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The NatraLook Process and Your Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty patient in new york Many facial plastic surgeons make claims that your satisfaction is guaranteed, but without a process in place to understand your real desires, this simply isn’t possible. To get the results you really want from your rhinoplasty, it’s essential to consult with your facial plastic surgeon and come to a mutual understanding. By working together, you’ll help ensure that your rhinoplasty delivers real satisfaction and all the benefits that come along with it. The NatraLook Process offered by Dr. Philip Miller, a double board certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, can empower you and earn you the right results.

What Is Aesthetic Confidence?

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, your satisfaction with your results is what matters. Patient satisfaction leads to incredible psychological and emotional benefits, like an improved self-confidence level and even a higher quality of life. New research has shown that a whopping 98 percent of patients who are happy with their post-surgical results find a greater overall happiness in their lives. Knowing this, it’s hard to deny that patient satisfaction is anything less than the most important factor in cosmetic surgery.

As part of this overall satisfaction, patients must find a new aesthetic confidence in themselves after surgery. Aesthetic confidence can be described as the empowerment we feel from dressing, decorating, and designing the way we want.

Why Does the Nose Matter?

Many prospective patients are deeply insecure about their nose. This central feature of the face is a big distraction from beautiful eyes, a pretty smile, and other positive aspects. The nose is not something that can be hidden in photos or covered up in everyday life. It’s always visible and because of that, the smallest defects or unwanted characteristics become magnified. For many people who are unhappy with their noses, it is only their noses that they see when they look in the mirror. Living like this can detract from your self-confidence, create negative thinking, and undermine your happiness if not addressed. Creating aesthetic confidence in correcting these problems can help a patient find satisfactory results from rhinoplasty surgery. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How Does NatraLook Work?

NatraLook is a specialized consultation process through which Dr. Miller will evaluate your nose and facial features and listen to what you have to say. It goes beyond the traditional doctor-patient conversation to provide a safe and unintimidating forum to discuss your desired results, the faults you find with your nose, and what your aesthetic confidence will evolve into. Throughout this experience, you won’t be talked down to or told what to do; instead, Dr. Miller will reassure and support your opinions in a positive way, creating a collaborative environment that gives you a real say in your own procedure.

The NatraLook process can help to plan your rhinoplasty (or other facial surgery, if so desired) while also helping you to develop a stronger aesthetic confidence moving forward after your recovery. Your consultation will conclude with a unified vision for your rhinoplasty so that both doctor and patient know what to expect. By ensuring your surgical results, you’ll have the unique opportunity to also make sure you’re happy with your new look when your surgery is over. Read more about this on our rhinoplasty and nose job guide.

Begin the NatraLook Process Today

Enter into a partnership with your surgeon to design and execute a rhinoplasty that will deliver your desired results through the NatraLook Process. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help you to breathe easier, quite literally. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025

Next, find out If MicroRhinoplasty is Right for You

Why Realistic Expectations Matter

rhinoplasty patient in new york

You’ve got a specific issue with your nose, an expert facial plastic surgeon, and a date on the calendar for your rhinoplasty procedure. That’s all you need, right? Believe it or not, there’s more to planning your rhinoplasty than pointing out a problem and scheduling surgery with a facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Philip Miller. In fact, patients who fail to discuss their expectations with their facial plastic surgeon might miss out on the biggest factor needed for surgical success. When your expectations aren’t realistic, you’re less likely to be satisfied with your results, no matter how they turn out. Learn more about how to develop realistic expectations for rhinoplasty and why they matter so much.

What Are Realistic Expectations for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty results can be subtle or dramatic, make your nose bigger or smaller, achieve easier breathing with unobstructed airways, or correct an old injury. The problems addressed by rhinoplasty are incredibly diverse and, when performed well, can change your entire appearance and even your self-esteem.

