from JEZEBEL - Issue 69

BRIAN MALONEY, M.D., F.A.C.S., FOR THE MALONEY CENTER ON RHINOPLASTY IN ATLANTA

Description of the procedure: Rhinoplasty refers to reshaping of the nose - possibly making a large nose smaller, smoothing a hump or lifting a tired, aged nose.

Average cost: The cost ranges from $5,500 for the cosmetic outside changes and up to $7,500 if there are inside breathing issues. Revision rhinoplasty to correct a prior surgery can be more expensive.

Time involved with the preoperative process, the surgery itself and recovery: The patient shares his or her concerns with the doctor, the surgeon examines the inside and outside structure of the nose and computer imaging can be performed. I generally try to recommend a shape that is in proportion with the patient's features, making each nose different. The surgery takes 45 to 60 minutes to perform in a surgery center. Patients awaken with a small splint on the nose, which remains in place for a week, and they are usually back into activities in the same amount of time. Generally there is little to no bruising.

Duration of results: Once done, it should not need to be redone.

Frequency and upkeep of treatment: If the patient had a very crooked nose to start with or a history of injury to the nose, a slight irregularity might occur during the healing process, which could require a little spot welding at the end of the year.

Technique(s) recommended: Male and female goals are different. About a third of my patients are men, and with them I focus on maintaining a strong bridge and chin. In females, a smaller, elegant, lower bridge is desired, but with a softer chin.

Duration of discomfort: The uncomfortable part of the rhinoplasty used to be all the packing the surgeon would insert. Instead, I use dissolvable sutures, which means less pain, bruising and swelling. The majority of patients are back into their daily activities quickly and most of the swelling is gone by the end of two weeks.

Inpatient/outpatient procedure: It is mostly an outpatient procedure.

General/local anesthesia: It is performed under general anesthesia.

Risks and side effects: Though always possible, infection and bleeding are extremely unusual.

Best complementary procedures to have simultaneously: About 25 percent of rhinoplasty patients also have a weak chin and would benefit from a chin implant. This can be combined with facial liposuction in a younger patient or a facelift in a more mature patient to help bring the lower face into proportion and balance. A beautiful face is one in which all parts are working together in harmony.

Dr. Brian P. Maloney
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta, GA
(404) 252-5438