As a board-certified plastic surgeon, with many years of rhinoplasty experience in Dallas, Dr. Steve Byrd has seen all varieties of nose surgery patients. Many of these Dallas rhinoplasty patients are surprised at how important mathematics is to the surgical outcome, while others are surprised by how important art is to the final results. Dr. Byrd's plastic surgery approach is the perfect balance between the two seemingly opposing fields, the combination of which results in rhinoplasty outcomes that are not only cosmetically pleasing, but also leave the patient breathing more freely as well.

When patients consult with board-certified plastic surgeons in Dallas regarding rhinoplasty, they have a series of pictures taken from various angles. For a number of these pictures, the patient is holding a ruler next to their face. Dr. Byrd then uses these pictures not only to solidify his surgical plan, but also to confirm the patient's current facial proportions. Rhinoplasty isn't just about making a nose look better, but it's also just as important to achieve facial balance and restore the proportion between nose and chin. These "ruler pictures" are e-mailed to the patient a few days after their consultation to give them an understanding of the surgical plan, and to provide a preview image that represents the anticipated results. Keep in mind that those results won't be fully realized until a year post-op. Swelling and scar tissue development can linger on for months, so the keyword here is "patience." Wait, and know that in time, the anticipated results will be realized.

Often a rhinoplasty case can dramatically impact a patient's image. The increase in positive self-image and resulting self-confidence can make a remarkable difference in personal relationships and even career opportunities. The self-confidence gained when a patient is comfortable with their looks, can be the boost needed to apply for promotions, or take on challenges that may have been avoided previously. Rhinoplasty is not the answer to all of life's ills, but increased self-confidence can be a powerful tool.

At my practice, procedures such as rhinoplasty are not just about achieving a cosmetically pleasing outcome, although that's always a major factor in any Dallas plastic surgery case. One of the often overlooked factors in rhinoplasty cases is functional improvement. Many rhinoplasty patients in were not even aware that their breathing had become restricted by internal nasal damage. When function is improved, breathing becomes less labored, and patients gain back energy they thought was forever lost. These rediscovered health benefits show up in the athletic arena as well. Increased self-confidence, easier breathing, and improved sleeping – the added energy and the body's improved ability to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen can improve an athlete's physical performance, which can make them much more competitive. Even the casual athlete may notice that their daily walks can be at a faster pace, or they can choose to play another set of tennis.

Dr. Byrd teaches his rhinoplasty techniques to plastic surgeons all over the world. Each country has a different set of ethnic traditions and ideas of "beauty." There are some constants however, which apply no matter the time zone: the facial balance and proportion between nose and chin are resolute, and patients who breathe more freely have improved function.