Rhinoplasty was the most common cosmetic surgery performed in the U.S. in 2020. Most people consider it to be solely a cosmetic procedure that will improve your appearance. Although rhinoplasty can surely improve your overall facial appearance and boost your confidence, it is frequently performed for other reasons as well.
WHAT ARE SOME SECONDARY BENEFITS OF RHINOPLASTY?
Some of the secondary benefits of rhinoplasty include the following:
- Broken nose: If your nose was broken due to an accident or any other cause, it can heal in a manner that adversely affects your breathing as well as your appearance. Rhinoplasty can restore both the appearance and the proper function of your nose so that you can breathe easier and possibly have fewer sinus problems, including sinus infections. It also frequently improves your quality of sleep leading to more daytime energy.
- Birth or structural defects: When a child is born with a birth defect such as a cleft lip or palate, a cleft lip rhinoplasty may be able to correct the nasal defect and restore both appearance and function of the nose. Breathing may be easier and self-confidence may increase. For a child with a fully developed nose, a rhinoplasty may decrease the bullying from peers that often occurs to a child who has a birth defect.
- Snoring: Although snoring is not immediately thought of to have health impacts, it can very well be the presenting symptom of a medical problem including OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). Snoring implies mouth breathing, often due to nasal obstruction. If medications fail and there are structural deformities, nasal surgery such as rhinoplasty is often the solution. A rhinoplasty may be able to eliminate the cause of your snoring and allow you and your partner to sleep in peace (and in the same room).
- Corrective surgery: If you’ve had a previous rhinoplasty that was improperly performed or you’re not happy with, a revision rhinoplasty may provide you with the nose that you want. If your nose is misshapen, crooked, or has features that you dislike, then rhinoplasty can provide the symmetry and features that you want.
HOW IS RHINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Dr. Walker can use either an “open” (external) or “closed” (endonasal) technique with the open approach typically being the preferred method for most patients. Although there are exceptions, patients should be at least 14 (women) or 16 (men) years old, in good health, and have gone through puberty. A reliable indicator whether or not one has reached physically maturity is through their shoe size. If there was no change in shoe size for over 12 months, one can safely assume that growth is completed and a rhiinolpasty can safely be undergone.
RHINOPLASTY PLASTIC SURGEON NEAR ME
Those who live in the Atlanta, GA, area can contact the office of Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS, who is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. His dedication and expertise have made him one of the best in the metro Atlanta area and Southeastern United States for facial cosmetic procedures. His techniques result in little to no scarring from his surgical procedures. Many patients travel from our of state and overseas to seek out their cosmetic services from Dr. Walker. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Walker, contact our office at 470.900.FACE (3223) or schedule a consultation online at your convenience. Secure telehealth appointments are also available.