When you’re planning a rhinoplasty procedure, however, it is essential that you understand what can be accomplished for your nose specifically. Everyone has different nasal features, facial structures and other characteristics that might limit how much can be changed. You can’t expect to have a perfect replica of a celebrity nose after surgery, for example. You also don’t want to create a nose that is out of proportion with the rest of your features. Doing so can draw negative attention to your nose, so it’s important to have an open mind about your surgeon’s suggestions.

What Changes Can Rhinoplasty Make?

Rhinoplasty focuses on the specific features of the nose that are undesirable, so the procedure is tailored to each patient’s needs and wants. Your surgery could include changes in the size and/or shape of the nose, as well as individual details. The tip of the nose, nostrils, and nasal bridge are all common surgical targets. A crooked nose, bulbous nose, pointy nose, downward-pointing nose, or hooked nose can all be corrected through rhinoplasty surgery.

Internal changes are also possible, if needed to improve breathing and nasal function. Some patients require both cosmetic and functional changes to be made, so a deviated septum or narrowed airway might be altered. Rhinoplasty surgery can include just about any nose-specific changes you might be looking for. It does not, however, affect the rest of the facial features or the actual skin of the nose.

Are Rhinoplasty Outcomes Guaranteed?

There is no such thing as a perfect result when it comes to plastic surgery in general, because every patient and every procedure is unique. Your best result will be incredible but it can still fall short of an ideal if you’re not careful. This is why full communication about your expectations is the key to your success. When you come to understand the procedure and what it can do for you specifically, there won’t be any surprises when your new nose has healed.

Rhinoplasty itself is a highly complicated and delicate surgical operation that requires the utmost skill and attention to detail. A talented, experienced facial plastic surgeon will deliver your very best results. Still, there are no guarantees in any kind of surgery, so be sure to discuss the risks and complications during your rhinoplasty consultation.

What If My Rhinoplasty Doesn’t Go As Planned?

Sometimes, even patients with very realistic expectations can be disappointed by their results for various reasons. When this happens, it doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with a nose you don’t like for the rest of your natural born days. It does mean that you’ll be faced with a choice to leave either leave it alone or to pursue a secondary surgery, called a revision rhinoplasty.

With a revision rhinoplasty, your facial plastic surgeon will evaluate your nose and make recommendations, in much the same way as during your primary rhinoplasty consultation. You’ll have a second chance to achieve the right results for you, whether you misjudged your changes the first time around or something went wrong with your procedure. No matter the reason, your and your facial plastic surgeon will approach this surgery fresh, learning from the mistakes that were made and designing changes that will give you the best possible results. As you might expect, realistic expectations are needed to help your revision rhinoplasty become a success too. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Where Can I Find a Facial Plastic Surgeon to Plan My Rhinoplasty?

Enter into a partnership with your surgeon to design and execute a rhinoplasty that will deliver your desired results, within the spectrum of your realistic expectations. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help you to breathe easier, quite literally. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Philip Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about the NatraLook Process and Rhinoplasty

What We Can Learn from Successful Celebrity Rhinoplasties

rhinoplasty surgery in new york Celebrities and plastic surgeons seem to be a package deal these days, like apple pie and ice cream. In many cases, the “work” done is obvious, alarming, and overall unsuccessful. Changing a famous face is tricky. The same is true of celebrity rhinoplasty procedures, which can sometimes go horribly wrong. But in the cases where celebs and their facial plastic surgeons got it right, there are some lessons we can take away.

Subtle is Sometimes the Best Option

While dramatic results might sound appealing, they’ll also be the most obvious to your close friends and family after your rhinoplasty heals. If you’re aiming for a natural-looking change that won’t shock everyone you know, subtle but significant changes are your best approach. Former Friends star Jennifer Aniston had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it nasal surgery early in her career; in fact, after an initial surgery to correct a deviated septum, she had another to perfect the shape of her nose. Her surgery was quickly forgotten by fans and her altered nose balances and completes her look.

