How Can Undergoing Plastic Surgery Affect My Senses?

For many prospective patients, the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are essentially interchangeable. However, this is far from the truth. In addition to reconstructive plastic surgery procedures like breast reconstruction, it’s a fact that many cosmetic surgery procedures are able to provide additional medical benefits that many patients are not even aware of. To give you an idea, I wanted to discuss a few of the most common facial procedures that I perform and how they may (or may not) affect the patient’s senses.

Eyelid Surgery

In addition to rejuvenating the face and making the eyes look younger and more rested, undergoing eyelid surgery can help some patients improve their vision. When the upper eyelids begin to droop and sag, they can obstruct vision and keep the eyes from opening completely. By removing this excess tissue and fat from the eyelids, some patients may experience clearer, less obstructed vision.

Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a purely cosmetic procedure. Ear surgery can be incredibly helpful for patients who wish to alter the size or appearance of the ears. However, these are exclusively aesthetic changes that will not be able to help change a patient’s hearing.

Rhinoplasty

Undergoing rhinoplasty can actually improve a patient’s sense of smell. While some patients have had concerns about losing their senses of taste and smell following rhinoplasty, these are normal temporary side effects that will not last. In cases where the procedure helps to address issues like a deviated septum that can affect airflow to the nose, the patient may experience a more refined sense of smell following their surgery and post-surgery healing period.

While it’s true that the aesthetic results these procedures can help my patients achieve can be outstanding and long-lasting, the benefits of many of these surgeries are even more widespread than people even realize. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.