Insurance and Financing Basics
More and more people are turning to plastic surgery to improve their appearance. Most plastic surgery procedures are considered elective and are not covered by insurance plans, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket. Many financing options are available to help patients pay for procedures.
Dr. Miller also offers nose surgery for medical reasons for some patients. For example, you may need a deviated septum straightened if it is causing nasal obstruction. In these situations, our office will work with you to ensure you receive your covered benefits from your insurance company.
Dr. Miller’s Manhattan office offers flexible financing solutions, so patients have the ability to choose treatments that suit their cosmetic needs regardless of cost. Dr. Miller is not affiliated with these financing companies but offers the plans to make plastic surgery available to all patients. Our financing options include:
CareCredit
CareCredit is a popular credit card option specifically created to help those with health and wellness needs not covered by insurance. CareCredit can finance different surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as:
- Tummy tuck
- Body sculpting
- Tattoo removal
- Reconstructive surgery
- Liposuction
- Injectables
- Laser hair removal
Patients need to apply for a care credit card, and it can be used like a regular credit card. It offers short and long-term financing with no interest options to make payments easy and affordable. You can learn more about the card and apply for the financing card here.
Alphaeon
Alphaeon is another financing option for board-certified plastic surgeon visits and procedures. The credit card offers short- and long-term options with no interest and low APR. Patients can complete an online application and find out their borrowing limit with credit lines up to $25,000. Learn more about the card and apply online.
Schedule a consultation
When you schedule a plastic surgery consultation, you will learn about the procedure, the cost, and financing options. If your procedure is not covered by insurance, our office staff will provide the information you need to make an informed decision and get your financing set up.
Dr. Miller is a distinguished double-board certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic facial procedures and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Miller is also a leading expert in rhinoplasty and provides patients with exceptional results. He offers custom solutions to help patients feel confident and beautiful.
Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about our plastic surgery procedures and financing options.
8 Nose Imperfections People Correct with Rhinoplasty
No one’s face is perfect, but some people may have noses that can be a significant source of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Nose surgery, also called rhinoplasty, can be performed on the nose to correct nasal imperfections and asymmetry.
Nose imperfections are common, which is why rhinoplasty procedures are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Take a look at these eight nose imperfections that can be corrected with rhinoplasty:
Dorsal Hump
A dorsal hump is a cartilage or bone irregularity on the nose that causes a hump in the outline instead of a seamless slope from the bridge to the tip. They do not cause health problems but can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. The dorsum bone and cartilage connect the nose to the face and is often called the bridge. Rhinoplasty can remove the hump to produce a more aesthetically-pleasing facial profile.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, can also use his microrhinoplasty technique to correct unsightly humps without fracturing bones or using other more invasive approaches. It is an innovative procedure that utilizes an air-powered microrasp with local anesthesia. Using a small incision in the nostril, the specialized device removed the obtrusive layer with extreme precision for a contoured look. Patients experience minimal side effects like swelling and bruising and can return to normal activities within several days.
Wide Nose Bridge
The bridge of the nose extends from the top of the nose, below the eyes, to the tip of the nose and is used to help direct airflow to the nasal passages. In addition to its functional role, the nasal bridge is also considered an important feature of the face that can add to a person’s overall facial appearance and balance.
A wide nasal bridge is often common among many Asian, African, and Hispanic ethnicities. It is important to work with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in ethnic rhinoplasty procedures to ensure beautiful natural results that do not compromise your heritage in these situations. A wide nose bridge can be corrected with a specific technique during a rhinoplasty called an osteotomy, which narrows down a wide nasal bone for a more proportionate look.
Low Nasal Bridge
A low nasal bridge occurs when the bridge is flat and doesn’t protrude. It is a common characteristic among many ethnicities, such as Asian and African patients. A low nasal bridge doesn’t typically cause breathing problems but can be a cosmetic concern. The nasal bridge can be reshaped with a rhinoplasty to create a straighter profile and a more harmonious face shape.
Bulbous Tip
A bulbous tip is wide and round and can also be called a ball tip nose. The bulb-like shape of the nasal tip is typically due to excess cartilage or cartilage without definition. A bulbous tip can also be due to thick nasal tip skin, which is often seen in ethnic noses. During nose tip surgery, the edges of the cartilage are trimmed to create a more refined nasal tip.
