Shape & Proportion
Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase nasal size, change the shape of the tip or bridge, and narrow the width of the nostrils.
Facial Plastic Surgery • Marietta, Georgia
Rhinoplasty in the Atlanta Metro Area
Rhinoplasty can reshape the nose to improve proportion, address specific structural concerns and create a result that feels balanced with the rest of your facial features.
Nose Surgery
A personalized approach to nasal shape and balance
Imagine looking in the mirror and feeling more confident about the nose you see.
The board-certified surgeon at Plastic Surgery Center of the South helps patients pursue their aesthetic goals with rhinoplasty in Marietta, Georgia. Rhinoplasty—often called a “nose job”—can enhance the appearance of the nose and, in some cases, address reconstructive or breathing concerns.
Plastic Surgery Center of the South sees rhinoplasty patients from throughout metro Atlanta, Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and surrounding areas.
Candidates for Rhinoplasty
What rhinoplasty may help address
The shape, size and appearance of the nose are determined by genetics and may also change because of trauma. Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose, and the right approach depends on your anatomy, concerns and expectations.
Reconstructive Needs
The procedure may be reconstructive in nature to address birth defects, nasal injury or reconstruction after tissue loss such as from skin cancer treatment.
Breathing Concerns
In appropriate cases, nasal surgery may also help relieve certain breathing problems while addressing structural concerns.
Your surgeon evaluates the nasal bones and cartilage, facial shape, skin thickness, age and—most importantly—your expectations. Together, you will discuss the aesthetic outcome that best fits your face and goals.
Your Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Corey Harkins evaluates the structure of the nose in relation to the entire face, taking into account bone, cartilage, skin thickness and each patient’s goals before recommending a surgical plan.
Because communication is essential in rhinoplasty, he discusses expectations, technique, recovery and the potential risks and benefits in detail before surgery.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Surgery Experience
Individualized Surgical Planning
About Rhinoplasty Surgery
Open and closed rhinoplasty techniques
Rhinoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It may be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and the surgery commonly takes an hour or two, with more complicated procedures taking longer.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Incisions remain inside the nose
With a closed approach, all incisions are made inside the nose. The surgeon then reshapes the underlying framework according to the surgical plan.
Open Rhinoplasty
Adds a small columellar incision
An open technique uses a small incision across the columella, or base of the nose, in addition to internal access. Your surgeon determines which approach is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
The Surgical Process
Reshaping the nasal framework
The goal is to create a nasal shape that works naturally with the proportions of your face.
01
Anesthesia & Surgical Planning
Your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using the anesthesia approach selected for your surgery and medical needs.
02
Surgical Access
The operation is performed with either a closed approach using internal incisions or an open approach that includes a small incision across the columella.
03
Bone & Cartilage Reshaping
The underlying framework of bone and cartilage is reshaped according to the individualized surgical plan.
04
Skin Redraping
After the framework has been adjusted, the skin is redraped over the new nasal structure and the incisions are closed.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty
What to expect during the early healing period
After surgery, a splint is usually applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packing may also be placed to stabilize the nose and septum. Swelling, bruising and temporary discomfort are expected during early healing.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping and use cold compresses as directed to help with swelling.
Avoid blowing your nose during the first week or until your surgeon confirms the tissue has healed sufficiently.
Be gentle when washing your face and hair, and protect the nose from rubbing, impact and sunburn.
A little bleeding can occur during the first few days. Splints, packing and sutures are usually removed within about a week, and most post-operative discomfort can be controlled with medication.
Returning to Your Routine
Recovery happens in stages
Visible healing occurs relatively quickly, but subtle nasal swelling can continue to improve for many months.
You should generally be able to return to work or school in about a week, depending on the activity level required. Strenuous activity—including jogging, swimming, bending or other activities that increase blood pressure—should be avoided for several weeks.
Avoid hitting or rubbing the nose during the early recovery period. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions about when you can safely resume normal exercise and activities.
About 1 week
Splints, packing and sutures are usually removed, and many patients return to work or school.
Several weeks
Strenuous activity and pressure or impact to the nose should continue to be avoided.
12+ months
Final refinement may continue as subtle swelling and firmness gradually resolve.
Rhinoplasty Results
Subtle or dramatic—always planned around your anatomy
The improved appearance of the nose may be subtle or dramatic depending on the pre-operative condition and surgical goals. Although the general change becomes visible much sooner, subtle swelling and firmness can take several months to resolve, and the final result may take more than a year to fully develop.
Facial Balance
The nose is evaluated in relation to the rest of the face rather than treated as an isolated feature.
Individualized Change
The amount of visible change depends on the starting anatomy, goals and surgical plan.
Gradual Refinement
Final definition develops progressively as residual swelling settles over time.
Safety & Expectations
Clear communication is essential to a successful plan
Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty surgery before the operation. It is important to discuss your expectations and goals before surgery so the recommended plan is aligned with what you hope to achieve.
Dr. Harkins conducts a thorough medical evaluation in the practice’s medical offices and surgical center before proceeding with surgery.
A detailed consultation comes first
Rhinoplasty is highly individualized. Your nasal structure, facial proportions, skin characteristics, medical history and expectations all influence the procedure and the anticipated outcome.
Plastic Surgery Center of the South treats rhinoplasty patients from throughout Georgia, across the country and internationally.
From the PSCS Blog
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Discuss your nose surgery goals with Dr. Harkins
A personalized consultation gives you the opportunity to review your nasal anatomy, aesthetic or functional concerns, surgical options, expected recovery and realistic goals for rhinoplasty.
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Procedure selection, recovery and results vary by patient. No outcome is guaranteed.