Frequently Asked Questions
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ARE CHEEK IMPLANTS FOR ME?
Cheek augmentation is a common procedure to bring balance to the facial structure by way of correcting a deficient cheek area due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption or facial trauma. A weak cheek structure can make your face appear drawn and gaunt. It may also give the appearance of a “fleshy” lower face. The end result should be balanced with the structure of the face.
MAKING THE DECISION
During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Smith will examine the structure of your face as well as your skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so that Dr. Smith can study your face. Individual risks will also be examined, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking and any deficiency in blood clotting. Dr. Smith will take a thorough medical history and assess your mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery, the surgical procedure and realistic expectations will be discussed. After the decision to proceed with cheek implants is made jointly by you and Dr. Smith, he will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, any additional surgery, the benefits, risks, possible complications and costs associated with the procedure.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
Cheek implant surgery is performed on an outpatient basis utilizing twilight anesthesia. While the patient is sleepy or asleep, local anesthetic is utilized to numb the surgical areas. After the patient is asleep, Dr. Smith makes tiny incisions on the inside of the mouth. The cheek implants are then placed into these incisions. Stitches are then placed, which dissolve over time. Following cheek augmentation, slight discomfort, aching and some numbness and swelling can be expected. Patients are advised to keep their head elevated and apply cold compresses as often as possible during the first 24 to 48 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Following cheek augmentation, you can expect some discomfort, aching and some numbness along with some temporary swelling. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours will help keep this to a minimum. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth might be a little uncomfortable for a week to ten days. Rigorous activity will be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.
In patients 38 to 50 years old, cheek implants can improve the midfacial contour and restore sagging midfacial soft tissues, thus postponing the need for a face lift. For patients receiving a face lift, cheek implants can ensure longer-lasting results. If you have been wondering if having more distinctive facial features might enhance your appearance and perhaps help improve your self-confidence, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding benefits.
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IS CHIN SURGERY FOR YOU?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also key to understand all aspects of the surgery. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant, moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin or by reducing a jutting or too prominent chin. The result can be greater facial harmony and an increase in self-confidence.
Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is submental liposuction, in which excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline. When there is a contributing problem of dental malocclusion or birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, surgery of the jaw can improve the form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance appearance.Your consultation with Dr. Smith can help you decide on the type of surgery that addresses your concerns.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR CHIN SURGERY
During the consultation, Dr. Smith will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. In some instances, Dr. Smith will suggest chin surgery as a supplement to rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose) because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Dr. Smith will weigh other factors that could influence the outcome of surgery such as age, skin type and attitudes toward surgery. Dr. Smith will describe in detail with you the surgical procedure as well as reasonable expectations regarding the surgical results. If you opt for surgery, Dr. Smith will describe the particular surgical technique indicated, the type of anesthesia to be used and the risks, benefits and cost of the surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Immediately after surgery, you will experience some tenderness. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a stretched or tight sensation in the lower half of the face after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week. After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity will be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days. Keep in mind that the healing process varies from person to person, so your healing could take longer than someone else’s. Likewise, you could heal at a much faster rate than another person.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine self confidence. By changing how you look, facial plastic surgery can possibly help improve your self image.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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IS OTOPLASTY FOR YOU?
Good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites for cosmetic surgery. It is also important to understand the surgery. Otoplasty will not change the patient’s ability to hear.
What is important for successful otoplasty is that the ears be in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head.
When considering otoplasty, parents must be confident that they have their child’s best interests at heart. A positive attitude toward the surgery is an important factor in all facial plastic surgery, but it is especially critical when the patient is a child or adolescent.
Adult candidates for otoplasty should understand that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in children. A consultation with Dr. Smith can help parents decide what is best for their child, not only aesthetically, but also psychologically and physically. Timing is always an important consideration. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: The cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Smith will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, Dr. Smith will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form, and then pull the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. In other instances, Dr. Smith will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, Dr. Smith will apply sutures to hold the ear in the desired position until healing is complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain for a few days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position for several weeks after the surgery.