Drooping Nose Tip
A drooping nose tip is characterized by a downward slope that can sometimes result in an unnatural appearance, nasal blockage, and breathing issues. The drooping tip can form due to excess cartilage around the nose, aging, and skin laxity. Rhinoplasty is a permanent solution that can remove excess cartilage and provide support for the nasal tip, lifting and refining the nose for a more pleasing profile.
Droopy Nose when Smiling
Many patients have concerns about a droopy nose when they smile. A droopy nose when smiling can form from a weak structural base and droopy tip. The muscles around the nose move to make the tip appear droopy with wide nostrils making the problems more exaggerated during the facial expression. An expert surgeon can correct this concern and in some cases, temporary non-surgical treatments like Botox injections can also improve the droopiness.
Wide Nasal Base
A wide nasal base features a broad spread at the base of the nose, which can include enlarged nostrils that are disproportionate to the rest of the nose. In this case, a nose reduction procedure known as alar reduction can focus on narrowing the base of the nose by making the nostrils smaller, removing excess cartilage, and refining the nasal tip. Some ethnicities naturally have a wider nasal base that can be corrected by a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty techniques.
Hanging Columella
The columella is the tissue that separates the nostrils at the base of the nose. A hanging columella occurs when the connective structure drops lower than the base of the nose so it can be seen in the profile. Some patients are born with this feature, while others can have a long septum that pushes the columella downward. A hanging columella can be corrected with a rhinoplasty procedure and can be altered without reshaping any other portion of the nose.
Learn more about rhinoplasty here.
Concerns with Your Nose? Dr. Miller can Help
Dr. Philip Miller is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience in facial procedures including rhinoplasty. He provides a supportive environment for patients to explore their aesthetic beauty with his proprietary Natralook® process. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how rhinoplasty can change your appearance for the better.
Female Primary Rhinoplasty Case Study
6 Facts About Male Facelift You Didn’t Know
More men are now defying the aging process with cosmetic intervention, and the number of men seeking facelift procedures has drastically risen in the last few years.
While all facelifts are tailored to address a unique patient’s needs and goals, facelift surgery for men requires a different approach.
Here are 6 facts that make a male facelift unique:
1. Male Facelifts Occur More Often than You Think
Although women still represent the majority of plastic surgery patients by far, men are steadily increasing the number of procedures they want to maintain their youthfully masculine appearance.
According to the Aesthetic Society’s annual Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics, following a year in which many practices closed temporarily and reduced hours, plastic surgery surged in 2021. Surgical procedures increased by 54%, and the average plastic surgeon performed 320 surgical procedures in 2021, compared with 220 in 2020.
Men, aged 36-50, comprised 40% of male patients who underwent a surgical procedure, with 5,061 males undergoing a facelift in 2021.
2. Male Facelifts Have Different Goals
While both men and women desire to stop the clock on aging, the dynamics of their facelift will have key differences. Women often get a facelift to eliminate deep lines and wrinkles around the cheeks, as well as sagging skin in the neck. While they want to look younger, they also want to maintain a feminine appearance and an aesthetically-pleasing heart shape to the face with well-defined cheeks and a slim, contoured jawline.
The opposite is true for men. Although they also want a facelift to address noticeable wrinkles around the mouth and nose, or sagging skin on the cheeks and jawline, they desire to have a more masculine or “rugged” appearance. They want their facelift to create a strong, chiseled, and defined jawline – without the loose folds on their neck that they often complain make it difficult for them to properly shave.
No two people are the same. The facelift procedure, whether for a male or female patient, will be customized to focus on the unique problem areas and desired results of each individual.
3. Male Skin Needs to be Treated Differently
Anatomy differs between men and women, and this includes skin structure. A man’s facial skin is generally thicker and oilier compared to a woman’s skin.
Men have stronger connective tissues, and they may not experience visible signs of aging for much longer. However, it is the thickness and heartiness of their skin that make their necks and jawline particularly vulnerable to folds and crepey skin.
A facial plastic surgeon performing a male facelift will need to exercise care to avoid pulling skin too tight, as this can result in a facelift with an overly done or pulled appearance.
