Posts Tagged ‘Rhinoplasty’

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Rhinoplasty risks

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

In the event that rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, obstacles are usually minor. Yet, there is always the risk of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Vartany’s instructions before and after surgery.

After rhinoplasty surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin’s surface; these are usually minor but may be lasting. In case rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all; when an “open” technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible. Additional scars near the bridge of the nose can come from sculpting of the nasal bones from an external approach.

Sometimes a second procedure may be required, for instance to correct a minor defect. Such cases happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.

Planning your surgery

Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Vartany always keeps a good communication with his patients. During your first consultation, Dr. Vartany will ask you detailed questions and then he will also clarify factors which can influence the procedure and the results. These factors are the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

You’ll also get information about the techniques and anesthesia he will use. The costs and your options will be discussed. The majority of insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic surgery; nevertheless, when the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity, the procedure may be covered.

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Anesthesia Options for Rhinoplasty

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Rhinoplasty may be performed under various depths of anesthesia including local anesthesia, intravenous sedation (also called IV sedation, twilight anesthesia or MAC anesthesia) and general anesthesia. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages depending on cost, safety, awareness and side effects.

IV Sedation

Although many surgeons prefer IV sedation for rhinoplasty, this is not the best anesthetic approach. It mostly relies upon the skillful dosing of powerful anesthetics through an intravenous catheter. The main point is that the anesthesiologist must be very skilled to achieve the right dose of anesthetic, since in many instances the patient may stay conscious to some extent.  On the other hand, if too much anesthetic is administered, the patient stops breathing.

In case of IV sedation the airways are not protected by a breathing tube and blood can be inhaled into the lung, leading to serious complications.

Although IV sedation is less expensive than general anesthesia, the risks, discomfort and effectiveness of it make it less preferable than general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia

Because nose surgery is comparatively non-invasive, the patient only requires enough anesthetic to render them entirely unconscious. Longer surgical cases are far better tolerated and the airway is protected from aspiration by the presence of a breathing tube.

The after-effects of general anesthesia are generally mild and short-term. And because respiration is maintained by a ventilator, the depth of anesthesia can be adjusted to keep blood pressure low and thus minimize bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Perhaps the biggest reason against the use of general anesthesia is the fear of post-operative nausea and vomiting which may dramatically elevate blood pressure levels leading to much heavier facial bruising, swelling, and discomfort.

In addition, the technical benefits of general anesthesia translate into better cosmetic outcome for the patient with fewer anesthesia-related risks or side effects.

Schedule a free consultation with Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Armen Vartany to address any questions concerning rhinoplasty.

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Six Reasons for Undergoing Rhinoplasty

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

A rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is actually a face makeover in some sense, which enhances one’s overall facial appearance since the nose is a person’s central and most noticeable facial feature. Any alterations on it may have a significant impact on the entire face. For example an extra-large nose makes one’s eyes look beady and very close together, causes the lips to appear to be thin, and the chin weak and receding. By merely altering this one facial feature i.e. the nose, all other features appear to have been realigned. Here are some of the most common reasons why prospective patients want to undergo a rhinoplasty.

- Nose is too long in comparison with the size of the head. To correct this problem, a rhinoplasty surgeon would remove the excess portions of bone, skin and cartilage to reshape the skeletal components into an appropriately proportioned shorter length.

- Extremely wide and flattened out. This shape may be corrected by making the current bone and cartilage structure sleeker and more suitable for the individual.

- Nostrils too far apart. This problem may be corrected with a few stitches and may be done in conjunction with a more extensive procedure. The ideal nostril shape is oval or teardrop shaped.

- Crooked. This problem is often the result of an accident that has broken the nose bones and has caused the skeletal structure in the nasal region to twist into a crooked realignment. In such cases the surgeons need to re-break the bones in order to straighten them.

- Bump in the bridge. Bumps in the bridge’s skeletal system are removed and straightened using the re-sculpting process of repositioning and removal.

- Hooked nose. The hooked nose is corrected by altering the bones and cartilage and creating a more appealing profile.

If you think that you have one of these problems, do  not hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Armen Vartany.

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The Emotional Effects of Rhinoplasty

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Locating a good rhinoplasty surgeon, learning about how the surgery is performed and preparing yourself for the possible risks and complications after the nose surgery is only one aspect of full rhinoplasty preparation since one should be well aware of the emotional impact of rhinoplasty as well.

A good nose job can be extremely beneficial to the patient’s self esteem. This is the reason why most rhinoplasty patients are teens and young adults, who are often deeply concerned with their appearance and are more inclined to suffer from low self-confidence issues.

Unfortunately, rhinoplasty surgery cannot be a positive experience for everyone. If you are considering a nose job you should also be ready for the negative emotions you may feel after the surgery.