Plan your rhinoplasty carefully with your facial plastic surgeon in New York to be subtle but effective—it can be done! If you’re hoping to make a successful transition from your pre- and post-op nose, making smart changes that correct your issues without remaking your entire look is your best bet.

It’s All About Balance

Speaking of balance, when Gossip Girl star Blake Lively had rhinoplasty surgery, she concentrated her efforts on the bridge of her nose. Originally, her nasal bridge was a little too wide for the rest of her features, throwing off her proportions and drawing attention away from her eyes and mouth. By making a slight adjustment to the width of her nasal bridge, all of her features fell into a careful and aesthetically pleasing balance. Her new look appears so natural that it’s easy to forget about her nasal surgery too.

Rely on your facial plastic surgeon in New York to take measurements of your facial structure and features. He’ll be able to use this information to recommend the right alterations that will make the biggest impact on your look. Whether it’s a wide nasal bridge or a pointy nasal tip, your nose can be changed to achieve perfect balance with your face as a whole. To learn more about Rhinoplasty, visit medlineplus.gov

Your Profile Matters Too

Nothing quite defines your facial profile like the curve of your nasal bridge. If you’ve got a particularly curvy nose or a hooked nose pointing downward, that’s the feature that will dominate your profile. When she first gained fame, singer Ashlee Simpson had a nose that curved downward. By straightening the bridge and tilting the nasal tip just a bit, Simpson changed her profile completely. While she still looks like herself from the front, her profile is no doubt more pleasing to her.

If you’ve got profile problems, a facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller can offer his honest opinions on how to best correct them. It may be limited to nasal tip surgery, called refinement rhinoplasty, or you may need adjustments to the bridge of your nose. Revamp your entire look by changing just the profile of your nose.

Focus on the Little Details

Before Patrick Dempsey was a household name, his nose had a bulbous tip that distracted us from the rest of his handsome face. A small change to the nasal tip reaped big benefits for the actor, who ranks high among other male celebrities for his good looks. A narrow nasal tip helped add balance, but it also added a little age to his overall look, banishing his “baby face” for good. Now, his nose is such a perfect complement to the rest of his facial features that it’s easy to forget it’s not the nose he was born with. Dempsey’s dramatic change from such a small detail really demonstrates how well a smart approach to rhinoplasty can enhance your look.

Maybe you already know that your nasal tip is too wide or too narrow. Maybe there is another small detail of your nose, like your nostrils, that you know needs to be changed to achieve the look you desire. If you’re not sure what the best strategy is, discuss your options with your facial plastic surgeon today.

Make a Positive Change With Rhinoplasty

Take a page out of these celebrities’ books to improve your own look with rhinoplasty surgery. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help you to breathe easier, quite literally. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about the Popular Trend of Copying Celebrity Rhinoplasty Noses

Preparing for a Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty

Dr. Philip Miller in his New York Rhinoplasty Office Talks to "Aquaman". Nose injuries are painful and all too common. Sports, outdoor activities, and even fist fights can all damage the nose. Aside from the pain, swelling, and bruising, there are many reasons to have a nasal injury examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. If your injury is extensive enough, it may even be time for an evaluation by a facial plastic surgeon in New York. Here’s what to expect if you’re facing a possible rhinoplasty after a nasal injury.

Post-Traumatic Changes to the Nose

The nasal structure is a delicate part of the human anatomy, composed of small and intricate parts that are interconnected to create the shape of your nose. When the nose sustains an injury, any number of disastrous things can affect this carefully balanced structure, including broken bones, damaged cartilage, visible changes to the nose, internal deviations, asymmetries inside and out, and even trouble with breathing. Bleeding is also a cause for concern, as blood clots can form around the nasal septum and block it off from regular blood flow. This will lead to the death of this cartilage partition between the airways, a condition medically known as septal hematoma. The bridge of the nose may collapse as a result, leading to a saddle nose or boxer nose deformity.

