Definition of Beauty and How It Affects Plastic Surgery Trends

With the growing acceptance of plastic surgery in the US, it not surprising that about 13.8 million procedures (both invasive and non-invasive) were performed in 2011 alone.  Meanwhile, this trend is expected to continue in the coming years as researchers and plastic surgeons are introducing safer and more effective techniques.

The quintessential aim of plastic surgery is beauty, or at least some aesthetic improvements (but not perfection).  However, “beauty” is probably the most contested word since many believe that it is in the “eye of the beholder.”

But still, experts and plastic surgeons believe that there is such a thing as “universal beauty.”  This is proven by some studies in which respondents were asked to rate the physical appearance of women from a different ethnicity and the result showed that those rated high in “attractiveness” were also considered beautiful by the people from the same ethnic group.

Meanwhile, the list below shows the 2011 most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries (from data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) and the probable reasons behind their popularity.

1.     Breast augmentation

About 307,000 breast augmentations were performed last year, making it the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery.  This has been the trend over the past couple of years not just in the US but also in many countries.

The breasts have always been associated with not just sexual attractiveness but also fertility.  However, breast augmentation is not always performed to increase the bust size; for some patients the procedure is also used to create fullness in the upper poles, resulting to a more youthful appearance.

Recently, plastic surgeons have noticed that a growing number of patients are choosing smaller breast implants just to achieve fullness and more prominent cleavage. 

2    Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping

 More than 244,000 patients had rhinoplasty last year, making it the second most popular cosmetic surgery.

A good result should complement the face of a person; for this reason, plastic surgeons have developed ethnic rhinoplasty to preserve and even glorify the “quintessential” features of a patient. 

Examples of ethnic rhinoplasty techniques include allowing a slight nostril flare when dealing with African nose; and recognizing that the Asian nose does not tolerate too much projection in the nasal bridge and tip.

According to a recent study, rhinoplasty can result to a younger appearance aside from a more balanced “facial feature,” which has always been known as the universal definition of beauty.

In a separate study, researchers have concluded that balanced facial features usually connote good genes and excellent health—two things which are important in reproduction.

3     Liposuction

About 205,000 liposuction procedures were performed last year.  This surgery involves removing the “unwanted” fats to achieve a better figure.

For women, a flatter stomach and wider hips connotes fertility and sexual attractiveness.  With this fact, liposuction often involves removing the excess fats in the abdomen, flanks, and back to achieve the much-coveted hourglass figure.

The abdomen is also a common target in male liposuction, although some patients seek the procedure to achieve a “six-pack.”  With a technique called abdominal etching, plastic surgeons strategically remove some of the unwanted fats to create grooves, thereby resulting to a muscular appearance. 

4  Eyelid surgery

About 196,000 eyelid surgeries were performed last year.  Many experts believe that the growing popularity of the procedure is attributed to the aging baby boomers and growing acceptance of plastic surgery.

The eye is usually the first area to manifest the signs of aging.  Fortunately, the problem (sagging skin and fat bulges around the eyes) can be addressed by eyelid surgery, which can result to rejuvenated and youthful eyes.  

5  Facelift surgery

Approximately 119,000 facelifts were performed last year, making it to list of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in 2011.  Meanwhile, its popularity is expected to continue in the coming years due to a new employment trend in which more workers postpone their retirement.

Nowadays, older workers are facing tougher competition with younger employees, and for this reason many are seeking facelift surgery so they can appear youthful and reliable to their officemates.

Nose Surgery for Male Patients—What Are the Factors to Consider?

Over the past couple of years, rhinoplasty or nose surgery has been the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery among male patients.  But to enjoy its full benefits, certain factors must be considered including age, goals and expectation, underlying cartilage and bone, and skin thickness.

To make sure the result of rhinoplasty can last longer, most plastic surgeons require their patients to be at least 15 years old, the period when the face is fully developed.  However, this age requirement is only applicable for men seeking aesthetic improvements and are not suffering from breathing problems.  

If performed for cosmetic reasons, patients should be in good health, both psychologically and physically. 

