From the moment you wake up from the general anesthesia and open your eyes after your facelift surgery, you may not know quite what to expect. Expect to still be the same “you,” but the way you used to look, years ago, before the onset of facial lines and wrinkles and maybe that sagging neckline.

From that very moment until the facial plastic surgeon in New York removes your bandages for the last time, anticipation over what to expect and how you will appear may get the better of you at times. However, patience not only is a virtue; it’s the one virtue that will get you through the first few hours, days, and weeks after surgery.

Waking Up From the Anesthesia

If you had a traditional facelift procedure done, odds are the doctor recommended general anesthesia to ensure the best outcome. It’s normal to experience chills and nausea immediately after waking up. The discomfort may persist for an hour or so. Be prepared to feel groggy and out of sorts until the anesthesia wears off. If you had outpatient surgery, be sure to have a safe ride home.

Heading Home

A measure of pain and/or discomfort is to be expected after any surgery, including facelift surgery. You may have been prescribed pain killers. Many patients, however, say their recovery was so problem-free that they didn’t need pain medication.

Taking Care

Avoid medicines or food that may cause blood thinning as this will increase your risk of post-surgery bleeding. These include aspirin and garlic. Most importantly, try to stay active during your in-home recovery to keep the blood circulating. This will help to minimize the risk of developing blood clots in the legs and it will make sure that your incision areas are receiving fresh, well-oxygenated blood to promote the healing process. Of course, you will still need to rest and avoid overdoing.

Now for the good part: at the end of your recovery period expect to be pleasantly amazed at how well your incisions have healed and how much younger you look – not to mention the positive comments and compliments you’re likely to receive from your family, friends and co-workers. Expectation is the mother of all questions about facelift surgery. Your plastic surgeon of choice is best qualified to answer them.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation or read more about facelift surgery.

Next, learn about The Mini Facelift

As the old saying goes, the customer is always right. But is the customer always happy with the final purchase? When it comes to cosmetic rhinoplasty, some estimate a general satisfaction rate of around 75 percent, which is pretty high given the complexity and difficulty of nose surgery. Many skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeons in New York will report an even higher satisfaction rate.

A few millimeters off target can significantly alter the intended effect and require revision rhinoplasty. The American Society of Plastic Surgery estimates 5 to 10 percent of all nasal surgeries are redone for various reasons, and that number is often higher for facial plastic surgeons who are less skilled.

Still, facial plastic surgeons report a high satisfaction rate among their patients and it all centers around the first, all-important consultation with the patient. It is far more than a routine “meet-and-greet” rap session. It’s the essential starting point whereby the plastic surgeon is able to determine exactly what the patient wants and the patient can understand what the doctor can deliver. Once a mutual understanding and practical guidelines are set, it makes for a happy and trusting relationship between doctor and patient.

Doctors note that a satisfied patient is one who has a good idea about what he or she is looking for in cosmetic nose surgery and is able to communicate his or her needs and desires in an honest and straightforward manner to the cosmetic plastic surgeon. A satisfied patient is also a stress-free patient. So, it’s up to the facial plastic surgeon to put the mind of the patient at ease with a thorough description of the surgery process from the first incision to the first week of the patient’s recovery period and beyond.

When the surgeon is fully aware of the patient’s reasons for being in the doctor’s office, the surgeon is then able to get a reliable sense of the patient’s short- and long-term goals. That, in and of itself, is essential to patient satisfaction. The patient’s goals, however, must be reasonable and both practical and efficacious – yielding the intended or desired results. Otherwise, the patient becomes a good candidate for a surgical do-over.

Moreover, a satisfied patient is one who is mentally and emotionally balanced as defined by prevailing societal norms. If the patient seems “out there” with his or her expectations or is showing signs of body dysmorphic disorder, that is a red flag for the plastic surgeon. The patients must also understand the potential complications that can occur.

Finally, many patients satisfied after having their first nose job are those who didn’t feel as though they were pressured into having the procedure by the surgeon. No one likes a high-pressure salesman. And it’s no different when it comes to cosmetic rhinoplasty. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Your first consultation is the foundation for a successful and positive outcome, which usually translates into one happy customer.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation or read more about rhinoplasty.

Next, read all about Rhinoplasty for Older Patients.

* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

What if you could have the nose of your dreams but without the invasive surgery and post-op downtime? It’s possible with a popular in New York procedure known as the Injectable Nose Job, or 15-Minute Nose Job, which uses injectables and dermal fillers to get rid of unsightly nasal humps, bumps, drooping tips, and other minor flaws.

Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, an invasive surgical procedure, the injectable nose job involves the use of filler products like Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse. These products are used to change the appearance of the nose without the need for surgery.

The materials are injected into the nose in order to smooth out minor cosmetic flaws while rebuilding the nose and improving the overall appearance of the nose.

Why Choose An Injectable Nose Job

The effects are immediate. Minor cosmetic flaws such as a drooping tip, small depression, nasal hump or bump seem to vanish. The results are said to last for up to a year before they have to be repeated to maintain optimal results. The injectable nose job begins with the application of a topical numbing cream so that the patient experiences no pain during the procedure.

The benefits of the non-surgical nose job are that they involve less pain and there is no lengthy recovery period. The cost is also less compared with traditional Rhinoplasty. Moreover, the non-surgical treatments can be done in combination with nasal surgery so as to augment the results. Other benefits include the overall lack of bruising and swelling around injection sites and decreased risk of scarring associated with nasal surgery.

Thousands of patients each year choose to have an injectable nose job because they are on a limited budget or don’t require the full effect of nasal surgery. Nevertheless, the procedure is not for everyone. For larger cosmetic nose problems, the so-called 15-minute nose job is not a solution; surgical rhinoplasty is your best long-term solution. Furthermore, injectables cannot be used for reduction rhinoplasty but rather for augmentation rhinoplasty only, though nasal humps which may be reduced with nasal surgery can be disguised and made less obvious by filling in surrounding areas with injectables. Injectables can also pose a risk for future nasal surgery.

If a minor nasal hump, indent, or other imperfection has been bothering you, the injectable nose job is but one of many non-invasive options with short-term results. For more dramatic, long-term results, consider nasal surgery with the knowledge, help, and guidance of a qualified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Contact our office at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.

It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and redness of the skin following a facelift procedure. The recovery period and downtime can be disheartening for some as the incisions and facial skin need time to heal properly.

A facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Philip Miller in New York, will have given you important instructions on how to care for your skin so that the healing process can go forward without interruption or complications. This includes the use of makeup during the immediate post-operative period of your recovery.

Each person’s skin tone, color, and texture are different to work for facial procedures. Changes to the skin are common after surgery so a little bit of tweaking from your normal makeup routine may be necessary to ensure optimal results. Here are X helpful tips.

Get Rid of Any Old Makeup

It may have become dry or contaminated with bacteria or other makeup products. In fact, you should consider products that are specifically made to aid facelift patients, including products like The Big Coverup Kit or Cover Creme by Dermablend. Building a good foundation of makeup with good coverage will ensure you get the best results from your surgery.

Clean Thoroughly

Start with a good, gentle cleansing of the face from neck to forehead using a gauze pad or soft facial sponge. Work gently in and around the facial skin incisions to remove dirt and oils that may cause infection. Always use a gentle soap that won’t irritate your skin or incision sites.

Use Water-Based Makeup

Use water-based makeup during the first three weeks of your recovery period. It’s easy to wash off should you encounter any skin problems or reactions. Oil-based makeups are not as easily removed and can clog pores. If your skin is on the sensitive side, use hypo-allergenic makeup that won’t cause irritation or inflame incisions that have not yet healed.

Get a Different Foundation

Always use a foundation that is one shade lighter than the surrounding skin as the skin may tend to darken with swelling and bruising.

Use Color Theory To Hide Imperfections

Green-colored makeup is best for balancing out reddened areas, and blue eye shadows helps minimize red skin around the eyes. If your skin tone is naturally ruddy, don’t use makeups of similar color.

It may be especially challenging covering large swollen or bruised areas. Fortunately, special corrective cosmetics are available that are designed to give complete coverage of these problem areas.

Your surgeon will have other helpful makeup tips and techniques so that your wounds will heal properly and make sure that your results are truly stellar. To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.

Next, learn What to Expect Right After Your Facelift.

It’s natural to want to look your very best on your wedding day. For some that means a youthful look, a toned body, and a healthy glow that highlights all of your matrimonial attributes.

Many brides-to-be have decided that looking their best also warrants cosmetic surgery and, in particular, nasal surgery. In these cases, they’re finding that an upcoming wedding is a great opportunity to correct a longstanding nasal flaw that may have made them self-conscious. Perhaps that flaw is a nasal hump or flared nostrils, or a hooked nose that detracts from the overall facial appearance.

