What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its size, shape, or proportion in relation to the rest of the face. It can also correct functional concerns, such as breathing difficulty caused by a deviated septum, alongside cosmetic changes. Because the nose sits at the center of the face, even small adjustments to its structure can refresh your overall facial balance and elevate your confidence.

Young woman with defined nose profile, wearing white blouse and pearl earring.

Bringing Your Facial Harmony Into Focus

A rhinoplasty goes beyond changing the nose itself to bring your whole face into better proportion. Here, our patients come to us to address the following:

  • Overly large or small nose 
  • Poor overall facial proportions
  • Bumps and dips in the nasal bridge
  • Bulbous, drooping, or upturned nasal tip
  • Asymmetrical nostrils 
  • Breathing issues
  • Deviated septum

Are You a Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for a rhinoplasty in Valdosta, GA are healthy, non-smoking adults whose facial growth is complete and who feel their nose size, shape, or function affects their confidence or comfort. This procedure is best suited to patients who want to address cosmetic concerns, breathing difficulty from a deviated septum, or both at once. During your consultation, Dr. Merriman will evaluate your internal and external nasal structure to confirm your candidacy and recommend the most appropriate technique.

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The PSAV Difference

Few procedures demand the balance of precision and artistry that rhinoplasty requires, since even a millimeter of adjustment can change how an entire face reads. That level of nuance is exactly why patients from Tifton, Waycross, and Albany seek out Dr. Sonya Merriman rather than a surgeon who only occasionally performs nose surgery. 

Dr. Merriman’s extensive experience with both cosmetic reshaping and functional correction means she approaches every rhinoplasty as a full evaluation of form and function together, not appearance alone. At our state-licensed, Medicare-certified, and QUAD A-accredited surgical center in Valdosta, Dr. Merriman uses careful, methodical surgical planning to get your result right the first time, minimizing the chance you'll ever need a revision.

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A Confidential Consultation

Here, every patient’s journey begins with a private, one-on-one consultation where Dr. Merriman will carefully evaluate your nasal structure and listen closely to your goals and concerns. Together, you'll review exactly how your nose can be reshaped to enhance your features rather than simply change them. You'll leave with a clear, honest picture of what's achievable for your anatomy, without any pressure to commit before you're ready.

Our Patients Own Words

4.9 stars from 276 Google reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Very professional. Excellent care!

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision....

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVE this place!!

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. T...

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. The entire staff is also absolutely professional, very thorough, and extremely warming so much so that it literally feels like a family. And you don’t get that very many places, so I will forever continue to come here and only here. And highly recommended !!!

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5 out of 5 stars

The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic.

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfor...

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfortable the minute I walked in the door. The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic. I was made to feel as if I had known them my entire life. The reason I give a 5-star rating is because I don't see a 10-star rating. lol. Thank you, ladies, so much for the service you provide and the manner in which you provide care.

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5 out of 5 stars

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office.

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel af...

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel afraid about asking questions. I literally drive 1.5 hours from home to see Pam, Ashli & Melanie for all my treatments. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results!!

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydraf...

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydrafacial by Amy, who is fantastic. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides suggestions to get the results I want without making me feel pressured or uncomfortable. I am very pleased with the results!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with my procedure!!!

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism,...

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism, dedication to patients, and you feel well taken care of from the first to the finish!

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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office.

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in...

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in the office is absolutely fantastic, definitely feel like family once you leave. Liz was great at going over everything with me before my consultation. Dr. Sonya came in and talked to me for a good 20 minutes and explained to me the different implants, what she would do, etc., asked for her opinion on my size, and I felt completely comfortable!! Kelley was my nurse, and she was great!! She helped answer any questions my husband and I had before I went back. Also, Dr. Sonya’s husband was the anesthesiologist and was so kind! He’s the last person I remember talking to before I was out, haha. I love how they call and check on you after your surgery, and if there is anything you may need. My recovery so far has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have done without their support and instructions on what to do after surgery. I highly recommend their office for everything ❤️ definitely will be back!

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5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend their office.

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt appr...