While it is tempting to think that rhinoplasty can help you achieve the same look of your celebrity idol, always bear in mind that the result largely depends on the nasal structure including the skin, and amount of cartilage and bone.

Because the definition of beauty between men and women is different, plastic surgeons use a slightly different approach.  In male rhinoplasty, the goal is to retain and/or emphasize the masculine looks which are characterized by a strong, straight nasal bridge.

To achieve the best and most natural results, plastic surgeons consider the fact that aesthetically speaking, the best angle between the nose and upper lip for men is about 90 degrees—which is quite different from a beautiful woman’s.  Also, the space between the nasal tip and upper lip is a consideration to make. 

Another thing to consider is that men tend to have more injuries from sports, leading to a crooked or deviated nose.  In severe cases, the condition results to breathing difficulties, frequent nosebleed, and other medical problems which must be immediately addressed.

Compared to previous years, modern male rhinoplasty involves a more conservative approach.  This means that plastic surgeons do not remove too much cartilage to ensure that the new contour will have a strong support and the result can be long lasting.  In addition, the changes are carefully done in order to achieve facial harmony.

In case that you have a weak chin (it disappears from the neck), you can achieve a better result if your rhinoplasty is complemented with chin implant surgery; this additional procedure may prevent the nose from appearing too pointy compared to the rest of the face.

Aside from chin implants, some rhinoplasty patients may benefit from facelift particularly if their goal is to achieve a more youthful appearance. 

Jersey Shore Star Deena Cortese Denies Plastic Surgery Rumors

Jersey Shore star Deena Cortese has denied having new celebrity plastic surgery procedures amidst speculations that she had went under the knife again.  In a Twitter post, she admitted having a nose job in the past, but said her new look is a result of “a makeup technique.”

“I am not afraid to admit I got plastic surgery [nose job], Cortese said.  In April 2011, the MTV reality star had rhinoplasty or nose surgery to improve her appearance.

Rumors of plastic surgery started when recent photos of the reality star shows a somewhat different face, however, she claimed that “it is all makeup and not surgery” which accounted for her new look.

Cortese said she “thinned her eyebrows” and “learned to do new makeup technique” in which she uses highlights under her eyes to make the cheekbones appear higher.  Meanwhile, some showbiz bloggers were not convinced and even speculated that the reality TV star had some dermal fillers.

Aside from makeup, Cortese said that her weight loss may have also reshaped her face slightly, before quipping, “If I get the nose job again, I will let you know.”

Cortese is not the only Jersey Shore star who has been rumored to having plastic surgery.  Last year, co-star JWoWW was reported having face injections, particularly with Botox, because of her somewhat “contained” expression; however, she only admitted having breast augmentation and did not comment on speculations that she had facial rejuvenation procedures.

Teens, Parents Must Consider Factors Affecting Rhinoplasty Result

About 244,000 rhinoplasty or nose surgeries were performed in 2011, making this the second most popular plasticsurgery in the US.  Meanwhile, the procedure is particularly appealing to teenagers who want to improve their appearance or those who are not happy with their nose.

If performed for cosmetic reasons, it is best to wait until the face has completely developed before conducting rhinoplasty.  This means girls should be at least 15 years at the time of surgery, and for boys, the minimum age requirement is 17 years old since their nose takes longer time to mature.

By waiting until the nose has fully developed, patients will more likely enjoy permanent or at least longer results.  However, reconstructive rhinoplasty, which is used to treat nasal injuries or improve breathing function, does not involve age limits.

Aside from physical maturity, teenage patients and their parents should consider the aspect of emotional and psychological maturity.  As with any cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty is not advisable to individuals with unrealistic goals and expectations and those who see this as a way to please other people.

Another thing to consider is the result largely depends on facial features and nasal structure.  This simply means that it is extremely hard, or even impossible, to recreate the nose of celebrities; any plastic surgeon who is claiming that he can perform such procedure is creating unrealistic expectations.

As mentioned earlier, emotional and psychological maturity is very important as it allows patients to understand the limits of rhinoplasty and its potential complications.  With this consideration, plastic surgeons and parents should carefully guide teenagers when making decisions.

Ideally, parents should also accompany their teenage daughter or son during consultation with a plastic surgeon.