Your Nasal Injury Timeline

Unfortunately, when most people get hit in the nose, they wait for the bleeding to stop, put some ice on it, and let the swelling go down. Perhaps if it seems serious enough, or the pain is unbearable, they’ll make a detour to the local emergency room. Still, the vast majority of nasal trauma victims skip out on medical care and brush off their injury. Any impact with the nose can result in an extensive amount of damage, especially given the angle and location of the hit. When you are injured in the nose, here’s the timeframe you’re working with:

  • Seek immediate medical care if your nose is bleeding excessively or your pain is unbearable.
  • If you notice any changes in your nose, a difference in your breathing, or experience swelling and bruising, see a doctor within a day or two to assess the damage.
  • At worst, bone and cartilage deviations can usually be reset with a high rate of success within 7 to 14 days. Everyone is different however, so don’t put it off!
  • More significant injuries often require nasal surgeries, which may be performed when the nose has “healed” from injury. Most surgeons will wait about six months after trauma to restore the nose.

Of course, every individual patient and scenario is wholly unique, so it’s best to see a doctor and plan to consult with a facial plastic surgeon as soon as you can. Taking these steps without delay is the best way to ensure that your problems are corrected as soon as possible and you don’t have to suffer years of breathing trouble or other potentially catastrophic consequences.

Surgery After a Nasal Injury

Given the list of internal injuries that can result from a nasal trauma that does not receive medical attention, many such nasal trauma sufferers should feel lucky to have come out “okay.” Even so, there can be internal changes that go unnoticed for years that require surgical correction. Some patients find themselves with crooked noses, humps or bumps, blocked airways, and other deformations that only surgery can fix. Whether your nasal injury is recent or has been bothering you for years, nasal surgery or rhinoplasty is still an option.

Correcting a nose damaged by trauma is a tricky business, which might involve the reconstruction of various parts of the nose. Damage can affect bones, cartilage, soft tissue, the septum, and skin all at once, so your facial plastic surgeon will be prepared to handle these different elements as needed. A crooked nose can be straightened, a saddle nose can be rebuilt, and blocked airways can be reopened, all in the hands of a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller.

Preparing for your rhinoplasty is a personalized experience that begins with a one-on-one consultation between you and your surgeon. He will evaluate your nose and assess the damage, old or new. You may want to bring along pictures of your face pre-dating your injury to help your surgeon plan the correct reconstruction for you. If you don’t have photos, don’t worry; a well-trained surgeon can recreate a nose that is balanced with your other facial elements. If you didn’t like your nose before your injury, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about any alterations you might like to see.

Get Advice on Your Nasal Injury Today

Don’t waste time after your nasal injury. Plan a consultation to discover how rhinoplasty can help you to repair your damaged nose. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help your nose look its very best alongside your facial features. Dr. Philip Miller in NYC has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about The Correlation Between Smoking and Rhinoplasty

How to Get Natural-Looking Facelift Results

Image of a Facelift model, Dr. Miller Plastic Surgery New York The original facelift procedure, first performed a century ago, involved mostly skin tightening without any lifting of the supporting structure. Hollywood actresses sought the procedure to look younger, but as their skin got tighter and tighter, they looked more unnatural than younger. Today, despite decades of medical and technological advancements in the field of facial plastic surgery, many would-be patients shy away from the facelift procedure, fearing the “pulled skin” look. To make sure you get the best, most natural looking facelift results, just follow these easy tips.

What Makes a Facelift Look Natural?

To get natural looking facelift results, a lot of planning, discussion, and skill are involved. During a consultation with your facial plastic surgeon in New York, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns about the signs of aging around your mouth, chin, and jaw line. He will then examine your face, making note of your hairline, facial features, and other unique characteristics. He will also evaluate the degree to which your skin has begun to sag, the state of the lines and wrinkles in this area, and the volume of fat that has accumulated in the lower part of the face. From this information, your facial plastic surgeon will begin to design a facelift procedure tailored to fit your unique needs.

