procedure; at this point, you can let water run over your nose again when washing your hair. Most patients experience some discomfort for the first couple of days that most patients can control with Tylenol. However, a small amount of pain medication is prescribed to you if you experience discomfort. You are encouraged to rest during the first week and to adhere to Dr. Walker’s thorough post-operative instructions, including a low-sodium diet, avoidance of strenuous activities, no nose-blowing, no straining with bowel movements, and avoidance of coughing if possible.
This is followed by a 4- to 6-week period of continued swelling resolution during which strenuous activities and salt/sodium intake are discouraged. The post-surgical period is almost over, and the detailed post-operative results are starting to become more apparent. There is still residual swelling on the nose, and this will change from day to day. Some days, the nose will look better than others as the swelling continues to go up and down. Although the swelling completely subsides after about a month, the secondary healing stage will start with skin contracture of the nose and continued nasal refinement, taking on the shape of the underlying framework, which takes multiple months. The residual swelling is starting to decrease from top to bottom. The top of the nose (bridge) is looking more refined. Strenuous activities may be resumed after 4-6 weeks.
By the 3 months mark at the latest, you have gotten used to the new facial aesthetic that your rhinoplasty has given you. Generally, most visible changes will have occurred by the three-month mark, although it takes a full year or so for the final nasal shape to be present. Most clients no longer feel subconscious about their nose after 4-6 weeks and are ready for wedding photos to be taken after about 2-3 months. The nose tip is usually the last area to completely “heal.” This area may still have a small amount of fullness after 3-6 months. Dr. Walker will closely monitor your healing throughout the recovery process with regular follow-up visits.
You can enjoy full final results after about one year with essentially invisible incisions.
Why Choose Dr Walker for Your Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty are regarded as the most complex and delicate surgeries in cosmetic surgery. It takes a certain character and attention to detail of a surgeon with technical skills to master this operation consistently well. Expertise in rhinoplasty requires training, experience, anatomical knowledge, and excellent technical skills. Having trained under one of the most renowned nose experts in the world, Dr. Dean Toriumi, in Chicago, Dr. Walker is widely recognized as one of the finest rhinoplasty surgeons in the Southeastern United States and the entire nation. Many of Dr. Walker’s patients travel across state lines and internationally from overseas to seek Dr. Walker’s rhinoplasty expertise. He has exceptional qualifications and has based his career upon delivering consistently excellent results in primary and very complex tertiary rhinoplasty surgeries. He is known for individualizing his surgical plans for every patient and artistry in the operating room. He will spend as much time as needed to deliver the best possible result to every patient. From the initial consultation to the surgical procedure, Dr. Walker is devoted to giving as much time as is necessary to meet and hopefully exceed all of his patients’ expectations. He follows his patients long-term (months to years) to ensure they achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Although rarely necessary, an early in-office intervention such as steroid injections, needle shave, or other small interventions can prevent the need for revision surgery down the line.
Schedule Your
Consultation
If you would like to learn more about the best rhinoplasty Atlanta has to offer and how it can benefit you, contact our Atlanta office today! Our team will be happy to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Walker. This is your first step on your cosmetic procedure journey, during which you will discuss your individual rhinoplasty goals with Dr. Walker. He will then create an individualized treatment plan to make your aesthetic goals a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dr. Thomas Walker has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 for rhinoplasty, earning a top-40 national ranking among hundreds of surgeons in the category.
Dr. Walker is listed among Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in 2024 & 2025 in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology. As a premier provider of rhinoplasty and facial cosmetic procedures, he offers an award-winning experience here in Atlanta.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.
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