While the result of rhinoplasty is supposed to last a lifetime, the revision rate is about 7 percent due to unexpected changes in the nose, certain complications, and other factors.  Fortunately, newer techniques have led to a more structurally sound nose after surgery; this usually means a conservative approach.

Previous nose surgery techniques involved too much removal of cartilage (flexible tissue inside the nose), resulting to a higher risk of drooping tip because of the “weakened structure.”  By contrast, modern methods only manipulate or reshape the cartilage and bone; and if there is a need to remove some tissue, doctors use a conservative approach.

Another improvement is that many rhinoplasty implants today are made of a porous material that allows tissue to grow inside them, thereby lowering the risk of rejection and unnatural result.

Details on Asian Rhinoplasty

A successful rhinoplasty or nose job is determined by a result that looks harmonious with the overall face.  And for ethnic patients, this means their nose should complement their unique racial traits.

With more understanding and respect with racial traits, plastic surgeons have started using ethnic rhinoplasty when treating the Asian nose.  With this technique, the result will be compatible and harmonious with the Asian face.

Unlike in Caucasian nose surgery in which the usual aim is to make it smaller, Asian rhinoplasty often involves making it larger or at least “more defined.”

Most Asians asking for rhinoplasty want to achieve a more defined nasal bridge as they typically lack this feature.  To correct this aesthetic problem, doctors will likely use synthetic implants such as the silicone plastic which can provide great results as long as the patients have a thick skin that prevents implant visibility.

Aside from silicone plastic, surgeons may also use Gore-Tex which was first used for Caucasian patients.  But because of its lower risk of rejection and ability to provide a very natural result, manufacturers have decided to make a thicker version of this implant to accommodate the Asian nose.

However, some doctors advocate using a patient’s own tissue to build a nose bridge.  But unlike Caucasians, most Asians lack enough amount of septal tissue (the one that separates the left and right nostrils), making this technique impossible.  Fortunately, the ear can serve as a donor site.

Grafting tissue behind the ear does not result to visible scar and does not affect the hearing of patients.

Other potential donor sites include the hips, ribs, and skull.  However, many patients are not willing to undergo another surgery just to graft tissue from their body that is why most prefer synthetic nasal implants like the silicone plastic and Gore-Tex.

Compared to other ethnic groups, Asians have a nose that tolerates slightly less projection and definition, although a small alteration is often enough to create a dramatic improvement.

When treating the tip of the Asian nose, most doctors prefer using a patient’s own tissue because introducing synthetic implants in this area can result to implant rejection, visibility, protrusion, and other related complications.  However, this is not the case when treating the nasal bridge because it has enough coverage (because of the thicker skin).

To avoid destroying the ethnic features, plastic surgeons rarely narrow the nostrils.  This is because increasing the projection of the nose is often enough to create a narrowing effect.

NY Mets’ Jon Niese Undergoes Nose Job

New York Mets Jon Niese has recently admitted to having rhinoplasty or in layman’s term nose job last October.  However, his decision to go under the knife came from the idea of Carlos Beltran who joked around that he needed to fix his flat-shaped nose.

Beltran even went further by offering Niese to pay the cost of plastic surgery.

While there is little aesthetic improvement, Niese was still happy because his breathing has significantly improved—something which is very important to professional athletes like him.

In an interview with ESPN, Niese said the rhinoplasty “surgery had made cardiovascular exercise far smoother” as it allows him to breathe easier.  With this improvement, perhaps he should thanked Beltran for the unsolicited advice, which was more like a tease.

What is more surprising is that Niese did not know the extent of his breathing difficulty.  At first he thought that the only issue was the crooked appearance but when his doctor showed the CAT-scan, he learned that the problem was more serious than what he had previously thought.

The baseball player’s surgeon told him that his nose was “like a door with its hinges ripped off and smashed sideways into the wall.”  That was the exact description he got from his doctor.

But because Niese grew up with breathing problems—and had not experienced having normal breathing—he did not know the difference and has no idea of the condition’s effect on his workouts and trainings.

