Natural Refinement & Structural Balance

Rhinoplasty is rarely about wanting a completely "new" nose. Most patients simply want the nose they feel they should have been born with—one that fits their face, breathes clearly, and doesn’t demand attention when they look in the mirror. It is a procedure of millimeters, where the goal isn’t to change who you are, but to align your exterior appearance with how you feel inside.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kerolus approaches rhinoplasty in Atlanta as both an artist and a structural engineer. Whether you are looking to refine a dorsal hump, narrow the tip, or correct breathing difficulties from a deviated septum, Dr. Kerolus designs a surgical plan that prioritizes long-term stability and facial harmony. You typically won’t look "done"—you will simply look like the best version of yourself.

What is rhinoplasty?

Balance Over Drastic Changes

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a "nose job," is a surgical procedure to reshape the bone and cartilage of the nose. In the hands of a specialist, it is the most nuanced procedure for facial balance because the nose sits at the center of the face as a focal point. Altering it even slightly can draw more attention to the eyes and smile, enhancing your overall natural beauty.

Dr. Kerolus specializes in both cosmetic rhinoplasty (focusing on shape and proportion) and functional reconstruction. For many patients in Atlanta, GA, these two goals are combined. You shouldn’t have to choose between a nose that looks good and one that works properly. By addressing nasal anatomy holistically, Dr. Kerolus ensures you breathe as beautifully as you look.

Atlanta rhinoplasty model with blonde hair

Why
Patients Choose Rhinoplasty

Breathe Better, Look Better

The motivation for rhinoplasty is rarely about vanity; it’s about distraction. When a nose is out of proportion, it tends to steal focus from the rest of the face. Most of our patients aren't looking for a "celebrity nose"—they just want their own nose to blend in seamlessly so their eyes and smile can take the lead.

We typically look at the nose from three angles to identify what is throwing off that balance. Dr. Kerolus commonly helps patients who want to:

Soften the bridge by reducing a dorsal hump or bump.
Refine the tip, specifically addressing bulbous, drooping, or asymmetrical shapes.
Adjust the width of the nostrils or the nasal base for a narrower profile.
Restore breathing by correcting a deviated septum or airway obstruction.
Repair trauma from past sports injuries or accidents that altered the nose’s shape.

The Importance of Nasal Anatomy

It is a common misconception that rhinoplasty is purely a "subtractive" surgery—taking away bone or cartilage to make the nose smaller. But if you simply remove tissue without supporting what’s left, the nose can weaken or even collapse years down the road.

Atlanta rhinoplasty, Dr. Kerolus approaches your nose like an architect, not just a sculptor. Drawing on her background in facial reconstruction, she often adds hidden support—using tiny cartilage grafts—to reinforce the nasal structure. This ensures that your results don't just look natural on reveal day, but remain stable, strong, and beautiful for the decades to come.

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty??

Mindset Matters Most

The good candidate for rhinoplasty is physically healthy, a non-smoker, and possesses a clear, realistic mindset. Dr. Kerolus emphasizes that surgery is not a tool for fixing personal unhappiness, but a method for aesthetic refinement.

During your initial consultation at our Atlanta office, Dr. Kerolus will listen to your specific goals. You are encouraged to bring photos of noses you admire—not to copy them, but to help communicate your aesthetic preferences. She will examine your nasal skin thickness, cartilage strength, and facial features to determine what is surgically achievable.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Most patients who feel confident in their decision understand that perfection is impossible, but significant improvement and balance are the goals.

Open
vs.
Closed Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty procedures are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the complexity of the changes required, Dr. Kerolus will utilize one of two primary approaches

Open Rhinoplasty

In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made on the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils). This allows Dr. Kerolus to lift the skin and view the underlying nasal structure directly. This method provides the best visualization for complex reshaping, adding cartilage grafts, or extensive nose reshaping. While it involves an external incision, Dr. Kerolus closes it with meticulous precision, ensuring that the resulting visible scar is virtually imperceptible once healed.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils. This is typically reserved for patients requiring minor refinements to the nasal bridge or simple tip adjustments. Because there are no external incisions, there is no visible scarring.

Dr. Kerolus creates a customized plan for every patient. Whether you undergo open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty, her priority is preserving the structural integrity of the nose while achieving the desired cosmetic appearance.

Specialized
Rhinoplasty
Techniques

Ethnic Rhinoplasty & African American Rhinoplasty

Dr. Kerolus is highly experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty, including African American rhinoplasty. The goal of these procedures is never to erase heritage or "westernize" the nose, but to refine features while maintaining cultural identity.

