According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty – also known as a “nose job” – was the most common cosmetic surgery performed in the United States in 2020. That’s right – more rhinoplasties were performed than liposuctions or breast augmentations. This goes to show that rhinoplasty is the most in-demand facial surgery for people who are unhappy with the shape and size of their noses.
If you are considering rhinoplasty to reshape your nose or to enhance your appearance, here are seven facts you should consider and where you can go to receive an excellent rhinoplasty in Atlanta, GA.
1. Nose Jobs Are Performed for More Than Just Cosmetic Reasons
Nose jobs can help people who have breathing problems or an injury to the nose – this is called a functional rhinoplasty. For instance, your doctor may recommend rhinoplasty to reconstruct your nose after a traumatic injury, to repair the severely twisted or crooked cartilage in the nose, or repair a deviated septum and help you breathe better.
2. Nose Surgery Has Been Performed For Thousands of Years
Most people consider nose surgery a modern surgical practice, but in fact, people have been operating on noses since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians performed rudimentary nose surgeries as far back as 3000 BCE, and a doctor in India invented the forehead flap rhinoplasty in India in 500 BCE. Rhinoplasties have improved drastically since then and are a safe and common surgical procedure.
3. Both Women and Men Get Rhinoplasties
It is a common misconception that only women get rhinoplasties. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 65,000 men got nose jobs in 2020. Women still account for the majority of rhinoplasty procedures – over 287,000 women got nose jobs in 2020 – but that doesn’t mean men do not or cannot get the procedure.
4. Rhinoplasty Is a Quick Procedure
A nose job is a quick procedure that takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. In most cases, you can go home the same day after your procedure. Recovery doesn’t take too long either, but you may be required to wear a small cast on your nose for five to ten days.
5. There Are Risks to Rhinoplasty, but Severe Side Effects Are Unlikely
Like any other surgery, rhinoplasty does carry some risk. Potential side effects after surgery include nosebleeds, infection, scarring, skin discoloration, and a hole in the nasal septum. However, as long as you follow all aftercare procedures from your plastic surgeon, your nose should health with minimal side effects.
6. Insurance Does Not Usually Cover Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
If you’re opting for a nose job to improve your appearance, your insurance will not cover it. However, if you want it done to correct a medical problem like nasal obstruction, insurance may cover it. Rhinoplasty that is done for both cosmetic and medical purposes may be covered by insurance. Make sure to check with your insurance company whether or not they will cover the cost of the type of rhinoplasty you need.
7. Your Plastic Surgeon May Use Cartilage and Skin from Other Parts of Your Body
In minor cosmetic rhinoplasties, your surgeon may be able to correct the shape of your nose simply by shaving down the existing bone and cartilage in the nose, or by taking a small amount of cartilage from the ear to improve the shape of the nose.
Major cosmetic rhinoplasties and functional rhinoplasties may involve more tissue from the rest of your body to restructure or rebuild your nose. For instance, when a lot of cartilage is needed, it is taken from the rib area to reconstruct the underlying nasal structure. When a lot of new skin is needed, it may be taken from the forehead to replace the skin covering the nasal cartilage and bone. When planning your rhinoplasty, your doctor will recommend what kind of surgery you need and where cartilage or skin should be taken from your body, if needed.
Rhinoplasty in Atlanta, GA
If you’re looking for a qualified plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty, look no further than our board-certified, and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mackay. He has successfully performed rhinoplasty hundreds of times over the 30 years he has been practicing medicine, so you know you’re in good hands.
To schedule a rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Mackay, call our clinic today at (404) 777-9791 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