As he plans your surgery, he will assess how much “pull” is needed to achieve a tauter look to the face without stretching too tightly. He will plan the direction of his pull, how much skin should be excised, and how to manage the upturned or downturned lips, hairline, and other details. There is some art involved in the surgery process of facial rejuvenation; don’t be afraid to ask about the specifics of your procedure. Once your surgeon starts talking, it may put some of your fears about unnatural results to rest.

Don’t Make These Facelift Mistakes

When it comes to the facelift procedure, there are several things you can do to ensure the best results. There are, perhaps, more things you shouldn’t do if you want to keep your results looking as natural as possible after surgery. Steer clear of these classic mistakes or you’ll find yourself broadcasting “plastic surgery patient” everywhere you go.

  • Don’t over-enhance your new look with injections. Adding dermal fillers or Botox treatments is a common follow-up for many facelift patients, but you can take it too far. Work with your facial plastic surgeon to make sure your add-on injections complement your results instead of overwhelming them.
  • Don’t ask for unnatural-looking changes. Try to achieve balance in the face, not overdo the trimming of excess fat, for example. We all want thin, angular faces but they just don’t work for everyone. Ask for your facial plastic surgeon’s input about adding liposuction to your facelift and/or neck lift. Listen to his opinion and trust his expertise; pushing for more work than you need could backfire.
  • Don’t rush your recovery process. Your face will need time to heal, so as the swelling and bruising subside, gradually resume your daily activities. Don’t jump back in all at once and risk injury, complications, infections, and other side effects. Your body knows exactly what to do; you just have to give it time and energy.
  • Don’t assume you won’t have to take anti-aging measures after a facelift. While this surgery can turn back the clock about 10 years, it does not stop the hands of time from moving forward. You should continue to care for your skin in the same way, if not a better way. Use SPF moisturizers every day, cleanse daily, and exfoliate weekly. Talk with your facial plastic surgeon about other care tips that can preserve your results and keep them looking natural.

Do Choose an Excellent Facial Plastic Surgeon in NYC

The real success of any facial rejuvenation surgery lies in the hands of your facial plastic surgeon. If you haven’t done your due diligence in choosing the right surgeon for your surgery, you might want to reassess. Credentials, qualifications, and experience can help a facial plastic surgeon to refine his skills, develop his own techniques, and deliver the results his patients really want. You can only have your first facelift once, so you should make it worthwhile. You deserve the top-notch skills of a highly qualified facial plastic surgeon to earn those natural looking results.

Finding the right facial plastic surgeon is easy, if you know where to start looking. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, read all about What Makes Facelifts So Popular?

What Makes Facelifts So Popular?

Facelift Model in New York Facelift surgeries began over a century ago, but the procedure has continued to renew itself, improve, and remain a leader in the plastic surgery world. In 2013, facelifts were the top anti-aging facial rejuvenation surgery. In fact, they would rank top among facial plastic surgeries altogether except for the rhinoplasty procedure. With thousands of men and women seeking a facelift surgery in NYC for themselves, many prospective patients might wonder what makes this surgery so special. Why are people turning to this procedure out of all the others? There are actually many things that set the traditional facelift apart from the crowd.

A Big Youthful Boost

During facelift surgery, the contours of the lower face are redefined as the facial plastic surgeon manipulates the skin, muscle, and fat cells. Excess loose skin is trimmed away, lax facial muscles are tightened, and the excess fat is either redistributed or removed. The end result of your facelift should be a well-defined jawline, improved facial contour, and a diminished appearance of lines and wrinkles around the mouth and nose. Overall, facelift surgery is a well-designed procedure that can give you a little bit of your youth back. Many patients can achieve a look that is up to 10 years younger than the day they first walked into their consultation.