And now that his problem has already been addressed, he is aiming to improve his career record.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty for African-Americans

 

African-Americans account for the lowest number of plastic surgery performed on ethnic patients (only 20-30 percent).  This is probably due to botched results seen on celebrities like Lil Kim, La Toya Jackson, and the late Michael Jackson that make them wary.

Most people of ethnic descent seek plastic surgery to improve their appearance and maintain their unique facial traits at the same time.  Fortunately, this is now possible with the use of ethnic rhinoplasty, which is a technique in nose surgery.

The problem with the celebrities stated above is that there is too much narrowing of the nostrils, resulting to an odd look.  Also, their nasal tip appears too pointy that it destroys their ethnic features.

Dr. Tarick Smaili, one of the leading Los Angeles plastic surgeons, believes that the late Michael Jackson is the perfect epitomize of a bad rhinoplasty because his nose almost resembles a Caucasian’s.

“There is no such thing as an ideal nose.  It is even incorrect to say that a Greek-like nose is the standard definition of beauty, so when treating a patient of ethnic descent, I always make sure that the result glorifies, preserves, and even enhances his or her racial traits,” Smaili said.

One way to preserve the ethnic features when treating African-Americans, Smaili said, is to allow a slight nostril flare which can even be flattering for most patients.

Smaili mentioned Halle Berry’s nose as a perfect example of a good ethnic rhinoplasty result because it has the right nasal projection and slight nostril flare that further enhances her beautiful African face.

“Before she had surgery, her nose has a somewhat bulbous tip.  But after her surgery, you can see that her nose has a slightly more definition, although not to the extent of being too pointy, especially in the tip.  You can also see that the size of the nostril has almost been maintained, resulting to a very flattering and lovely feature,” the surgeon added.

Most African-Americans seek rhinoplasty surgery to “tone down” their nasal bridge that is too flat and wide, and a tip that is too bulky in relation to their overall face. 

“Tone down” is the right term because most patients want to maintain their racial traits rather than “completely overhaul” or westernize their appearance.

Meanwhile, patients should remember that not all nose surgery doctors are effective in ethnic rhinoplasty, which is more challenging and involves higher level of skills than ordinary techniques.

Rhinoplasty to Treat the Saddle Nose

The term saddle nose describes the loss of height of the nasal bridge; this is also called “boxer’s nose” because it is often caused by trauma that leads to deformity, although some people have this due to inborn abnormalities, cancer surgery, botched cosmetic rhinoplasty, infection, and destructive diseases. 

Rhinoplasty, or more commonly called nose job, can correct the saddle nose.  Take note that if the condition leads to severe deformities and breathing difficulties, insurance reimbursement is possible.  By contrast, a surgery that is purely done for cosmetic reasons is not covered by health insurance.

In mild cases of saddle nose, many patients only have aesthetic problems and not breathing difficulty.  In order to treat them, augmentation rhinoplasty is often the most preferred choice; in this technique, plastic surgeons raise the nasal bridge and sometimes also the tip to create the most natural-looking result.

During augmentation rhinoplasty, plastic surgeons use different materials to correct the aesthetic problem or breathing difficulty.  For some patients, their own nasal cartilage and bone can be simply manipulated, or grafted from other body areas including the ear (behind it) and rib.

For slight defects, collecting cartilage behind the ear will usually suffice.  This is a relatively simple and safe procedure that does not impair the patient’s hearing and affect the ear’s appearance because the scar is hidden from plain sight.   But for large defects, rib cartilage is often a better choice.

Aside from natural grafts, plastic surgeons also use artificial implants such as Gore-Tex, Medpore, and Silastic when correcting the saddle nose.  But with this technique, there is always a concern of implant extrusion, infection, and implant shifting.

When there is a need to use artificial implants, many doctors in the US prefer Gore-Tex which has the lowest rejection rate among synthetic materials used in rhinoplasty.  Its notable characteristic can be attributed to its porous structure that allows nasal tissue to grow and develop inside until the implant becomes part of the nose.

The good thing about using Gore-Tex to treat the saddle nose is that it can be easily molded into the desired shape and various thickness, leading to a more natural-looking result after rhinoplasty.

