Question:
When removing a hump on the nose, how do you know if this requires an osteotome or if it can be filed down with a rasp?

Answer:
Hump reduction is commonly a part of rhinoplasty. With smaller humps simple rasps (think nail file only larger) can be used to bring down the bone to a better profile as well as smooth out any irregularities. Larger humps, however, often require osteotomies for reduction.

Osteotomies are precise bony cuts made with oeteotomes (think refined chisels) to both remove the hump directly as well as to narrow the nasal bridge. In addition, osteotomies are often required with severely deviated noses to straighten the bones. This can be associated with more bruising, swelling and discomfort, but typically provides a more dramatic result.

The first step to determining if osteotomies are required for your nasal procedure is to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

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Augmentation of the dorsum (top) of the nose is often part of ethnic rhinoplasty (common in patients of Asian descent).

The best way to augment this area is with natural tissues- either cartilage from the nose or rib or donated rib.

For simplicity, some surgeons will use implant materials such as silicone. Unfortunately these are predisposed to
infection and extrusion (moving and displacement). Because of this most facial plastic surgeons recommend using natural materials.

An augmentation that was done with silastic material or is unsatisfactory can be corrected. This would involve a procedure where the silastic( or other synthetic implants) material would be removed and at the same time a new natural material placed. This is often done with a patients own cartilage, either from the nose (septal), ear (conchal), or the rib. When a great deal of augmentation is needed, rib is the material of choice.

One option instead of using a patient’s own rib is cadaveric rib. Several recent studies have showed long term stability and good results making this a preferred material for many surgeons. In addition, using cadaveric tissue avoids a second surgery site and the risk associated with rib harvest.

Whatever material is used, it can be contoured to the new desired profile. Video imaging before surgery is a great way to make sure the surgeon and the patient have the same goals in mind. Most experienced facial plastic surgeons have this technology.

The first step when considering asian rhinoplasty is a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon experienced in cosmetic nasal surgery.

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Question:
I’d love to get laser hair removal. Can you tell me what happens during the procedure so I have an idea of what to expect?

Answer:
Laser Hair Removal is performed in a series of 6-10 treatments at 4-6 week intervals. Some describe the sensation to be similar to a rubberband snapping your skin. The procedure is very tolerable with minimal discomfort. With each treatment hair is lessened until eventually gone.

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Question:
What are the different options available for chemical peels?

Answer:
Chemical Peels are available in different strengths, light or very superficial, medium, and deep. We recommend doing a series of peels to achieve maximum benefits. Our Aestheticians can evaluate your skin to help determine the best peel option.

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Question:
I’d like to get a facelift but it’s very important to me that I look natural afterward. What can I do to ensure this?

Answer:
With today’s techniques, facelifts should provide a refreshed, lifted look, not a pulled, wind tunnel effect.

This is due to the fact that the deep tissues (SMAS and platysma muscles/fascia) are lifted first – this is where the tension is placed. The skin is then allowed to naturally follow rather than be pulled.

Using these techniques, a facial plastic surgeon is able to avoid that "stretched" appearance that sometimes occurs with more limited, superficial facelift procedures. I recommend discussing your options in a one-on-one consultation.

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