The risks are minimal. Infection and blood clots must be watched for but are rare. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing. Because this scar is in a natural crease behind the ear, the problem of visibility is inconsequential. Anything unusual during the healing process should be reported to Dr. Smith immediately.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws that can often undermine one’s self confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery may help change how you feel about yourself.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve birth defects or traumatic injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier regarding coverage.
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IS BLEPHAROPLASTY FOR YOU?
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle and skin from both upper and lower eyelids. The results can be a refreshed appearance, with a younger looking, firmer eye area.
People with circulatory, ophthalmological or serious medical conditions must rely on the diagnostic skills of their own personal specialists to determine whether blepharoplasty is an option to consider. Consultation with Dr. Smith can help you decide whether any additional, complementary surgery would increase the success of the surgery. Dr. Smith might recommend planning a simultaneous forehead lift, to correct a drooping brow and smooth the forehead, or skin resurfacing to remove the fine line wrinkling in the eye area.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY
During the presurgical consultation, you will be examined and asked to answer questions concerning vision, tear production, use of contact lenses and your desires for surgery. Dr. Smith will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background and degree of vision obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between you and Dr. Smith, which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.
After both you and Dr. Smith make a mutual decision, the technique indicated for your individual surgery will be discussed. The type of anesthesia, any supportive surgery and the risks and costs inherent in the procedure will be outlined.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Smith first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The incision is made, and excess fat, muscle and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar.
In lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Smith makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures. Eyelid puffiness caused primarily by excess fat may be corrected by transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision in this case is made inside the lower eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed. When sutures are used to close this kind of incision, they are invisible to the eye. They are also self dissolving and leave no visible scar. Under normal conditions, blepharoplasty procedures can take from one to two hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Immediately after the surgery, an ointment may be used to prevent dryness of the eye area. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as keeping your head elevated when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Dr. Smith will prescribe medication for discomfort.
For a week and a half following blepharoplasty, you will need to clean the eye area (the eyes may feel sticky, dry and itchy). Eyedrops may be recommended. Dr. Smith will also list activities and environments to avoid in the weeks immediately following surgery. Permanent stitches are typically removed one week after the surgery. Self absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self confidence. By changing how you look, facial plastic surgery may help change how you feel about yourself.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve vision or surgery for eye deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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IS A FACE LIFT FOR YOU?
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Understanding the limitations of rhytidectomy is crucial, and psychological stability is vital. There is no ideal in a face lift. Rather, the goal is to improve the overall facial appearance. Skin type, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure as well as a realistic attitude are factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. This procedure is sometimes performed on patients in their 30s, and successful surgery has been performed on patients in their 80s. A face lift cannot stop aging, nor can it turn back the clock. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a more youthful and healthier appearance. A side benefit is that many patients experience increased self confidence.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR A FACE LIFT
During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Smith will examine the structure of your face and your skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so that Dr. Smith can study your face. Individual risks will also be examined, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking and any deficiency in blood clotting. Dr. Smith will take a thorough medical history as well as assess your mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery, the surgical procedure and realistic expectations will be discussed.
After the decision to proceed with rhytidectomy is made jointly by you and Dr. Smith, he will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, any additional surgery, the benefits, risks, possible complications and costs of the procedure.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
Dr. Smith begins the procedure by making an incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the ear lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.
The skin is raised outward before Dr. Smith repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, if necessary, at this point. Once the skin has been repositioned, any excess tissue will be removed. After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Smith closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips. Metal clips permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take from two to four hours. The procedure is performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthetic and a mild intravenous anesthetic.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Even though most patients experience very little pain after surgery, Dr. Smith will still prescribe medication. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and Dr. Smith will instruct you to use cold compresses to keep swelling to a minimum. Dr. Smith will also instruct you to keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid as much activity as possible and to report any undue discomfort. Though there are few risks in face lift surgery and thousands are performed every year, some risk exists in any surgery. All sutures and staples are usually removed after one week following surgery. Dr. Smith recommends that patients avoid vigorous activity following the procedure. Patients should prearrange for postsurgery support from family and friends. Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients go back to work sooner.
Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. In any case, they are easily disguised in natural skin creases, by the hair or, in persistent cases, by makeup until total healing has occurred. Bear in mind that the aging process continues after surgery and that some relaxation of tissues will occur over the first few weeks.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery may help change how you feel about yourself.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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Can You Help With Facial Scars?
When the skin is in the process of recovering from an injury, whether the result of an accident, surgery, a burn or acne, scarring will occur wherever multiple layers of the skin have been affected. Once a scar forms, it is permanent but may be made less visible or relocated surgically.
With very few exceptions, most people are self conscious about facial scars. Some people may also experience diminished functioning of the eyes, mouth or nose due to scarring. If you’ve wondered how facial scar revision could improve your appearance, your level of facial functioning and possibly your self confidence, you need to know how scar revision works and what you can expect from this procedure.
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consultation stages before surgery is performed. Dr. Smith can answer specific questions about your specific needs.
IS FACIAL SCAR REVISION FOR YOU?
The most basic requirement for all surgery is good health. Other requirements are more subtle and should be carefully considered in discussion with Dr. Smith. Expectations of the surgery results must be realistic. A person considering facial scar revision must understand that there is no way to remove scars completely. The goal is to improve the appearance of the scar either by disguising it, relocating it or minimizing its prominence. Skin color and type, age and the type of scarring are all important factors that must be part of the discussion prior to surgery.
Different types of scars respond to different plastic surgery techniques. Timing of surgery is another important choice.
MAKING THE DECISION
Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Smith will examine your scar in order to decide upon the proper treatment and inform you of outcomes that can be expected from facial scar revision surgery.
Different scars require different treatments. For example, severe burns that destroy large sections of skin cause the skin to heal in a puckered way. As the skin heals, muscles and tendons may be affected in this “contracting” movement. Keloid scars are a result of the skin’s overproduction of collagen after a wound has healed. These scars generally appear as growths in the scar site. Hypertrophic scars, unlike keloids, do not grow out of the boundaries of the scar area, but because of their thick, raised texture can be unsightly and may also restrict the natural movement of muscles and tendons.
Some facial scars are unattractive simply because of where they appear on the face, while others affect facial expressions. All surgical possibilities will be discussed in the initial consultation along with risks involved for each type of scarring. The agreement between you and Dr. Smith on how to proceed is a prerequisite for successful surgery. After you both decide to proceed with scar revision, Dr. Smith will inform you about the anesthesia, any supportive surgery options and costs.
Because scars are highly individualistic and the patient’s attitude toward scars is so personal, maximum improvement in facial scars may require more than one procedure, and more than one technique may be employed.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
When a scar is of the contracture type, surgery generally involves removing the scar tissue entirely. Skin flaps, composed of adjacent healthy, unscarred skin, are then lifted and moved to form a new incision line. Where a flap is not possible, a skin graft may be used. A graft involves taking a section of skin tissue from one area and attaching it to another, and time must be allowed following surgery for new blood vessels and soft tissue to form. Z-plasty is a method to move a scar from one area to another, usually into a natural fold or crease in the skin, to minimize its visibility. While Z-plasty does not remove all signs of a scar, it does make it less noticeable.
Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are methods Dr. Smith uses to make “rough or elevated” scars less prominent by removing part of the upper layers of skin with an abrading tool or laser light. Clearly, the scar will remain, but it will be smoother and less visible.
