Nipntuck Myths: Who Performs Cosmetic Surgery?
November 23rd, 2015
TOP MYTHS OR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY
Patients often ask me some of the same questions and many of them are the myths that I will address in this new series.
MYTH: Only plastic surgeons can legally perform cosmetic surgery. Surprising there are no restrictions governing what type of physician can perform any medical or surgical procedure. Virtually every state in America, provides that any licensed physician can do brain surgery, open-heart surgery, etc. However, common sense usually limits the scope of a doctors own practice. So it is important to understand individual qualifications when choosing a cosmetic plastic surgeon. Basic facts to consider include evaluation of Board Certification/s, (American Board of Medical Sub-specialties) and the quality of patient surgical results. Another important indication includes both patient and physician referrals. All of this information is equally important and is significant in not only choosing your cosmetic plastic surgeon, but any physician under your consideration. Understanding the qualifications of your cosmetic plastic surgeon is paramount, board certification is the gold standard. Do your homework and check here at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Remaking a Nose
November 19th, 2015
I don’t like my nose, can you change it? Yes and plastic surgeons most often want to give you the results that you want. I really think this stems from a profound sense of responsibility regarding patients that are placed in a physicians care. This responsibility is firmly instilled in residents during plastic surgery training. Within the specialty of elective cosmetic surgery, choice plays a bigger role than surgeries of a more critical emergency nature. In an elective cosmetic setting, both the surgeon and their patient have the luxury of time to consider their options. Rhinoplasty, frequently referred to as “Nose Job” is one such surgery where many options might be considered. Patients frequently bring in pictures saying, I want my nose to look like this. While choices are many, several factors dictate whether this nipntuck request represents realistic expectations. It is important to understand the possibilities and limitations presented by the anatomy of a particular nose, the aesthetics of the individual facial structure and desires of the patient. These physical findings represent many of the factors that are involved in designing a nose surgery. No two noses are alike.
Modern rhinoplasty philosophy and techniques do give us a vast number of combinations with regards to a specific nose surgery. We are able to either increase or decrease the size of any part of your nose. For example, a surgeon might increase the height of the bridge of the nose, while decreasing the width of the tip. These techniques comprise my particular surgical plan customized for each patient. However, these techniques are not as precise as sculpting a piece of metal or clay, but this surgery has high patient satisfaction. Before/After photographs will usually give you a sense of the surgeon’s personal skill. Several of my patients have shared their experience with having a rhinoplasty or nose job.
My patient, Lisa, graciously contributed her own rhinoplasty recovery diary to share on our blog. Besides writing a day-to-day account of her healing process, she also agreed to have her rhinoplasty surgery filmed. Click here to read Lisa’s blog and see her After Photo. Watch some film clips of actual surgery.
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