and Answers

My nose is too close to my face, can you fix that?
A saddle nose is defined as one where the middle of the nose is too close to the face. A low bridge can be congenital or caused by trauma or disease. This can be remedied by building up the dorsum with your own cartilage (from the nasal septum, ear, or rib) or by using an artificial material.

I am unhappy with the width of my nose, can you make it more narrow?
Yes, several factors may be contributing to a nose that appears too wide. The distance between the nasal bones, the cartilage in the tip of the nose that is too wide, and the thickness of the nasal skin will be taken into account and reduced if necessary.

How noticeable are the scars?
Incisions are usually placed inside the nose, where they are out of sight. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils; however, they heal very well and are often imperceptible to most people.

Will I be awake during the surgery?
No. Using intravenous sedation and local anesthesia (numbing medication administered to the surgical area), you will be asleep during the surgery. You will not feel anything during the surgery and will wake up soon after it is completed.

I want to have rhinoplasty, but I’m very nervous. How can I overcome this?
It is normal to be nervous about surgery. Take full advantage of your consultation appointment by coming prepared with a list of questions. You will feel more comfortable after discussing your concerns with your surgeon and determining your optimal treatment plan. You may want to review before and after photos and the testimonials of patients that have gone through the same thing. This will help you feel that you are not alone.

Rhinoplasty may be your answer to improved health, increased self-confidence, and a younger looking you. Schedule an appointment today to determine your needs and options.

ASK THE SURGEON
I have spider veins on my face that have seemed to get more noticeable as I age. Is there a way to make them look better? What causes these blemishes?
Spider veins of the face (telangiectasia) formed by unusually large or numerous blood vessels located just under the surface of the skin. Vascular conditions may be caused by heredity, sun exposure, excess weight, and pregnancy. Blemishes caused by abnormal blood vessels can be treated effectively with a specialized type of laser. The laser generates an intense beam of light that is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition of the unwanted cells, while leaving healthy cells intact. The extent of your treatment will vary based on your specific needs. The final results will be evident within 10 to 14 days.

HEALTH TIP
Whether you have stitches, sutures, glue, or adhesive strips, you can take action to help the surgery site or wound heal properly. Here are some general guidelines:
Keep area dry for 24 to 48 hours. Most wounds should also be covered for at least 48 hours.
Prevent build-up of a scab. A thick scab within the wound can increase the scar and prevent the skin from growing together well. There are two options that may be recommended depending on your particular needs; be sure to adhere to your post-operative instructions. You can prevent scab build-up by dabbing diluted peroxide (half water mixed with half peroxide) to the wound twice a day and then gently removing any loose scab. Another option is to apply a heavy coating of Vaseline to keep it from scabbing.
Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.
Protect the damaged skin from the sun. It is very susceptible to becoming permanently discolored by the sun for up to six months. Minimize sun exposure to the healing cut, but do not apply sunscreen until two weeks after healing has begun.
Take vitamin C to help fight bacterial infection, prevent hemorrhaging, and facilitate the formation of connective tissue.
Rub vitamin E oil onto the cut after the stitches are removed to help with healing.

WHAT’S NEW?
Techniques and technology are making it possible to revitalize your look without undergoing surgery. Patients are able to combine several less invasive procedures to improve their appearance instead of one major surgery. For example, a patient looking to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and achieve a more favorable brow position, may opt for quarterly Botox injections instead. Or, a patient considering CO2 laser resurfacing to rejuvenate their skin, may decide to have a series of in-office chemical peels instead. The lighter peels can be performed over several months and can minimize wrinkles with little or no down time, compared to the several weeks of healing necessary for CO2 laser resurfacing.
The lighter, less invasive option is not for everyone. The results are not as dramatic, may not last as long, and could cost more in the long-run.