Although only a minority of patients experience a deep post-rhinoplasty depression, most patients go through a period of feeling very down. The first reason for this is that though a nose job is not unbearably painful for most people, it does cause a lot of discomfort. You can feel very congested – as if you have a heavy cold, you may also lose your sense of smell and consequently most of your ability to taste for some time which can be rather annoying.

Secondly, at least for a week or two, you are physically restricted which can make you feel quite miserable. To avoid any injuries to the post-operative nose which is still very delicate, you should limit most of your everyday activities, which can be quite distressing. There are also sleeping pose restrictions – the head must be elevated, which makes sleeping in an almost upright position a necessity – this may lead to a poor night’s sleep and result in irritability and tiredness.

Finally, there is also the possibility that you may be dissatisfied with the initial nose job results, since the nose will be bruised and swollen in the first few weeks.

To discuss further details concerning the post-rhinoplasty period, please feel free to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Armen Vartany.

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Modern Advances in Rhinoplasty

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Modern advances in rhinoplasty allow surgeons the opportunity to select from a wide range of techniques to give each patient a really unique result, going as far as correcting even the smallest features the patient is not happy  with. The patient and the doctor are free to design a nose that adds an aesthetic beauty to the face not possible without cosmetic enhancement.


Rhinoplasty surgeries are more concerned with aesthetics and artistry more than ever. The nose surgeon will take all the elements of your face into consideration when planning your nose job, as “facial harmony” is the first priority. To architect your ideal nose, your surgeon can use technology such as computer imaging, nasal endoscopy to explore your nasal anatomy, and other methods of internal evaluation.

You can have a look through magazines in order to decide on the “perfect nose”, view before and after photos, and discuss specific sizes, shapes, and relative proportions with your surgeon. Take every detail into consideration; think about your profile, and how you’d like to look from the front and sides. Figure out specific features of your nose that you are not satisfied with, and features on others that you find particularly attractive. Your cosmetic surgeon should be able to interpret and balance all of this information to create a nose that is uniquely you.

As a perfect model is designed, your rhinoplasty surgeon will decide on the right nose surgery procedure:

• Open Method – An incision is made on the columella between the nostrils

• Closed Method – An incision is made inside the nostrils

During the nose surgery, skin is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage, the bone and cartilage is then artfully shaped with a combination of surgical skill and advanced tools, and finally the skin is then draped over the new nose.

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Risks and Benefits of Rhinoplasty: Know Before Making Your Final Decision

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

All surgical procedures have certain risks and benefits. So before opting for any surgical procedure one should have a clear idea of what he/she might expect. The greatest fear of nearly all plastic surgeries is the fear of bleeding, since if bleeding under the skin occurs an extra surgery may be required. This may affect the plastic surgery outcome, causing an over and under correction. Other matters which are best addressed before any cosmetic surgery are anesthesia allergies and the common factors that might cause nerve damage.

To avoid possible post-rhinoplasty depressions, one should have realistic expectations and a clear idea of the procedure. Schedule a consultation with your Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon to learn what post-surgical affects you may expect. Expect swelling for at least two weeks and always remember that rhinoplasty is not considered complete until about a year later. There are certain surgical alternatives, such as non-invasive injections which help to alleviate some concerns.

Deciding on whether to undergo a rhinoplasty operation or not can become much easier in case you have discussed all your concerns during the consultation. A thorough skin exam is necessary before the surgical procedure.

Once surgery is completed and the healing period is over, the result will most likely be the much desired nose. With modern techniques as well as tried historical methods, chances of success are very high. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.

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What If Your Nose Job Went Wrong?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

People undergo rhinoplasty/nose surgery for purely cosmetic reasons (i.e. to improve the appearance of the nose), for functional reasons (i.e. to clear any blockages) or for both reasons at the same time. Regardless of the reasons for nose job, a patient may claim compensation whenever the surgery goes wrong.

There are different reasons why rhinoplasty surgery may go wrong, leading to a compensation claim. Here are some of the most common ones:

* Further disfigurement which is caused by the nose surgery;
* Temporary or non-temporary loss of sense of smell;
* Failure to achieve the main agreed expectations (i.e. the desired shape or solving the functionality problems);
* Infections;
* Making the appearance even worse than before the surgery.

What compensation can the patient claim in case of negligent nose surgery?

In many of the cases described above, the patient may be left with problems that require further surgery. Naturally, if the primary rhinoplasty went wrong, it is unlikely that the patient will be willing to get a revision nose job from the same Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon.

This is obvious and if a patient happens to appear in such a situation, he/she should seek legal advice to learn their options. The cost of the further treatment can be claimed as part of a successful medical negligence claim. Furthermore, the patient may also claim compensation for the pain and sufferings they have gone through, along with the other material expenses.