Patients with thicker nasal skin or softer cartilage require specific techniques to achieve definition. Dr. Kerolus may focus on narrowing the nostrils, defining a bulbous nasal tip, or augmenting the bridge without compromising the patient’s unique look.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is a procedure performed to correct the results of a previous nose surgery. These cases are often more complex due to scar tissue and compromised nasal anatomy. As a specialist who co-edited a textbook on correcting surgical results with Dr. Paul Nassif, Dr. Kerolus has deep expertise in restoring both function and aesthetics for patients who are unhappy with a prior outcome.

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty

In select cases, Dr. Kerolus may utilize ultrasonic rhinoplasty tools (piezoelectric instruments). This technology allows for precise reshaping of the nasal bones without damaging the surrounding soft tissue, often leading to less bruising and a faster recovery.

Atlanta rhinoplasty model with brown hair

Your Procedure

Dr. Kerolus performs rhinoplasty surgery at an accredited surgery center or hospital in Atlanta to ensure the highest standards of patient safety.

The Procedure Begins:

Anesthesia: You will be placed under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure you are comfortable and safe throughout the surgical procedure.
Incisions: Dr. Kerolus makes the necessary open or closed incisions.
Reshaping: Bone and cartilage are sculpted. If you have breathing difficulties, the septum is straightened.
Grafting: If needed, cartilage grafts are harvested (usually from the septum) and placed to support the tip or bridge.
Closing: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a splint is placed to protect the nose.

Recovery & Downtime

Recovery is an investment in patience. While you will see an immediate difference once the splint is removed, the recovery process happens in stages.

Week 1: You will wear a small cast/splint. You may feel "stuffy," like you have a cold. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common.
The Reveal (Day 7): Dr. Kerolus removes the splint. This is an exciting moment where you get the first glimpse of your new profile. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities (with makeup) at this point.
Weeks 2-6: The majority of swelling subsides. You can return to light exercise. You must avoid contact sports to protect the healing bones.
Months 6-12: Residual swelling in the nasal tip slowly resolves. It takes a full year for the skin to "shrink wrap" completely around the new structure and for the final results to emerge.

Dr. Kerolus and her team provide detailed instructions on how to reduce swelling—such as sleeping elevated and avoiding blood thinners—to ensure a smooth healing process.

Why Choose Dr. Kerolus for Rhinoplasty in Atlanta?

Rhinoplasty is widely recognized as the most difficult cosmetic surgery to master. It requires a facial plastic surgeon who understands not just aesthetics, but the long-term dynamics of healing cartilage and patient safety.

Dr. Julia Kerolus is a double board-certified specialist. Her background includes extensive training in facial paralysis and reconstruction, giving her a deeper understanding of facial mechanics than many general plastic surgeons. She builds noses to last.

Beyond her technical skill, Dr. Kerolus offers a level of access rare in Atlanta medicine. She provides her personal cell phone number to surgery patients, ensuring that if you have a concern at night or on the weekend, you are texting your rhinoplasty doctor directly—not a call center.

Schedule Your Consultation

Change yourself

Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Julia Kerolus

If you are considering rhinoplasty in Atlanta, the most important step is finding a surgeon who listens to your goals and prioritizes your well-being. Dr. Kerolus is dedicated to helping you achieve natural-looking results that boost your self-confidence.

Contact our Atlanta office today to schedule your consultation. Let’s discuss how we can align your appearance with how you feel inside.

Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Most patients are surprised to find that nose surgery is not particularly painful. You may feel congestion similar to a sinus infection for the first few days due to internal swelling. Prescription medication is provided to manage discomfort, but many patients switch to Tylenol within a few days.

Will insurance cover my nose job?

If the surgery is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover it. However, if you have a deviated septum causing breathing issues or documented nasal trauma, the functional portion of the procedure (septoplasty) may be covered. Our office can help you navigate these details.

How do I prepare for rhinoplasty surgery?

Preparation involves avoiding blood thinners (like aspirin or ibuprofen) for two weeks prior to surgery to minimize bruising. We also recommend setting up a comfortable recovery area at home. Dr. Kerolus will provide a comprehensive guide during your initial consultation.

Can I combine rhinoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine rhinoplasty with other procedures such as a chin implant (to balance facial proportions), eyelid surgery, or even neck surgery to achieve comprehensive facial harmony.

Let Your Beauty Shine

Schedule a Consultation

Taking care of yourself is about more than just annual check-ups and eating right. You also want to preserve your ability to look and feel your best. If you feel like you have an area that you want to improve through plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kerolus. She will make sure you find the right treatment for your best results.

1218 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Suite 108, Atlanta, GA 30327

(404) 233-3937

Rhinoplasty