Keloid or hypertrophic scars are often treated first with injections of steroids to reduce their size. If the results following steroid injections are not satisfactory, the scars can be removed surgically and the incisions closed with fine stitches, often resulting in less prominent scars.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY You can expect to feel some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery. Some swelling, bruising and redness are generally unavoidable. It is important for you to follow Dr. Smith’s aftercare recommendations to the letter. Though the sutures will be removed within days after the surgery, your skin needs time to heal. Dr. Smith will generally insist on decreased activity after surgery and instruct you to keep your head elevated when lying down, use cold compresses to reduce swelling and avoid any activity that places undue stress on the area of the incision. Depending on the surgery performed and the location of the scar, Dr. Smith will explain the types of activities to avoid. No medication should be taken without first consulting Dr. Smith. It is important to remember that scar tissues require a year or more to fully heal and achieve maximum improved appearance. Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct facial flaws that can undermine self confidence. Changing how your scar looks may help change how you feel about yourself. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve scars caused by injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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Is a forehead/brow lift right for me?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. When Dr. Smith tightens loose skin and removes the excess, forehead wrinkling and drooping brows are modified. The procedure is called a forehead lift or brow lift. If necessary, Dr. Smith removes part of the muscle that causes vertical frown lines between the brows. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. To see what a forehead lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upward. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is usually done between age 40 and 65, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.
Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline or, in some cases, above the brow or in the mid forehead. Endoscopic techniques allow the procedure to be performed in a manner that minimizes incisions and reduces visibility of scars. Dr. Smith will help you select the best technique suited to your particular situation.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR A FOREHEAD LIFT
During the consultation, Dr. Smith will examine your facial structure, the condition of your skin and your hairline in order to decide where incisions should be made. A thorough medical history will be obtained so that Dr. Smith can consider any medical conditions that may heighten surgical risks. A detailed description of the procedure will also include a discussion of risk involved.
After the decision to proceed with surgery is made, Dr. Smith will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any additional surgery and the risks and costs.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
The surgery begins with the placement of the incision. Dr. Smith has developed techniques that have made the incisions quite inconspicuous. Typically they will be in a position behind the natural hairline; however, in some patients the incision may be made in a deep forehead crease. Dr. Smith will discuss with you the most ideal technique for your individual situation during your consultation visit.
In endoscopic surgery, Dr. Smith makes a series of small incisions just behind the hairline and, using the endoscope as a guide, proceeds to remove those muscles that are the source of frown lines. The eyebrows are then lifted to reduce the sagging of skin at eyelid level. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
You will experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising in the ten day period following surgery. In some patients, treatment of this condition may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. You will be advised to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling. Cold compresses may further reduce swelling. As the incisions heal, you may experience some numbness as well as itching, both of which will diminish with time. The sutures are usually removed within seven to ten days following surgery. It is important to follow the advice of Dr. Smith on resuming normal activities. For most patients, the recovery times will not exceed two weeks, but patients may still be advised to avoid strenuous activities for longer periods. Any prolonged bruising can be camouflaged with standard makeup techniques.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery may help change how you feel about yourself. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve sagging a forehead and brows that interfere with vision may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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Tell me more about laser resurfacing.
As with any elective procedure, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Laser resurfacing can offer dramatic results in the improvement of time, sun and hormone damaged skin. Laser resurfacing is specifically designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face as well as skin surface irregularities such as pigment discoloration and acne scarring.