Men also have more facial hair than women, and this means having more hair follicles that rely on blood supply to grow. Since male skin is also more vascular and will demand more blood supply, men are more susceptible to post-surgery bleeding, which is a factor facial plastic surgeons must take into consideration during and after a facelift on a male patient.
4. A Male Facelift Requires Different Incision Placement
Compared to women, men have shorter hair and hairlines that tend to recede with age. Surgeons may make the incisions at the spot where the ear connects with the head or under the chin, where they are less noticeable or can be hidden in the natural folds of the skin.
Surgeons will need to watch areas of the skin where facial hair grows because they would not want to shift skin with hair follicles to another area where hair does not typically grow. For instance, if skin with hair follicles is lifted and placed higher on the face, the patient might need to start shaving in that area.
5. Scarring Can be a Bigger Concern with the Male Facelift
Surgeons may need to modify incision placement on male patients who are bald or losing hair to keep scars hidden. For patients who don’t have hair to camouflage scarring, incisions are shortened and placed higher up along the ear. Incision placement has to be precise and should still enable the surgeon to have adequate access to underlying tissues while avoiding tension on any stitches and keeping scars discreet. The surgeon’s advanced skill and technique are required to ensure minimal scarring when performing facelifts for males.
6. Men Don’t Have to Stop at a Facelift
The facelift is a comprehensive anti-aging procedure that can produce dramatic results. Pairing a facelift with one or more other cosmetic procedures can produce even better results. Men are discovering that adding treatments to their facelift can produce an optimal outcome for them and when procedures are performed together, this approach does not impact the amount of time taken from work and other activities.
Male facelifts are often combined with a neck lift. The incision made under the chin for a neck lift allows the surgeon to also remove excess fat and tighten tissues and muscles in this area to enhance a man’s neck and jawline. When the face and neck are surgically rejuvenated together, the results will look more natural as well.
Other patients may find eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or laser skin resurfacing can help them achieve all of their aesthetic goals.
What exact surgical and non-surgical procedures will pair well with your facelift? Come in for a consultation to get a customized procedure plan that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Considering a Male Facelift in New York? Consider Dr. Philip Miller for All Your Cosmetic Needs
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with plastic surgery procedures for men as well as women. He pioneered the NatraLook methodology for his cosmetic procedures for the face, which is a specialized consultation process through which Dr. Miller will evaluate your facial features and listen to your specific concerns. NatraLook creates a collaborative environment that ensures a unified vision for optimal results and the most natural outcome possible.
To learn more about facelifts for men, view male facelift before and after photos, or determine the cost of a male facelift, contact Dr. Miller in Manhattan, New York to schedule a consultation today.
Bifid Nose Tip
A bifid nose tip is characterized by a vertical line or split down the center of the nasal tip. While it does not typically cause functional problems, it can pose a significant cosmetic concern. Fortunately, there are ways to correct a bifid nose tip to enhance the appearance.
Why do I have a vertical split on my nose?
If you have a nose tip indentation or vertical line on your nose, it’s probably a trait that’s been inherited from your parents. Your genes determine the shape of your nose, and a split nose tip is no exception. Having a line on your nose tip is medically referred to as having a bifid tip nose.
When the soft tissue that spans the two sides of the nose is very thin, the outlines of the underlying cartilages are exposed and poorly camouflaged. The resulting appearance is called a bifid nasal tip or frontonasal dysplasia. The cartilage in the sides of your nose can consist of two separate parts, and when the gap between them is wide it creates a nose dimple tip. If the cartilages are convex in shape it can form a depression between them, also creating a dent on your nose, or bifid nose tip.
Is bifid nasal tip common?
A dent in the nose tip is generally a rare occurrence. It’s caused by a relatively uncommon malformation where the nasal cartilages are very prominent and displaced from one another or if the overlying skin is thin and the cartilage edges are exposed. Mild conditions may be hardly noticeable while severe conditions can result in a complete division of the nose, or a cleft nose tip.
While it’s typically inherited, it can present itself as a new condition with no prior family occurrences. In these cases, genetic material is still the cause of the defect. Due to the lower alar cartilages on the sides of the nose and the septum in the central tip region, the tip of the nose has the greatest amount of variability. This makes it particularly vulnerable to malformation.
