As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with surgical training from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Matthew White understands that true aesthetic excellence goes beyond surface-level improvements. At his Central Park-adjacent practice on Fifth Avenue, Dr. White has built his reputation on a philosophy that honors both form and function.
In this blog, we'll explore several procedures that exemplify this balance, demonstrating how choosing the right surgeon can help you achieve both improved health and renewed confidence.
Rhinoplasty: Breathing Better While Looking Your Best
Rhinoplasty remains one of the most requested procedures at Dr. White's practice, and for good reason. While many patients initially seek nose surgery for cosmetic reasons, a significant number also struggle with breathing difficulties that impact their daily quality of life.
Common functional issues addressed during rhinoplasty include:
- Deviated septum: A crooked nasal partition that blocks airflow and may cause chronic congestion.
- Nasal valve collapse: Weakness in the nasal sidewalls that restricts breathing, particularly during exercise.
- Turbinate hypertrophy: Enlarged nasal structures that obstruct the nasal passages.
- Previous trauma: Old injuries that left both aesthetic irregularities and breathing impairment.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, up to 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation, though not all cases require surgical intervention. When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. White, rhinoplasty can correct these structural problems while refining the nose's external appearance, ensuring patients can breathe freely while achieving natural-looking results.
Eyelid Surgery: Clearer Vision and a Refreshed Appearance
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is another procedure in which health benefits and aesthetic improvements intersect beautifully.
Functional benefits of upper eyelid surgery include:
- Expanded visual field: Removing excess skin lifts the eyelid margin away from the pupil, restoring full peripheral vision.
- Reduced eye strain: Patients often unconsciously raise their eyebrows to compensate for heavy lids, leading to forehead tension and headaches.
- Improved eyelid function: Excess skin can interfere with proper eyelid closure, potentially causing dry eye symptoms.
- Enhanced daily comfort: Heavy eyelids create a constant sensation of fatigue that surgery can eliminate.
The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery notes that upper eyelid ptosis (drooping) can significantly reduce the superior visual field by 30% or more in severe cases.
Facelift and Neck Lift: Posture, Comfort, and Confidence
While facelift and neck lift procedures are primarily sought for aesthetic rejuvenation, patients often report unexpected functional improvements following surgery.
Functional improvements patients may experience include:
- Reduced neck discomfort: Excess skin and tissue can create a pulling sensation that surgery eliminates.
- Improved posture: Some patients unconsciously adjust their head position to minimize the appearance of jowls or neck laxity.
- Enhanced facial symmetry: Correcting asymmetric sagging can improve bite alignment and jaw function.
- Better skin health: Removing redundant tissue improves airflow and reduces moisture-related irritation in neck folds.
Brow Lift: Relieving Tension and Opening the Eyes
Patients with significantly descended brows often experience chronic forehead tension as they unconsciously recruit muscles to lift heavy brows throughout the day.
Functional benefits of brow lift surgery include:
- Headache reduction: Eliminating compensatory muscle strain can significantly decrease tension headaches.
- Improved upper eyelid function: A descended brow places additional weight on the upper eyelid, which surgery can alleviate.
- Reduced eye fatigue: Opening the upper eye area decreases the effort required to keep eyes comfortably open.
- Enhanced facial expression: Removing the constant need to elevate the brows allows for more natural, relaxed expressions.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Dr. Matthew White's practice, facial plastic surgery is approached as both an art and a science, one that honors your desire for natural beauty while addressing any functional concerns that may be impacting your quality of life. Whether you're struggling with breathing difficulties, vision impairment, chronic discomfort, or simply wish to look as vibrant as you feel, Dr. White has the expertise to help you achieve your goals.