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt apprehensive about the process. Fear of the unknown, I suppose. But at Valdosta Plastic Surgery, the process was laid out step-by-step. Everyone was kind, helpful, and made sure I received answers to any questions I may have. From the start, there were no surprises about costs or timelines. That was laid out nicely for me in the initial callback I received in response to my online consultation request. Dr. Merriman was sure to tell me about the risks and took the time during the initial office consultation to listen/look at my desired outcome. Again and again, I was reminded that if I had any questions, then I could reach out to Dr. Merriman directly after the surgery. They made me feel so comfortable that I reached out two times to ask a question. I received immediate responses. In the end, recovery was a piece of cake. Though Dr. Merriman will tell you that it is different for everyone. I thought the instructions I received for managing the recovery were spot on. It has now been 6 months since the surgery, and the outcome is better than everything I had hoped for. They are symmetrical, even, I have feelings in both nipples, and the size is exactly what I had hoped for. Interestingly, she used one size bigger than what was initially considered. I attribute that to Dr. Merriman's keen eye for aesthetics and high level of experience. She had seen what outcome I had envisioned, and during surgery, she fit me with the right size to achieve the look that I was hoping for. I am so glad that I decided on Valdosta Plastic Surgery. I highly recommend their office. I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work.

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & co...

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & comfortable as soon as I walk in those doors. (The entire staff here makes you feel safe.) Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Merriman, she has a wonderful team & establishment built. I look forward to coming back every time and will 100% come here for any future work I plan on having done! ❤️❤️❤️

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5 out of 5 stars

I will never go anywhere else.

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I...

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I never will. They truly want to know their customers!

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Pricing Your Procedure

The cost of your rhinoplasty in Valdosta, GA, will depend on the following factors: 

  • Techniques used
  • Surgical complexity
  • Extent of correction
  • Whether functional repair is needed
  • Whether additional procedures will be performed in the same session 

We'll provide you with a full, itemized quote after your initial consultation, along with financing options to help make your procedure more accessible.

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What to Expect From Your Rhinoplasty in Valdosta, GA

At PSAV, our rhinoplasties are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your specific medical needs. During surgery, Dr. Merriman will use either a closed technique, with incisions placed inside the nose, or an open technique, with a small incision along the columella between the nostrils, to begin refining your nose. 

She’ll then use precise tools to reshape your internal and external nasal structure, which may involve removing or adjusting bone, cartilage, and tissue, and correct any internal breathing obstruction if present. Your incisions will be closed with small sutures, and the nose will be bandaged to support smooth healing.

Patient-First Recovery, Beautiful Results

Swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes and nose, are common in the first one to two weeks following surgery and gradually subside as healing progresses. You’ll need to wear a nasal splint for roughly one week to support the new nasal structure while it stabilizes. Most patients return to work, social gatherings, and light daily activities within two weeks, though strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. Merriman confirms you're ready. While your initial nose shape will become visible as swelling resolves, subtle refinement may continue for up to a year as the nose fully settles.

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Determining Your Rhinoplasty Technique

Here, Dr. Merriman takes an individualized approach to every rhinoplasty, tailoring her technique to the extent and nature of the correction you need. Your rhinoplasty may use the following methods: 

  • Closed Rhinoplasty: Incisions are placed entirely inside the nose, leaving no visible external scarring, making this ideal for more limited corrections.
  • Open Rhinoplasty: A small incision is placed along the strip of cartilage between the nostrils, known as the columella, to give Dr. Merriman greater visibility for more complex or extensive reshaping.
  • Functional (Septorhinoplasty): This approach combines cosmetic reshaping with correction of a deviated septum to improve both appearance and breathing.

Your Guide to Nose Reshaping

Completing Your Transformation 

Many of our patients in Valdosta and beyond incorporate a rhinoplasty into an overarching facial rejuvenation plan to fully refresh their appearance. 

Complementary procedures include the following: 

  • Chin augmentation
  • Dermal fillers
  • Brow lift
  • Facelift

Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see final results after a rhinoplasty?

While much of the initial swelling improves within the first several weeks, subtle swelling continues to resolve over time. Most patients see their final rhinoplasty results within about a year as the nose gradually settles into its refined shape.

Can rhinoplasty correct breathing problems from a previous injury?

Yes. Rhinoplasty can address structural issues caused by previous nasal trauma while also improving the appearance of the nose. Dr. Merriman will carefully evaluate your nasal anatomy and create a surgical plan that restores both function and facial harmony.

Is revision rhinoplasty more complicated than a first-time procedure?

Yes. Revision rhinoplasty is typically more complex because of scar tissue and changes to the nasal structure from the original surgery. Dr. Merriman has the expertise to evaluate these challenges and develop a personalized surgical approach to achieve the best possible outcome.

Confidence starts with a conversation.

Meet with us and discover a clinic where we focus on creating natural-looking results in every procedure.

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