Source: therealjasonbateman Instagram
Not actual patient
How to get rid of an indent on the tip of my nose?
In order to get rid of a dimple on your nose, the split in the nose needs to be corrected. This requires the restructuring of the nasal pyramid through a surgical procedure. The necessary rhinoplasty requirements will vary depending on the severity of the split. In some cases, the split may be corrected with minimally-invasive surgery involving sutures. Other patients may require a more extensive rhinoplasty with comprehensive nasal reconstruction.
Learn more about a bifid tip here.
Bifid Nose Treatment Options in New York
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is recognized as an expert in rhinoplasty in Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana. He offers personalized surgical plans for patients that achieve natural, beautiful results that fit their precise needs and goals. For a more comprehensive understanding of nose dimple treatment options, please consult our glossary.
Bifid Nose Rhinoplasty in NYC
Conveniently located in Manhattan, New York, Dr. Miller is available for rhinoplasty consultations. He will determine the severity of your nose split and the surgical procedures required to correct the condition. The two of you will discuss any aesthetic desires you have for the final shape of your nose.
Using his proprietary NatraLook consultation process, which he developed to provide an enriching experience to patients that results in true aesthetic confidence. Dr. Miller will create an environment of safety and support for you, customizing your treatment plan to achieve your personal expectations.
How does Dr. Miller correct a bifid nasal tip?
There are different techniques Dr. Miller might use for your rhinoplasty, depending on your specific needs and expectations. The extent of your rhinoplasty will be tailored to your personal specifications.
For mild cases of bifid nose, Dr. Miller may sew the two cartilages of your nose together with internal sutures. Alternatively, he may place a columellar strut cartilage graft between the split cartilages to fill the defect to treat more severe conditions. In some convex cases, the cartilage may need to be reshaped, or a dermal graft needs to be placed on top of the cartilage in aid in camouflage. Depending on your unique needs, this condition may be corrected with a tip surgery or an entire nasal reshaping procedure.
Bifid Tip Before & After Photos
While bifid nose condition is a rare occurrence and examples are hard to come by, there are plenty of reasons why nose tip rhinoplasties can benefit clients. Here are some examples of nose tip refinement rhinoplasties conducted by Dr. Miller.
Coming soon!
Vertical Facelift in New York
If you’d like to achieve a natural-looking, youthful appearance while improving your complexion, a vertical facelift may be the right choice for you. This procedure diminishes common side effects of the aging process such as creases, wrinkles, and jowls while addressing skin laxity in the mid and lower face to turn back the clock on your appearance.
A vertical facelift is just one option for patients looking for full facial rejuvenation. This procedure is often recommended for patients who are noticing signs of aging in the mid and lower face and may be combined with other procedures like a neck lift or eyelid lift to produce comprehensive results.
What can a vertical facelift do for me?
A vertical facelift targets signs of aging in the mid and lower face to achieve a naturally youthful appearance. This procedure addresses the same concerns targeted in a traditional facelift but uses a revolutionary technique to pull the skin in a vertical, rather than lateral direction for a more natural-looking result. People who undergo a vertical facelift enjoy numerous aesthetic benefits, such as:
- Fewer signs of aging in the middle of the face
- Reduced excess skin and improved skin elasticity
- Less pronounced fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls
- Defined cheekbone and jawline contours
What areas can be treated by a vertical facelift?
A vertical facelift is ideal for targeting the middle and lower portions of the face. This procedure may improve the definition of your jawline, minimize loose skin, diminish wrinkles and jowls, and elevate drooping cheeks. The vertical technique ensures a more natural result, preventing the windswept facelift outcome patients used to get. This procedure repositions fat and tissue to restore definition to the midface and along the jawline.
Vertical facelift before and after
Viewing vertical facelift before and after photos is a great way to determine how this procedure may address your own cosmetic concerns. Take a look at some of these examples to determine whether a vertical facelift might be the right choice for you.
Why choose Dr. Miller for my vertical facelift procedure?
- Double board-certified
- More than 2 decades of experience
- Focus on cosmetic facial procedures
- Customized treatment plans
- Natural results
- Multiple facelift options
When you schedule a consultation for a vertical facelift, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS will take you through his NatraLook process to gain a better understanding of your desires and concerns and to come up with the best option for your specific needs. He offers compassionate and meticulous care to his patients at his Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana, cosmetic surgery clinics.