However, patients should remember that severe saddle nose deformities are challenging problems because more often than not, the septum (tissue separating the left and right airways) has large perforation or in extreme cases even absent.  For this reason, perfect results are quite rare, though improvements are still possible.

Rhinoplasty Surgery for Nasal Tip Refinement

Rhinoplasty or “nose job” involves improving the nose’s appearance.  This is one of the most challenging in facial cosmetic surgery because it combines science, because the result should be “structurally sound,” and art, since the outcome should be pleasing to the eyes.

Nasal tip refinement is probably the most challenging part of rhinoplasty surgery.  First and foremost, the result is not only dictated by the plastic surgeon’s skill but also by the underlying features of the nose. 

In fact, about 95 percent of the nasal tip refinement result is achieved by changing the tip cartilages which are the flexible tissue, while the remaining is dependent on how the plastic surgeons will manipulate the skin and other tissues.

There are many available techniques to change the tip of the nose because each person has a unique nasal structure in addition to different goals and expectations of every patient.

But regardless of what technique is used, most plastic surgeons remove only a small amount of cartilage so the nasal tip will not collapse as the patients grow older; this method is also ideal because it can give a long-lasting result and structurally sound changes in the nose.  This is quite different from the approach used 20 years ago in which doctors removed more cartilage to refine the tip.

For patients with a wide or bulbous nasal tip, the problem is generally caused by the widely splayed cartilages.  To treat this aesthetic problem, some doctors recommend suturing technique which often leads to lasting result if properly conducted, although patients should remember that there is always the probability of future revisions due to unexpected changes in the nose cause by aging and other factors.

As mentioned earlier, the result of rhinoplasty is largely affected by the nasal structure, particularly the skin thickness.  Doctors have found out that African-Americans have thick skin but weak underlying cartilages—ethnic features which must be respected to create the most natural result possible. 

On the other hand, Caucasian nose typically has thin skin and strong cartilages.  With this consideration, certain synthetic implants such as silicone plastic is not ideal for patients with this nose because of the higher risk of visibility.

When treating the Caucasian nose to reduce the nasal tip’s projection, it has almost been a sacrosanct among plastic surgeons to simply rearrange or remove a small amount of cartilage instead of introducing synthetic implants (although there is some exception to the rule).

Plastic Surgery Trends for 2012

Every year, new technologies and medical breakthroughs are being introduced by scientists and plastic surgeons to make cosmetic surgery safer and more effective.  In fact, some experts believe that sooner or later, patients will no longer need synthetic implants to increase the size of their breasts and buttocks.

Perhaps one of the growing trends in plastic surgery is the minimally invasive facelift, which is ideal for patients aged between 35 and 45 who have “isolated” sagging and wrinkles.  The procedure—which is usually conducted under local anesthesia and is combined with laser treatment to tighten skin and other minor surgeries—allows older people to postpone a more invasive facial rejuvenation surgery.

The good thing about mini facelift is the shorter recovery period; in fact, patients can resume most of their normal activities just four to five days after the surgery.

Another new breakthrough and growing trend is the use of a very fine tube that allows plastic surgeons to conduct lip augmentation and soft tissue filler for the aging face with little to no downtime and less bruising.  And because of the device’s precision, it would be easier to achieve the best results possible.

During the previous years, breast augmentation, more often than not, was performed as a way to achieve the “larger than life look.”  But nowadays, plastic surgeons have noticed that a growing number of women choose smaller breast implants and previous patients who are asking to downsize their implants.

Experts believe that most women nowadays seek the natural appearance rather than the “heavy” top look.  In fact, this growing trend can be seen in the way Hollywood celebrities make their decision; for instance, Kate Hudson has chosen small breast implants in 2010 that no one would even know she had surgery if not for her previous pictures.

As with the previous years, breast augmentation will still remain one of the most sought-after procedures in 2012 especially with the introduction of a new 3D technology called Vectra, which allows the patients to visualize the final result of the procedure.

The good thing about Vectra is that it can also be applied to a wide range of cosmetic plastic surgery including rhinoplasty (“nose job”),liposuction, and body contouring surgeries.

