Confidence in our appearance is an important component of developing a positive self-image. As we move through life, strong self-esteem often contributes to our success. Throughout the teenage years, our faces go through a transformation due to normal growth and development. It is during this time that our most prominent facial feature, the nose, morphs into its adult shape. It is often during these years that nasal appearance becomes an issue. It is not uncommon for both teens and adults to get self-conscious about their appearance, and if a feature as prominent as the nose is the source of their discontent, this can negatively impact self-confidence.

Modern nasal surgery techniques often permit complete correction of both aesthetic and functional issues during the same procedure. However, aesthetic nasal surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is often referred to as the most challenging of all cosmetic surgery procedures. Therefore, the expertise of the surgeon is critical to obtaining consistently excellent outcomes. Of course, it is absolutely necessary that the surgeon be knowledgeable and skilled, but just as important, they must also have an artist’s eye for detail, proportion and symmetry.

If you are unhappy with your nasal appearance, you may wish to explore surgical correction. However, patients are often confused. Whom should I see? What can I afford? These are real issues that must be considered. Dr. Yellin has been performing rhinoplasty for more than 25 years. He is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, was Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery at Emory Healthcare for 12+ years, founded both the Emory Facial Center and Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center where he has practiced for the past 12 years, and has taught the art and science of rhinoplasty to a generation of surgeons. With that, Dr. Yellin would like to share some of the wisdom he has acquired during his time in practice when considering rhinoplasty or any aesthetic procedure for that matter. Find a surgeon with experience who listens to your concerns, whose aesthetic tastes you share and whose judgment you trust. Don’t spend more than you can afford but don’t choose your doctor solely on price. Though price is not an exact indicator of quality, there is truth to the statement, “you get what you pay for.” You can achieve technical success (a result which is appropriate for the treatment without complications) but artistic failure (you simply don’t look better or perhaps even worse).

Aesthetic procedures are just that, aesthetic. If you don’t look naturally more beautiful after treatment, the procedure has not served you well. Dr. Yellin respects the ethnicity of every face and aesthetically enhances each nose to complement the other facial features. Cosmetic rhinoplasty should create a natural, un-operated, more attractive appearance. While rhinoplasty improves one’s appearance, the real power lies in its ability to enhance self-confidence. Achieving that goal consistently defines excellence in rhinoplasty. Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon wisely. Your face is worth it.