Vertical facelift FAQ
1. What is a vertical facelift?
Similar to a traditional facelift, vertical facelifts address undesired signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowl formation. The main difference is that this revolutionary procedure utilizes a vertical skin pull, rather than the traditional horizontal pull, to provide a more natural-looking result. A vertical facelift focuses mainly on the middle and lower portions of the face.
2. How much does vertical facelift cost in NYC?
When giving an estimate of a vertical facelift price, it’s important to remember that several factors can affect your overall costs, such as receiving additional services, fillers, or surgeries. Generally, a vertical facelift surgery cost in New York can range anywhere from $5,700 to $40,000. It is best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller to determine what your specific needs will be and what the total price will amount to.
3. How will the procedure go?
Before your vertical facelift procedure begins, Dr. Miller will ensure that you feel relaxed, comfortable, and informed. After applying the necessary anesthesia, incisions are made along the hairline in order to improve cheek contour and malar fat pad positioning with absorbable sutures. Small incisions are also made near the ears to remove excess skin in the mid and lower half of the face and to redefine the jawline.
Deeper skin tissues are lifted vertically and repositioned in an upward direction to achieve tighter, more youthful-looking skin. Surgical drains may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation, but are removed within 48 hours following your procedure. Depending on other surgeries or fillers being combined with your vertical facelift, surgery timeframes can range from approximately two to six hours.
4. What does recovery from a vertical facelift look like?
Following your vertical facelift, you will need someone to drive you home and assist you for the first 24 hours. Patients may experience temporary bruising or swelling which can be alleviated by applying ice to these areas and keeping the head elevated. Most bruising and swelling will subside after about a week, at which point patients can return to regular activities.
5. Does it hurt?
Anesthesia is administered prior to your surgery so you will not feel any pain during your procedure. Many people experience bruising and swelling following their vertical facelift but find that keeping their heads elevated and applying an ice pack alleviates these side effects. Any other pain symptoms experienced can be alleviated with a mild prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
6. Will insurance cover my vertical facelift?
Since facelifts are considered elective cosmetic surgery and not deemed medically necessary, your vertical facelift cost will not be covered by most insurance.
7. How long does a vertical facelift last?
The longevity of your vertical facelift results can be extended by maintaining a healthy weight, lifestyle, and skincare routine. While the benefits of a facelift are generally long-lasting, routine touch-ups are recommended every few years to reverse further signs of aging that will inevitably take place.
8. When will I start seeing results?
Once any swelling and bruising have subsided, you will begin to notice the results of your vertical facelift. Those improvements will continue to improve over the course of several weeks.
9. What are the associated risks and complications from this procedure?
Since a vertical facelift is somewhat less invasive than a traditional facelift, the associated risks are also reduced. Though Dr. Miller makes the safety of his patients one of his primary goals, rare side effects may include swelling, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, allergic reaction, infection, or hair loss near the incision site.
10. Vertical facelift vs traditional facelift:
If you are primarily concerned with aging symptoms in the lower face and along the jawline, a vertical facelift might be right for you. This procedure uses smaller incisions and pulls the skin vertically to target this area. A traditional facelift is a better fit if you have sagging and loss of volume around the cheek area.
Nose Surgery for Breathing
If you’re having trouble breathing due to a deviated septum or experiencing chronic sinus infections that don’t respond to over-the-counter medication, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Nose surgery for breathing can improve your airway and help you live a healthier life.
Types of Nose Surgery to Breathe Better
Different types of nose surgery help patients breathe better, including rhinoplasty and septoplasty.
Rhinoplasty
If your nose is too small, it can cause airflow to become restricted, which can cause you to feel like you’re suffocating. If your nose is too large, it can cause your air passages to become narrowed, which can cause breathing to feel like you’re breathing through a straw. Both of these issues can be corrected with nose surgery (rhinoplasty).
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is another type of nose surgery that is used to correct a deviated septum. While a deviated septum is the most common structural irregularity, other obstructions can impede airflow and make breathing challenging. Septoplasty surgery realigns the walls between the two nostrils for balance and symmetry in the nasal cavities. In some cases, it might be necessary to combine septoplasty with turbinate reduction, which removes or reduces the bony, mucosa-lined outgrowths on the sides of each nostril for easier air passage.
Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both nose surgeries for breathing but are not the same procedures. A septoplasty can be performed independently from a rhinoplasty procedure to realign the septum into the midline using an incision by the nostrils. The septum is separated from the mucosa and repositioned for improved breathing. A crooked nasal septum is known as a deviated septum, which blocks the nasal passage and obstructs breathing.
A deviated septum is an internal obstruction that many patients do not know they have but can cause symptoms such as:
- Snoring
- Sinusitis
- Breathing difficulties
- Sleep apnea
- Respiratory complaints
A septoplasty surgery has many benefits, including:
- Better breathing: It clears the nasal passage for uninterrupted breathing patterns.
- Improved sleep: Clear airways and consistent airflow allows for a quality night’s sleep without snoring or sleep apnea.
- Fewer sinus infections: Drainage improves when the airway is clear and reduces reoccurring sinus infections.
- Improved smell and taste: When the nose works properly and has aligned passageways, it makes smell and taste more powerful.
Rhinoplasty for breathing problems is a more comprehensive solution that can correct a variety of issues involving both function and appearance. A septoplasty is specifically used to treat a deviated septum, while rhinoplasty for breathing can correct other nasal obstructions, and address issues that impact the appearance of the nose.
Rhinoplasty for breathing can correct nasal support if one or both nostrils have a structural collapse that impedes breathing patterns. Before nose surgery for breathing, a detailed examination will determine the cause of impaired breathing and evaluate different nasal structures to identify the most effective course of action.
A rhinoplasty procedure can treat cosmetic or reconstructive needs that improve the appearance by reshaping, reducing, and adjusting the angle. Rhinoplasty is ideal for patients looking to correct the nose’s appearance and breathing complications. The shape and size of nostrils and a hooked or crooked nose can make breathing more complex and can be fixed with a rhinoplasty. With an expert plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty is a diversified surgery that can improve various symptoms that impact form and function.
Considering nose surgery for breathing problems? Contact our office today
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures are common plastic surgery procedures but are extremely complex and require an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Phillip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a world-renowned double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience. He specializes in rhinoplasty procedures and has executed thousands of successful cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgeries.
Dr. Miller uses the Natralook® process to evaluate and design a treatment plan to give patients more aesthetic confidence. It is an empowering process that creates a safe and supportive space for patients to discuss concerns and desires and prepare a unified vision between Dr. Miller and patients.
If you are interested in nose surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, we can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our New York City or New Orleans office and learn more about nose surgeries for breathing.
Tip Drop After Rhinoplasty
Tip drop is a potential consequence after rhinoplasty. While the nose changes over the first year after this surgery, some patients may find that they require revision procedures to address tip drop that does not resolve during the healing process.
Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is not a choice that you should make lightly. Rhinoplasty is no exception. Every invasive procedure has risks, but choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon can help lessen the complications.
What is Tip Drop?
Tip drop is one complication that may occur after rhinoplasty. You may notice that the tip of your nose starts to look round. In other cases, you may see your nose has developed a new bump due to your nose tip being disproportionately lower than your bridge.
While your tip will drop slightly as your nose heals, a round nasal tip may indicate that a “dropped tip” has occurred.
Is it Common for a Tip to Drop After Rhinoplasty?
Will the tip of your nose drop after rhinoplasty? It might appear that way. This illusion is expected as the swelling goes down and your nose begins to heal. As the incision starts to contract, the tissue above your nose tip will rise, which causes your tip to look like it dropped.
Another reason your tip will drop after your nose job is due to gravity. Gravity naturally pulls your nose tip downward. If your remaining cartilage is too weak to hold your tip in position and overcome gravity’s tug, your tip may drop.
These are both predictable and preventable. Your plastic surgeon should consider gravity’s pull, the strength of your cartilage, and how much your incisions will contract before performing your rhinoplasty.
A significant tip drop is a common complication of rhinoplasty, especially if your surgeon is inexperienced. Therefore, finding an experienced surgeon is essential to diminish the chance of tip drop.