Long-Lasting Results

When patients invest money on procedures that will improve their youthful appearance, they want those results to last as long as possible. Facelifts might cost more than a nonsurgical treatment, but the results will stand the test of time. Many facelift patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for an entire decade before they notice time catching up again. Actually, time can never really catch up; once you’ve gotten a head start as a facelift patient, you can keep ahead of it. While most patients opt out of a secondary facelift to touch-up the first, patients who do choose a follow-up facelift wait 8 to 12 years on average. Now that’s staying power!

Natural-Looking Results

Back in their early days, facelift surgeries were very simple pull-and-stretch procedures. After a while, patients looked pinch and unnatural as their skin was stretched thinner and thinner out toward their hairlines. Today, the meticulous work done to tighten the underlying tissues beneath the skin provides the support required to keep this area looking firm and youthful. Further, the skin isn’t stretched to the limit anymore, thanks to these refined techniques. In order to deem a facelift surgery successful, your facial plastic surgeon must also believe that the results look natural. The many patients demonstrating just how natural today’s results can be stand as living proof of decades of improvements, surgeon training, and technological advancements.

Facelifts for Any Age

Because facelift surgery can benefit patients in such a wide range of ages, it’s easy to see what drives this procedure’s popularity. With patients ranging from their 30s to their 60s and above, the facelift procedure can help to reverse many of the signs of aging in their early stages or decades on. There is no ideal age to have a facelift, nor a minimum or maximum age requirement to be met. Men and women with concerns about the effects of aging on their lower face can be considered for a facelift; it’s really that simple and that inclusive. If you’re worried about jowls, a double chin, creasing around the mouth, sagging skin, shifted fat deposits, and laxity in the lower facial muscles, you could be a good candidate for this anti-aging surgery. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re too young or too old. A facelift can be right for almost anyone, so what can it hurt to ask?

Learn More About Facelift Benefits Today

Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Smoking and Rhinoplasty: What’s the Big Deal?

Rhinoplasty Model in NYC No matter where you go for your rhinoplasty consultation, you’re likely to hear the facial plastic surgeon set the same mandatory rule: No smoking. In New York, rhinoplasty reigns high atop the list of popular procedures. Unfortunately, the CDC’s estimated number of Americans who smoke hovers around 43 million. Eventually, a smoker will walk through any given facial plastic surgeon’s door and request rhinoplasty surgery. That’s when the trouble starts. But what’s the big deal? Can smoking really affect your results and, if so, how? Find out more about the big deal between smoking and rhinoplasty.

GOOD CANDIDATES DON’T SMOKE

When you’re reading about good candidates for the rhinoplasty procedure, you’re probably going to see a clause about not smoking. Most plastic surgeries, for the body and the face, claim that the best surgical candidates are “in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their results.” These seem to be universal laws stated over and over again, for good reason too. If you’re planning to attend a consultation for a rhinoplasty surgery and you are a smoker, be prepared to discuss your temporary (or permanent) plan to quit smoking in order to have your procedure.

THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING

When you smoke cigarettes, you’re putting yourself at an obvious increased risk of disease and other health complications. As a rhinoplasty patient, cigarette smoking also poses these threats:

  • Improper or delayed healing
  • Necrosis, scarring, and/or skin loss
  • Constricted blood vessels and reduced oxygen and blood flow to the area
  • Lingering nicotine in the system for up to two weeks
  • Airway obstruction
  • Increased risk of anesthesia reaction
  • Nasal asymmetry or poor results
  • Excessive bleeding

While there are rumors that cigarette smoking causes issues with the vascular system of the nose, this is not among the many concerns facial plastic surgeons have for their patients who smoke to close to their surgery. The greatest threats of smoking lie in the recovery process and how difficult it may be for smokers to have the healthy, smooth healing journey they want.

SMOKING AND POST-OPERATIVE RESULTS

Many patients who smoke have legitimate concerns about the effects that smoking could have on their post-operative rhinoplasty results. At your consultation, for example, your facial plastic surgeon will likely stress the importance of staying free of cigarettes for at least two weeks. While this is the current standard, it’s safest to delay smoking for at least four weeks or more, unless you can kick the habit permanently. Because nicotine constricts the blood vessels, the nose can easily be affected by poor healing, experience an increased risk of infection, or other complications that could lead to a second rhinoplasty surgery.