But still, stem cell is seen as the most promising development in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.  While the potential of this type of cell has not been fully harnessed, scientists and plastic surgeons are expected to further focus their attention on how to make the technology work more effectively and safer to their patients.  

Postoperative Depression in Plastic Surgery

Because of the pain, discomfort, and effects of anesthesia as it wears off, it is not uncommon for plasticsurgery patients to experience postoperative depression.  However, the “blues” will eventually disappear as the symptoms become less and less apparent until they can resume their normal activities.

Certain medications (pain killers and antibiotics) that are taken after plastic surgery have been known to cause constipation and nausea, resulting to more irritability.  If these happen, a patient should consult her doctor and ask for possible treatments to at least minimize the symptoms.

During the first few weeks, most patients—especially those who will have invasive cosmetic surgeries such as traditional tummy tuck and breast lift—will have to restrict their activities.  For some, it may be difficult to sleep since they have to find their “comfortable” position or are required to sleep with their heads (if they will have facial plastic surgery) elevated to promote good blood circulation.

The swelling and bruising can also aggravate the postoperative depression, especially if these temporarily “distort” the face.  For example, facelift patients will have these symptoms on their face for a few days to weeks; many of them may be worried about their appearance but they have to remember that these are just temporary.

And for rhinoplasty patients, there may be some bruising especially around their eyes; their nose will also have residual swelling that can last for several months. 

As mentioned earlier, certain medications can lead to constipation, intestinal cramps, bloated feeling, and other temporary digestive problems.  Some doctors recommend a mild stool softener like Dulcolax and Colace, while others suggest natural remedies and diet or foods rich in fiber like the Chinese radish.

Drinking plenty of water will not only hydrate the body but also help it flush out the residual medications; this will also minimize swelling in the incision site, which in turn promotes quicker recovery.

But in rare occasion, postoperative depression does not go away.  If it does not resolve after a few weeks, a patient should immediately consult her plastic surgeon who may refer a therapist.

For massive weight loss patients who have undergone body lift surgery to remove the hanging skin, some of them may experience depression because of the significant changes in their body.  Some also find it hard to adapt as their food consumption, which used to be their source of comfort, should now be taken in moderation.

Patients who find it hard to adapt to their new appearance should talk about their situation with a therapist or behaviorist.

Aging Gracefully with Plastic Surgery

Aside from the sagging, leathery skin, signs of aging are also manifested by sagging brows which can sink by as much as a third of an inch; and cheek pads which can droop by a half-inch.  According to a recent study, about 30 percent of the facial area may sag.

In addition, aging may also cause the nasal tip to droop by a quarter of an inch; in fact, the nose can stretch by as much as 10 percent.  Aside from aesthetic reasons, these changes may result to breathing difficulty particularly if the nasal wall has collapsed.

To correct the problems associated with aging nose, rhinoplasty or “nose job” can be performed.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most people who undergo facial rejuvenation surgeries are in their middle age.  However, the trend is slowly changing as patients aged 65 years and older are starting to seek such procedures to make their appearance younger and more rejuvenated.

During the past five years, surveys have suggested that the number of patients aged 65 years and older who asked for facial rejuvenation surgeries has tripled, with about 450,000 procedures conducted in the same period.

The most common procedures for patients aged 65 years and older are eyelid surgery, facelifts, Botox injections, soft tissue fillers such as Restylane and Sculptra, and chemical peels.

Meanwhile, the number of patients seeking facial rejuvenation procedures is expected to soar in the coming years as baby boomers reach their 60s.

Aside from the growing obsession to remain youthful, the growing popularity of plastic surgery is also attributed to the fact that seniors are more sexually and socially active than ever before.

In addition, more and more employees are postponing their retirement and the need to appear “competitive” in the workplace is more important than ever.  In fact, some experts suggest that looking good—sooner or later—will become as important as one’s education and professional skills.

Dr. Tarick Smaili, one of the leading Los Angeles plastic surgeons, said that there is really no age limitation when it comes to facial rejuvenation surgery.  However, he noted that patients aged 70 years and older generally face more risks because they are likely to suffer from hypertension, heart disease, and other age-related health problems.