For these reasons more than a few brides-to-be have opted for nasal surgery in New York in as little as a month before they say “I do.”

Plan for Recovery                                     

Nasal surgeons warn that there is about a 10 percent risk that a nasal “touch-up” may be necessary if the nose does not heal as expected. Furthermore, swelling can take as much as a year or more to fully resolve after surgery, though most noticeable swelling has faded within six months’ time. Therefore it is more realistic for the bride to have the surgery at least six to nine months ahead of time, so that the nose will have plenty of opportunity to heal and assume its new shape and dimensions.

The whole idea of “Bridalplasty,” as the pre-nuptial nose job is sometimes informally called, is to reshape the nose in such a way that it enhances and harmonizes with other key features of the face. Rhinoplasty involves the surgical reshaping of the nasal bones and nasal cartilage in order to achieve optimal results that fit the goals of the patient. The vast majority of nose jobs are successful the first time around. In a few cases, however, the procedure has to be repeated to “get it right.” That’s the bad news for brides dreaming of the “perfect” wedding-day nose.

Choose Your NYC Surgeon Carefully

The good news is that surgical errors and complications are minimal when the bride takes the time to shop around for the most qualified, experienced, and skilled nasal plastic surgeon. Just as she would do to plan ahead for her wedding, the bride needs to plan ahead for the rhinoplasty procedure, allowing herself plenty of time to make a full and successful recovery.

First, though, she must consult with the surgeon to find out whether she is, in fact, a good candidate for rhinoplasty. It’s a deeply personal decision for the bride to make and one the surgeon must never take lightly.

If you’ve been considering cosmetic nasal surgery for your all-important wedding day, talk to a qualified plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified New York facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.

Next, learn about The Factors that Lead to Nose Surgery Satisfaction

Now that you have decided to have cosmetic nasal surgery, the next step is to decide what the best shape may be for your new nose. That all-important step takes place during private consultation with your plastic surgeon. Here, the doctor will spell out what can and cannot be done in surgery. What determines the limits are the very size and shape of your present nose, and the very architecture of your face.

The plastic surgeon in New York factors in a number of variables in the design of the surgical procedure. Existing skin, cartilage, and bone structure all determine how much nasal shaping is possible within the limits of reason, surgical skill, and technology.

For example, while surgery to reduce a large nose is very common, there is a limit to just how small the nose can be made.  The underlying framework of bone and cartilage can be reduced in size, but the skin itself is often left untouched.  Furthermore, the nose must work with the other facial features. If the nose is too small for the chin or cheeks, the overall facial appearance will be unbalanced. Despite these limitations, a skilled surgeon can create many pleasant and subtle adjustments to the existing nose structure that will leave you feeling satisfied. The results of cosmetic nasal surgery are never rushed or drastic. They bring out the best of the nose you have in near perfect harmony and balance with other facial features.

Shape and Looks 

When choosing the right shape of your new nose, always strive toward a natural look that maximizes the size, shape, and proportion of your natal nose. A female patient, therefore, will desire more feminine results compared to a male patient, including a straight nasal bridge, a slight, youthful “lift,” and a nose that is neither too long nor too pointed, and one with slender nostrils.

You may have been inspired by the wonderful results of a friend or celebrity who had a nose job. Keep in mind, however, that the plastic surgeon is not a miracle worker. He or she can only work within the normal parameters of the nose nature gave you. Any “copycat” surgery to mimic the results of a popular actor may appear artificial and out of balance with your facial makeup. However, pictures of noses that you do like can be helpful during the consultation process to communicate what it is that you do and do not like, but keep an open mind to what your doctors recommends.

Most of all, make sure your surgeon is board certified, well experienced in rhinoplasty, and able to deliver results. Look at his or her before and after pictures and check out their credentials. While it may not be possible or best for you to receive just about any nose, a skilled plastic surgeon can help you make the most of the nose you were born with.

Let a New York Plastic Surgeon help you with your Nose

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.

Next, read all about what Bridalplasty and Rhinoplasty Have in Common.