How Much Will My Tip Drop After Rhinoplasty?
Your tip should drop between five and ten degrees after rhinoplasty. This drop is due to gravitational pull and your incisions tightening. Any drop that is greater than that means there may have been a surgical complication.
When Will My Tip Drop After Rhinoplasty?
After rhinoplasty, your tip should drop over the next six weeks as swelling reduces and your incisions contract. However, it can sometimes take up to a year to see the full effect of your nose surgery. You likely won’t know if there were complications during your rhinoplasty until a year has passed.
What if My Tip Drops Too Much?
If your tip drops too much after your nose surgery, you may need a revision rhinoplasty. Surgical errors, outdated techniques, or recovery complications could be reasons your nose tip dropped too much. These revision nose jobs occur about one year after the initial surgery to ensure all post-surgical swelling is gone.
During revision rhinoplasty, your surgeon may need to place a graft to achieve your desired result. The amount of tip drop will affect the type of graft your surgeon will need to place. It is critical to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in revision techniques, as revision rhinoplasty is typically even more complex than the initial procedure.
Reduce Rhinoplasty Complications by Choosing a Leading Expert in Rhinoplasty
Whether you are undergoing a rhinoplasty because you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your nose or due to trauma, finding the right surgeon is essential. The right surgeon can ensure the procedure is done the first time correctly and that you’ll be pleased with your results.
Regardless of your reason for rhinoplasty, Dr. Philip Miller, MD, FACS, should be your number one choice. Dr. Miller is a double-board certified plastic surgeon serving Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
He has honed his unique approach to facial surgery over decades. He works with you in a caring, patient-focused environment. Dr. Miller utilizes the NatraLook process, creating a collaborative treatment where your concerns are valued, your confidence is enriched, and your natural aesthetic beauty is enhanced.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Miller and his highly-trained team by contacting our Manhattan office. Our acclaimed team is proud to offer customized procedures to make your dream nose a reality.
What Is the Best Age for a Nose Job?
The best age for a nose job will depend on a variety of factors, including the patient’s reason for seeking the procedure. Although there are no concrete age guidelines, this overview can help you determine whether now is the right time to pursue nose surgery.
Rhinoplasty is the surgical reconstruction of the nose. In nose surgery, doctors reshape the nose by removing excess tissue, correcting crooked cartilage, and augmenting the nose to improve its appearance. The type of rhinoplasty procedure performed depends on the results you hope to achieve and the unique characteristics of your nose.
There are also medical reasons an individual may choose to have a nose job. The nose is a complex structure that plays an important role in the health and well-being of the body. The nose is responsible for airflow into and out of the mouth, which is essential for breathing, eating, and talking. The nose also plays a critical role in the sense of smell.
The nose has both cosmetic and medical functions that require surgical corrections. Many young patients feel insecure about their noses and seek rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. But how young is too young for a rhinoplasty procedure?
At what age can you get a nose job?
There are no concrete age requirements for a rhinoplasty procedure, but many surgeons suggest waiting until around 18 years old for a nose job to ensure facial features are fully developed.
Facial features mature at different rates and patients have different reasons for a rhinoplasty procedure. This is why speaking with a board-certified expert rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate your nose and give you a personal recommendation is so important.
Can I get a nose job at 14, 15, 16, or 17?
Yes, teenage patients can get a nose job between the ages of 14-17 in some circumstances. However, a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure for 14-17 year-olds is less common because their facial features may still be changing. In the younger age group, a medical rhinoplasty is more common to fix issues like a cleft palate or breathing problems.
A rhinoplasty procedure for young patients should be an open discussion between the patient, parents, and the plastic surgeon. Outside of facial maturity for the process, it is essential to consider emotional maturity to understand the life-changing effects of a nose job. Rhinoplasty surgeries are complex procedures that require significant recovery. Final results can take up to one year and requires patients to follow careful post-operative instructions to ensure an optimal outcome.
Boys and girls reach facial maturity at different ages. Girls typically have full development around 14-15, while boys don’t tend to fully mature until around 16-18. It is a very individualized decision that is less about age and more about developmental and emotional maturity.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty procedures and facial rejuvenation. With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Miller provides customized and innovative care to all patients. When it comes to teenage rhinoplasty patients, he is very conservative in his approach to evaluating candidates. Expectations are critical when determining if a young patient is ready for the procedure.