The nose is very delicate during the early stages of healing, so putting off your smoking habit for as long as possible is the best strategy to keep yourself healthy and your nose looking great. Just keep in mind that products like nicotine gum and the patch are equally as dangerous because of the nicotine present in them. Whether you’re a smoker or not, also steer clear of second-hand smoke as much as you can.

CONSULT WITH A RHINOPLASTY EXPERT

Get the best advice about your own healthy and safe rhinoplasty from a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the field. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help your nose look its very best alongside your facial features. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, here are Five Tips on Designing Your New Nose

Your Facelift Results on Day One

Major changes in our lives are often met with anxiety, anticipation, and excitement. Typically, men and women who are waiting for such a change have a desire to understand what’s coming their way. With facelift surgery on the horizon, it’s only human to ask a lot of questions about what to expect from surgery: how you’ll feel, what you’ll look like, when will you heal? The first day following your facelift surgery is a crucial one for which all prospective patients should be prepared.

Beginning to Heal on Day One

The first 48 hours following your facelift surgery are a critical time for you to rest, relax, and let your body begin to heal. You will likely experience the most uneasiness of your entire recovery on day one.  Most patients usually feel fine or have only mild levels of discomfort, while others may experience some unwanted side effects such as nausea or lethargy. Swelling in the face can cause some tightness, but this won’t peek until day three or four, so you may not notice it yet. Even if you feel well enough to do some chores around the house, taking it easy is the most important thing you can do to ensure your smooth recovery. Get a lot of rest, catch up on your favorite shows, and find a comfy spot to just be for a couple of days.

Mirrors on Day One – Resist the Urge

Most facelift patients are eager to see their results right away, but the first day after surgery is not a good time to look in the mirror. Your face will be swollen and bruised, perhaps with drains and bandages still in place. Many facelift patients are shocked by what they see, especially since their face looks much worse than it feels. Rest assured that this is all a natural part of the process as the body heals and the swelling subsides. In a 10 days or less, you’ll be able to see a clearer picture of what your results will look like. If you’d rather wait to be surprised, avoiding mirrors is a good strategy. However, if you’re the brave, curious type, taking a peek might give you an idea of how far you’ve come once those final facelift results are in. To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov

All About Your Incisions

Swelling and bruising are a nuisance, but it’s really your incisions that you need to keep an eye on. As of day one, your incisions may be bandaged and drainage tubes put in place to alleviate fluid accumulation. Your sutures will likely be visible if you do look in that mirror and watching them for any changes can be important. If you don’t want to study yourself in the mirror, have a friend or family member check your incisions every day for signs of infection, excess bleeding, or other problems.

As you begin to heal during your first day and your first week, remember that your incisions might pinch or feel itchy. Don’t mess with them because you could risk many complications by doing so. If you or your “incision buddy” notices any change in appearance of your sutures, contact your facial plastic surgeon’s office right away for a quick appointment.

Making It Through Day One

While that first day home after your facelift might be a hazy fog when all is said and done, try to remember when you’re in the moment how important it is to your entire recovery. Setting a good precedent for your recovery on day one will fuel you through to the end.

  • Get lots of rest and stay comfortable with your head propped up to cut back on swelling.
  • Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about methods for pain management, such as cold compresses and prescription pain medication.
  • Keep your hands off of your face as much as you can to let the area heal and keep the incisions clean and clear of any damage.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that isn’t pulled over your head, like button-front pajamas.
  • Stay away from mirrors if you’d rather not know how much worse you look than feel!

To learn more about facelifts, visit medlineplus.gov

Choose a Facelift Surgeon in New York City

Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn How to Get Natural Looking Facelift Results