The fear associated with a traditional nose job (rhinoplasty) has, for some patients, a lot to do with the degree of bruising that appears after the surgery. The Internet is filled with post-op pics of rhinoplasty patients with anything from mild yellow discoloration to full-out black eyes, and this can be a bit disconcerting for someone considering surgery. Though some lucky patients in New York enjoy a speedy recovery with little or no bruising around the incision areas or eyes, the reality is that bruising and black eyes are normal effects of the procedure and are to be expected to some degree.

Post-rhinoplasty bruising can have a lot to do with the techniques used during surgery. Was osteotomy performed and were the nasal bones broken? Was there soft tissue dissection involved? If the answer to both questions is yes, then be prepared to experience some swelling and bruising and maybe a pair of raccoon eyes as your body recovers from the trauma of surgery.

The bruising and black eyes which often occur post-rhinoplasty involves the discoloration of undersurface skin with blood that leaked from damaged blood vessels. The degree of bruising and discoloration depends on the type of nasal procedure as well as the skill of the surgeon doing the procedure. Skilled cosmetic nasal surgeons will always prepare their patients for potential risks and complications during the recovery process. Their advice and practical tips are worth putting into practice to promote a full recovery and optimal results.

Tips for Reducing Bruising

• Ice or a cold compress is an absolute must during the first 48 hours after surgery. The cold will minimize swelling and bruising. Administer the ice or cold compress every 30 minutes for at least several days following surgery.
• Pineapple juice containing bromelain is also useful as an anti-inflammatory for post nasal surgery patients.
• Things to avoid post-surgery include aspirin, alcohol, and herbal supplements, which thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. As a rule of thumb, refrain from using these substances at least seven days before and after you have the surgery. This will also minimize the risk of anything going wrong on the operating table.
• Also, be sure to steer clear of questionable surgery recovery products. These may or may not work, and may even make matters worse. Always consult your doctor’s opinion trying out any new products.

No rhinoplasty patient wants to see his or her surgical results go to waste. The advice of a qualified plastic surgeon will go a long way in making sure you get your money’s worth and the nose you’ve been dreaming about.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified New York facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.

Next, learn How to Choose the Right Shape for Your New Nose

So, you’ve decided that a traditional facelift will shave years off your facial appearance or the bridge of your nose could use a little reduction. The next important step for you is to decide which NYC plastic surgeon is the right one for you.

This doesn’t mean going online and signing up with the first surgeon who pops up offering to do the procedure at the least cost. There are a number of important factors to keep in mind. What do other patients think and feel about the surgeon? What is his or her professional background and training in the procedure of your choice? Are they generalist practitioners, or specialists in facelift or rhinoplasty surgery? Most important – and don’t be afraid to ask – do they have any past or pending malpractice lawsuits?

All of these issues will help narrow the field of three or more surgical candidates to, hopefully, the best one to do the job.

Next comes the professional consultation. This is the moment when the patient gets to enter the surgeon’s world and work space. Is it neat and tidy? Is it a modern facility with state-of-the art tools and technology? What are the staff members like? Are they welcoming, and do they pay attention to your personal needs?

The patient will be required to fill out paperwork and complete a questionnaire which will provide the surgeon and staff with the patient’s medical history and possible use of medications or herbal supplements, which can lead to complications on the operating table. After that, the big moment will have finally arrived and you will get to meet the plastic surgeon for the first time. Here, first impressions are key. He or she will either make a good impression or a bad one. They will come across as knowledgeable in their specialty or they won’t. They will have a good bedside manner or may appear cool and distant. Depending on your emotional makeup and cosmetic goals, the initial consultation can make or break a surgeon-client relationship. Such a relationship must be built on a foundation of mutual trust or it simply won’t work.

Once past the preliminary discussion, the surgeon will provide a full explanation of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, pre-operation preparations, the recovery process, the patient’s reasons for having the surgery and the goals and expectations in play.

The qualified, board-certified surgeon may suggest alternative procedures and will discuss the risk of infection and other complications as well as the overall results to expect. The well-informed patient will have no fear in asking the doctor about how many procedures he or she has performed, how long they have been doing a specific surgical procedure, and how many required surgical revision.

The consultation is when all cards are laid on the table. Honesty and transparency are essential ingredients on both sides of the table. You may also find that you want to consult with more than one surgeon, and that is perfectly acceptable.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.

Next, learn What Makes a Good Nose Job

Facelift Expectations

When you think about your pending facelift in New York you are more than likely envisioning what you will look like with firmer skin and a more youthful-looking face and neck. A facelift is definitely a surefire way to revitalize your appearance. The majority of patients are highly satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. It takes some patience to get to that point though.