“But as long as they are medically stable and have no serious conditions, these patients are likely to be a good candidate of facial plastic surgery that aims to reduce the signs of aging,” Smaili said.

Basic Guide to Rhinoplasty

While rhinoplasty or nose surgery is usually conducted to improve the appearance of a person, the procedure is also used to correct injuries caused by accidents, developmental or birth defects, and breathing problems.  Whether performed for nasal reconstruction or cosmetic reasons, the surgery is either conducted via closed or open technique.

In open rhinoplasty technique, plastic surgeons cut the columella, which is the strip of tissue separating the right and left nostrils.  With this incision, they will be able to gently lift the skin in order to manipulate the cartilage and/or bone to reshape the structure of the nose.

In addition to cutting the columella across, surgeons also make small incisions inside the nostrils.  For this reason, patients should expect to have pronounced swelling and bruising during the first week after surgery; these postoperative symptoms are supposed to subside slowly as the days go by.

By contrast, closed rhinoplasty technique only involves making incisions inside the nostrils without having to cut the columella.  With this method, patients tend to have less swelling, bruising, and bleeding, and usually enjoy shorter recovery than if the open rhinoplasty is used.

Unfortunately, since the incisions are hidden inside the nostrils, surgeons find it difficult to visualize the changes made on the nose.  As a result, there is a higher chance the existing deformity is not corrected well than if the open rhinoplasty is performed.

Because doctors have a limited view with closed rhinoplasty, they do not use this technique if there is a significant deformity that must be corrected.

But the closed technique can still provide great results if the correction involves removing a small bump on the bridge of the nose and slightly changing the nasal tip.

Regardless if close or open technique is used, rhinoplasty involves recovery and some level of risk which can be easily minimized by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in nose-reshaping surgery.

If performed solely to improve the appearance (vs. correcting breathing problems, severe deformities, and injuries), one of the most important requirements is to be at least 14 years of age, or slightly older for male patients to make sure that the nasal structure has fully matured. 

If rhinoplasty is conducted to a fully matured nose, the chance of having a revision plastic surgery in later years can be significantly reduced.  However, the age requirement stated above is not applicable if the procedure’s goal is to address breathing difficulties and severe deformities.

www.californiasurgicalinstitute.com

Plastic Surgery and Postoperative Depression

Plastic surgery,

whether performed for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, involves recovery
period which may last for several days to months, depending on the treated
area, extensiveness of the incisions, and patient’s healing ability.
Because recovery after surgery involves pain and discomfort,
it is not uncommon for some patients to experience anxiety and slight
depression during the period. And for
those who will undergo any facial rejuvenation surgery, feeling blue is more
common because of the swelling and bruising in their face which may take
several days or weeks to subside.
Feeling low especially during the first few days of recovery
is quite normal. This may be caused by the
effects of anesthesia, postsurgical traumatic stress syndrome, certain
medications that may lead to constipation and grogginess, and limited physical
movements. Plus, the fact that walking
or standing up straight is usually associated with slight discomfort.
But as the days go by, most of the postoperative symptoms
such as swelling and bruising start to drastically subside that patients can
already visualize the final result of the surgery. However, some may experience residual
swelling that may even last for several months.
For example, the residual swelling after rhinoplasty or “nose job” can take nine
months to a year to subside; with this consideration, a patient who wants to
have a revision surgery because she is not satisfied with the result should
wait for a certain period of time or until the swelling is completely gone.
While slight depression is normal during recovery, a patient
should consult her doctor if it lasts more than usual, affects her relationship
with other people, and prevents her to function well at work or school.
Meanwhile, it is not uncommon for some previously obese
patients who underwent bariatric surgery and then body lift (to remove the hanging skin in the abdomen, thighs, upper
arms, and other sagging areas) to feel depressed as food has been their source
of comfort and even addiction at some point in their lives.
Because some body lift patients who were previously obese
may experience depression, many plastic
surgeons nowadays work closely with behaviorists and psychologists to help
their patients stick to a healthy lifestyle, which in turn will allow them to maintain
the result throughout their lives.
It is important to note that while touch-ups after body lift
are fairly common (5 to 15 percent), repeated procedures are generally not good
because of additional scarring and higher cost of surgery.