If you believe that you are the victim of medical negligence following rhinoplasty surgery, you should seek expert legal advice from a medical negligence no win no fee solicitor. Most solicitors will speak with you to find out the details and will provide you with an initial assessment of the strengths or weaknesses of your claim, thus helping you to make an informed decision.

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Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) Surgery Recovery

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Nose job recovery requires patience. The face and mainly the nose are initially swollen; there are bruises around your eyes. Some bleeding is also common during the first few days.

The application of cold compresses may lessen swelling and bruising. A slight residual swelling may keep on for several months. Bleeding is ordinary for the first few days of a nose job (rhinoplasty) recovery. You will be told not to blow your nose for about one week. As another part of the rhinoplasty post-operation instructions, patients will also be advised not to bend over with their head below the heart as this may increase swelling and bleeding. The nasal packing will be removed after a few days, and the splint (which covers the nose after surgery) and/or stitches, will be removed one to two weeks later.

Generally, part of the recovery process is staying in bed with the head elevated for the first 24 hours. Your face may feel puffy, your nose may ache, and a dull headache may be present. Pain can be managed with medication prescribed by the rhinoplasty surgeon.

Most of the rhinoplasty side effects, like swelling and bruising, will disappear after two to three weeks. Residual swelling may remain for several months to one year after a nose job, but this is usually not noticeable to anyone but the patient and the surgeon. The final results of surgery may not be visible for up to a year.

To learn all about rhinoplasty recovery, talk with Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Vartany in person by requesting a consultation.

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The Best Age for Rhinoplasty

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Many people would be interested in knowing what the best age for a rhinoplasty procedure is. To tell you the truth, a lot of this depends on the basic circumstances surrounding the procedure.  Usually you have to wait until your nose has completed finished growing, which happens approximately between the ages of 15 to 17. But this can also differ depending on the gender of the potential rhinoplasty candidate. Females may usually undergo the procedure between fourteen and fifteen years of age, while males may have to wait as late as 20 years of age.

Discuss this with your Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon as he/she may feel that your nose has not completely finished growing and thus will recommend that you not undergo rhinoplasty surgery.

It is absolutely clear that you may not like your nose, even in teenage years, but the fact of it is that until your body has completed grown, it is senseless to undergo any cosmetic surgery. There are many people out there who want rhinoplasty because they do not like the way their nose looks, but in 5 or so years when they stop their development they decide that they are happy with their nose the way it is.

So before deciding that you have no other choice and have to get the procedure done, it is important to make sure that your nose has fully developed.

There are cases when the nose has a malformation that may be causing a medical health issue, in which case all of these things may be set aside. In case of a malformation, the aesthetic and psychological effects of rhinoplasty are set aside to remedy a health problem.  Should you have a medical issue like difficulty in breathing which can be remedied by a rhinoplasty procedure, then you will also have to discuss this with a rhinoplasty surgeon to make sure that you can qualify for reconstructive and not a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure.

Schedule a free consultation with a board-certified Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Armen Vartany to discuss your individual case.

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Open Rhinoplasty

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Open rhinoplasty is a technique for nasal surgery where the cartilage of the nose is exposed by peeling back the nasal skin. This is done with a small outside incision on the “columella”, the aspect of the nose sandwiched between the two nostrils, and additional incisions placed inside the nose. The incision placed outside usually heals well and rarely causes cosmetic problems. These incisions have the form of a zigzag.

Advantages of Open Rhinoplasty

Grafting is generally performed more extensively in open nasal operations than with endonasal or ‘closed’ rhinoplasty. Unfortunately, this ease of exposure and grafting does not necessarily translate into a better outcome for every patient.
Revision rhinoplasty is still a common procedure sought out even after open nasal reshaping plastic surgery. Some extensive secondary reconstructive rhinoplasties are best approached through the open technique. The closed rhinoplasty operation may truly be inferior for these complicated revision rhinoplasties.


Disadvantages of Open Rhinoplasty

An open rhinoplasty lasts longer. Usually, the additional time necessary for opening and closing the nose easily adds an additional hour or more to the overall surgery time. As a rule open rhinoplasty takes 3 hours.
There may be more scaring after an open nasal reshaping operation. More surgical dissection and separation of tissues are necessary for the open rhinoplasty procedure. These operated nasal tissues have to heal afterwards which means scaring. Scaring may cause thickening of tissues or it may create forces which can pull structures in unwanted directions. Thus, added support with grafting is important. The additional scaring is more important, if revision surgery becomes necessary.
The swelling may last longer. No scientific studies have been performed to prove this notion but rhinoplasty surgeons who perform both, open and closed rhinoplasties, observed this difference. Reasons lie in the additional surgical dissection required for open rhinoplasty and the extra healing necessary afterwards. Though these advantages and disadvantages of open rhinoplasty are real, they do not make this operation better or worse if compared to the closed approach.

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