Dr. Miller assumes professional responsibility for involving parents in a thorough assessment of psychological and developmental maturity. In some cases, Dr. Miller asks trusted psychologists to help during the process to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each patient. Teens that move forward with surgery can expect many benefits from working with an expert, including:
- Improved self-confidence
- Better health and structural harmony
- Comfortable breathing
- Natural results
Dr. Miller uses the Natralook® procedure to help patients explore their aesthetic confidence. It is an enriching process that provides a safe and supportive space to discuss personal challenges and desires. For any patient, regardless of age, it is essential to work with a surgeon that has a unified vision and experience creating natural results.
Are you thinking about rhinoplasty? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about teenage rhinoplasty procedures.
Should You Get A Facelift After Massive Weight Loss?
Losing weight is often a long and frustrating journey that requires hard work and dedication. The result of your efforts can include loose or sagging skin, which may require surgery to put the finishing touch on your weight loss efforts. A facelift helps patients achieve the contour for a seamless face and neck.
How does weight loss change your face?
Weight loss can change the contour and appearance of your face. Whether through strict diet and exercise or intervention like bariatric surgery, weight loss can impact the skin and face in a multi-dimensional manner leaving the face looking hollow in some areas when fat is lost.
Another facial change that can happen after significant weight loss is sagging skin. Skin does not always shrink to match your frame, and when patients experience significant weight loss, it can remove fat but leave skin laxity that doesn’t bounce back if the change occurred too quickly.
After massive weight loss, you may want to make an appointment with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can assess your skin changes and determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Plastic surgeons sometimes recommend facelifts to patients that are healthy and have achieved their target goal on the scale.
Each person experiences the impact of weight loss differently. Some see facial changes within a matter of weeks while don’t see the effects of weight loss for many months. Your plastic surgeon may suggest different injectables during your weight loss journey to help your face appear symmetrical and reduce sunken areas. A complete facelift is most successful after weight loss is complete to ensure there are no further changes to the face after surgery.
Does losing weight make your face look younger?
While weight loss can drastically change your appearance, weight loss alone does not always make you look younger. Many individuals define an attractive face as contoured and full. Unfortunately, weight loss can have the opposite effect on the face, leaving behind hollow areas, sagging skin, and an overall deflated look. Sagging skin can also lead to deep folds and wrinkles for a more aged appearance.
Fortunately, these skin concerns can be addressed with a facelift. A facelift lifts and tightens skin, removes excess skin and fat, and reshape portions of the face like the jawline and jowls. There are several types of facelift procedures that can help patients look younger after massive weight loss:
- Traditional facelift: This is a complete facelift with incisions made around the hairline, ears, and lower scalp so that fat can be redistributed or removed and underlying layers can be lifted and tightened.
- Mini facelift: The mini lift is less extensive and has a shorter incision length that targets more focused areas. This outpatient procedure requires local anesthesia in most cases and recovery tends to be shorter than with a traditional facelift.
- Thread lift: A temporary, dissolvable barbed suture is threaded into the skin along the temple or jawline that lifts the skin and stimulates collagen production.
- Deep plane facelift: This type of facelift involves access to the underlying SMAS tissue and actually releases ligaments that tend to keep the SMAS in a specific position. This technique allows for lift in the lower and midface for natural and dramatic improvement.
- Micro lift: This innovative procedure mimics the results of pulled-back hair in a ponytail. It is minimally invasive and subtly lifts the eyes and tightens the skin for sharper cheekbones.
Do jowls and sagging face go away after losing weight?
Unfortunately, jowls and sagging faces do not always resolve after weight loss. In some cases, they may even become more defined. While weight loss can slenderize the face, this improvement is often hidden by sagging skin and lack of contour. Facelifts have many benefits in reducing jowls and improving facial balance and beauty, including:
- Create a well-defined jawline
- Lift and tighten sagging skin
- Eliminate loose jowls
- Reduce deep fold, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Rejuvenate skin
- Produce a younger and healthier appearance
Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, provides innovation and expertise to patients looking for seamless and natural results at his New York City, NY, and New Orleans, LA, offices. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about facelift procedures after weight loss.