Get Positive Results

The best way to attain positive results has a lot to do with your outlook. Preparing yourself for what to expect immediately after your facelift surgery will help you develop the mindset to get through recovery and allow you to remember the beautiful face that awaits you after the less glamorous part is over.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and most patients are able to manage perfectly well at home with the assistance of a friend or spouse during the first few days. Some individuals choose to stay in an after-care facility with a trained nursing staff that is familiar with assisting patients after surgery. Waking up from a procedure where anesthesia and sedation is used can leave you feeling groggy, confused, and even emotional or nauseous. That is why patients are not allowed to leave alone.  Patients return after 1 to 2 days to the surgeon to have drainage tubes removed. The tubes are to prevent the buildup of fluid. Sutures that were used to close the incisions will remain for 5 to 10 days.

Managing the Pain

Over the counter or prescription medication will be prescribed by the surgeon to help control any discomfort. Usually the pain following a facelift surgery is mild. Cold compresses are recommended to help minimize bruising and swelling at home. Elevating the head will also help limit swelling. Swelling is a very common side effect of the surgery, but not to worry, it is only temporary. Chances are swelling will begin to look worse over the first three or so days before it begins to improve. Some very minor swelling can linger for 6 to 9 months, but your face will look better than it did before the surgery. You are probably the only person that will recognize the extra bit of puffiness. After that point the swelling will have completely subsided and the skin will have fully settled.

The Recovery

Typically, patients may return to work about 2 week following surgery. Everyone heals differently, so this time frame of a quick recovery is not set in stone. Strenuous activity must be avoided longer, for several more weeks, to avoid trauma and strain to the recently operated on facial muscles.

You may be concerned about the appearance of scars. Luckily, facelift scars become virtually undetectable over time. This is in part because incisions for the procedure are placed within the natural creases of the face. The skin will also return to a more normal skin tone. In the meantime, makeup can be used to camouflage the skin after the incision has healed.

We’re Here to Help

Remember that the bruising and swelling and all the other annoying parts about recovery will pass. Your rejuvenated face will be awaiting you sooner than you know. Dr. Miller in NYC will be able to answer your questions and provide more information about the facelift procedure and recovery at your consultation. Contact our office at (646) 791-3025 to schedule one today!

What makes good nose surgery results? It’s a question that ranks on a par with what makes good art or fine wine. Everyone has an opinion but not everyone agrees with it.

Like good art and fine wine, a good nose job conforms with certain guidelines and expectations. The patient must be pleased with the results. The results must be painstakingly accurate. The surgeon should always inject a large amount of skill and passion into the mix to achieve the desired results.

In general, a good nose job is flawlessly minimalistic and conservative. Less is more. No incision or suture goes to waste. The goal is simplicity, harmony, symmetry, and balance – a merger of outcomes in which the nose blends in seamlessly with all other facial features. What we’re talking about here is a wonderful fusion of surgical skill, medical prowess, and artistic sensibility. The scalpel is to a plastic surgeon a fine artist’s brush. Each deftly-made incision adds no more, and no less, than the procedure requires.

Every culture has its own standards of beauty. In Western culture, a beautiful nose is relatively small, straight along the bridge, with small nostrils that are neither flared nor pinched. The tip of the nose neither dips too far down nor projects too far outward or upward. A good cosmetic surgery result is refined and natural in appearance. It expresses the patient’s own personality, ethnicity, and the surgeon’s aesthetic skill to near perfection.

For men, a good nose job is bold and angular, exemplifying manhood. For women, the result is not as overpowering and flows gracefully and confidently in its total effect. In sum, the hallmark of a good cosmetic nose surgery  is one whose results are subtle and understated. There is minimal scarring and the recovery is fast and relatively pain-free.

Plastic surgeons must be getting it right, because in 2012 there were 243,000 rhinoplasty procedures done in the U.S. alone according to the ASPS. That’s a sizable amount of completed procedures. Are you a good candidate for rhinoplasty? It depends on the state of your health and your willingness to face the potential risks associated with any cosmetic surgery.

Again, what makes a good nose job? Only you and your qualified plastic surgeon can provide the answer. Keep in mind, though, that the outcome will only be as good as the surgeon doing the procedure, the tools at his or her disposal, and the quality of the “canvas” that is your very own nose.

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Contact us at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.