If you are wondering how laser resurfacing could improve your appearance, you need to know how the procedure is performed and what results you can expect. Dr. Smith will answer all of your questions and concerns about your specific needs.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR LASER RESURFACING
If you are unhappy with the condition of your skin because of wrinkling, discoloration or scarring, laser resurfacing can offer you the solution you seek. Dr. Smith will review your medical history, age, skin type and pigmentation and determine the best course of treatment for you. Once you have decided to proceed with the procedure, Dr. Smith will discuss with you the particular technique indicated for your situation. He will also discuss the type of anesthesia to be used, any additional procedures you wish to have done and the risks, benefits and costs associated with this procedure.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
Using the Surgipulsed laser, the outermost layers of the skin are actually vaporized in a carefully controlled fashion. The high energy pulsing of the laser beam minimizes the spread of heat to adjacent tissues and causes less damage to the skin. This provides a relatively bloodless method of treating wrinkles. Using this procedure, the tough, thicker skin of the wrinkle is partially removed. The wrinkle itself cannot be completely eliminated because wrinkles are caused by the movement of underlying muscles. These are the very movements that give expression to our faces. When the edges of the wrinkles are smoothed, however, the skin will have a softer, more youthful texture. The treatment is available in our office with sedative anesthesia.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After resurfacing, the postoperative appearance of the patient’s skin is similar to a severe sunburn. Crusting and some weeping may last for approximately seven to 14 days. During this time, the patient will be directed to protect the skin with an occlusive agent (usually Elta) and will probably not wish to schedule any activities outside the home during this period. Redness, which fades gradually, may last for two to three months or longer. Once the outer surface of the skin has been replaced with a new epidermis, makeup can safely cover healing areas.
Rigorous activity will be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Dr. Smith will advise you of activities and situations to avoid during the healing process. Keep in mind that the healing process varies from person to person, so your healing could take longer than someone else’s. Likewise, you could heal at a much faster rate than another person.
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Is rhinoplasty a good choice for me?
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Understanding nose surgery is also critical. Since there is no ideal in rhinoplasty, the goal is to improve the nose aesthetically, making it harmonize better with other facial features.
Skin type, ethnic background and age are important factors to be considered prior to surgery. Before the nose is altered, a young patient must reach full growth, which usually occurs around age 15 or 16. Exceptions to this are cases in which breathing is severely impaired.
Many patients have chin augmentation performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty to create a better balance of facial features.
MAKING THE DECISION FOR RHINOPLASTY
Dr. Smith will examine the internal and external structures of your nose to evaluate your needs and what you can expect from rhinoplasty. Dr. Smith will also discuss factors that may influence the outcome of the surgery, such as skin type, ethnic background, age, degree of deformity and degree of function of nasal structures. You can expect a thorough explanation of the expectations, risks, benefits and costs involved in surgery.
Following a mutual decision by you and Dr. Smith to proceed with rhinoplasty, he will take photographs of you and discuss the options available. Dr. Smith will also explain how the nasal structures, including bone and cartilage, can be sculpted to reshape the nose and indicate how reshaping the chin, for example, could enhance the desired results. After conducting a thorough medical history, Dr. Smith will offer information regarding anesthesia and the costs for the procedure.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
The definition of rhinoplasty is, literally, shaping the nose. First, incisions are made, and the skin of the nose is lifted from its underlying bone and cartilage support system. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. Next, certain amounts of underlying bone and cartilage are removed or rearranged to provide a newly shaped structure. For example, when the tip of the nose is too large, Dr. Smith can sculpt the cartilage in this area to reduce it in size. The angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip can be altered for a more youthful look or to correct a distortion.
The skin is then redraped over the new frame, and the incisions are closed. A splint is applied to the outside of the nose to help retain the new shape while the nose heals.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable. The splint is removed one week following the surgery. Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication may be required. You will be advised to avoid blowing your nose for seven days after surgery. In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area. Cold compresses often reduce the bruising and discomfort. Absorbable sutures are usually used that do not have to be removed.
It is crucial that you follow Dr. Smith’s directions, especially instructions to keep your head elevated for a certain period after surgery. Some activities will be prohibited in the weeks after the procedure. Sun exposure, exertion and risk of injury must be avoided. If you wear glasses, special arrangements must be made to ensure that the glasses do not rest on the bridge of ypur nose. Tape and other devices are sometimes used to permit wearing glasses without stressing the area where surgery was performed.
Follow-up care is vital for this procedure to monitor healing. Obviously, anything unusual should be reported to Dr. Smith immediately. It is essential that you keep your follow-up appointments.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve nasal function or surgery for major deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with his/her insurance carrier for information regarding coverage.
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