deviated septum

Rhinoplasty surgery, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a procedure that has both cosmetic and medical benefits. Because everyone’s nose is unique, the surgery is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. By accounting for individual facial characteristics, I, Dr. John L. LeRoy, am able to create natural-looking rhinoplasty results to positively transform a patient’s appearance. Unfortunately, there are still myths and misconceptions about nose surgery floating around. To help you decipher fact from fiction, I have dispelled five common myths I often hear about this procedure.

#1: Rhinoplasty surgery is painful.
When I perform rhinoplasty surgery, I put my patients under local or general anesthesia prior to the procedure. The type of anesthesia is based on the level of correction as well as patient preference. Because of this, it’s typical to not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. After the procedure, you will typically experience swelling and slight soreness, but these symptoms will subside within a few days.

#2: Only women undergo rhinoplasty surgery.
While the majority of cosmetic procedures are undergone by women, thousands of men elect to receive cosmetic surgeries every year. It is not uncommon for men to have cosmetic concerns about their appearance and seek treatment. Additionally, many men are interested in rhinoplasty because of the medical benefits it carries when it comes to correcting a deviated septum or improving breathing.

#3: You have to get your nose “touched-up” every few years.
While a small number of patients may want revision surgery years after their procedure, a nose job is designed to be a one-time surgery. The results from your initial procedure should not change over the years. However, since the aging process can be unpredictable, some patients may require minimal maintenance.

#4: You must be a certain age to undergo nose surgery.
Compared to other cosmetic procedures, rhinoplasty surgery is unique because it can be performed on a wide range of ages. Patients who can undergo nose surgery range from teenagers to those past their middle age years. There is no right age for this procedure, but it’s important that the facial features of younger patients are fully developed before surgery.

#5: Rhinoplasty surgery causes breathing problems.
When it comes to this myth, the exact opposite is true. When performed to help treat medical concerns, rhinoplasty surgery can actually make it easier to breathe because your plastic surgeon will open up and reconstruct the nasal passages. During the recovery period, some patients may experience minor nasal blockage, but this will quickly heal. Ultimately, after your board-certified plastic surgeon performs your surgery, you should expect your breathing to improve or to remain the same depending on your desired outcome.

Now that a few myths have been busted, hopefully you have a better understanding about rhinoplasty surgery and how it can help improve the appearance and function of your nose. If you’re interested in learning more about nose surgery and how this procedure can work for you, contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John L. LeRoy in Atlanta today. Additionally, follow along with me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more insights about cosmetic and plastic surgery.