One of the most common plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is performed to reshape, reduce or augment a person's nose, remove a hump, narrow nostril width, change the angle between the nose and the mouth, or to correct injury, birth defects, or other problems that affect breathing. Results depend on the patient's nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age (teenagers should have had their growth spurt). Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but likely not for cosmetic purposes.
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under either twilight or general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours unless more extensive work needs to be done.
Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). However, skilled plastic surgeons can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct large, protruding or otherwise deformed ears for a more proportionate appearance. Unlike most other plastic surgery procedures, otoplasty is most commonly performed on children, as the ears are typically finished growing by the age of four. Early treatment helps reduce teasing and any affect on self-esteem that large or misshapen ears may cause. Otoplasty may often be performed to correct ears damaged by an accident or injury.
During the otoplasty procedure, an incision is made behind the ear to remove or reshape the cartilage and adjust the size and position of the ears for a more natural-looking appearance. For children, this procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, while adults usually only require local anesthesia and sedation. Both ears may be operated on in order to achieve better balance. The results of the otoplasty procedure are permanent and scars behind the ears are not noticeable.
Scar revision is performed to reduce the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. Scars are by definition permanent, but surgery can narrow, fade and otherwise reduce the appearance of severe or unattractive scarring, which is especially helpful in areas of cosmetic importance such as the face and hands.
There are many surgical methods of scar revision, only some of which may be appropriate for a particular type of scar or its location. These include surgical excision, skin grafts, flap surgery and Z-plasty (repositioning a scar so that it aligns with the face and is less noticeable). The effectiveness of scar reduction depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the injury, your body's healing mechanism, the size and depth of the wound, how much blood supplies the area and the thickness and color of your skin.
As we age, our skin begins to change as a result of several different life factors. The natural collagen within the skin begins to diminish and skin may sag and droop. Smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, nutrition and more can also lead to the development of wrinkles and fine lines within the skin. Other skin conditions such as acne, brown spots and chicken pox can leave unattractive blemishes on the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin irregularities. It offers patients many advantages over traditional resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, as it practically eliminates side effects such as discomfort, bleeding and bruising.
Obagi is a brand of skin care products designed to develop and maintain healthy skin through an advanced line of cleansers, toners, eye creams, sunscreens, serums and other beneficial products. These products, available only from a physician, have been used for many years to improve the appearance of the skin, reduce the signs of aging and treat and prevent some of the most common skin conditions, including acne, rosacea and more. With a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and other natural elements, each product is designed with a distinct function to produce healthy, beautiful skin.
Obagi skin products can also be used in conjunction with Obagi procedures, such as the Blue Peel, for maximum results and especially to repair severely damaged skin. Dr. Kelley will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on a thorough evaluation of your individual skin condition.
© 2011 Patrick Kelley, M.D., FACS and MedNet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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