Dr. Monica chau Quynh Kieu, D.O.

It is completely normal to be nervous before surgery. Rest assured that cleft palate surgery is generally very safe and successful. To be able to perform this type of surgery, your surgeon underwent extensive training, and is highly qualified. It's important to note that cleft palate requires a multidisciplinary team approach for treatment that will span much of your child's early years. Team members will include your surgeon, dentists, audiologists, and speech pathologists to name a few.

Monica Kieu, DO

Facial asymmetry is an uncommon complication from facelift surgery, but something facial plastic surgeons are trained to anticipate. This usually occurs when the facial nerve, which innervates the muscles of the face, is damaged from stretching or swelling. Full recovery is expected in most cases, however, your surgeon should be closely monitoring you. Schedule an appointment with the surgeon who performed your procedure if you haven't already so they can perform a full assessment.

Monica Kieu, DO

Thanks for your question!

Hair loss is a very common and frustrating condition. Thankfully, there are treatment options! There are 2 main treatments for androgenetic alopecia (more commonly referred to as male pattern baldness):

1. Medical treatment may consist of topical treatments such as minoxidil, or an oral pill called finasteride. Both these medications have been well-studied and are shown to be effective, with minimal side effects. Once these medications are discontinued, your hair will start to thin again, and go back to what it was previously before starting therapy.

2. Surgical treatment involves harvesting hair from areas of your scalp that still have hair (usually the back of the scalp), and transplanting them in areas where hair loss has occurred. With time, the newly transplanted hairs will continue to grow. This is a highly effective and permanent solution; graft survival rates are typically greater than 90% when the procedure is performed by skilled surgeons.

To assess what treatment solution is best for you, consult with an experienced hair restoration specialist!

Monica Kieu, DO

Thanks for your questions!

There are multiple reasons why you may have difficulty breathing from your nose, one of which may be a deviated septum. Other anatomic causes could be enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse. Allergies and chronic inflammation can also cause nasal obstruction. To determine the cause and discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with an Otolaryngologist, (someone who specializes in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat).

Monica Kieu, DO

Hi,

Thanks for your question! You surgeon will be giving you detailed instructions on how to take care of your nose after surgery. Follow their instructions carefully, as this will help prevent infection and give you the best possible outcome! This is a short list of some of the things I discuss with my patients prior to a rhinoplasty:

-Sleep with your head elevated about 45 degrees (2-3 pillows) for the first week
-Ice under your eyes and on the bridge of your nose for the first 3 days - this will help the bruising/swelling
-Take your antibiotics as prescribed, take pain medication as needed
-Use a nasal saline rinse 3 times a day for one month - this will help clean out any crusting or scabbing, and will keep the nasal passages clear
-If there are any visible incisions, keep them clean with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, bacitracin, etc.)
-Do not blow or pick your nose for the first 3 days
-No heavy lifting (greater than 10lbs) or strenuous exercise for one week
-Avoid temperature extremes (saunas, steam showers, etc.) for the first week
-Keep the cast/splints on - the surgeon will remove it at your follow-up appointment the following week

Monica Kieu, DO

Thanks so much for your question. I completely understand your hesitation. In general, rhinoplasty is a procedure that should be performed as few times as possible, as revisions get more and more complicated each time. As facial plastic surgeons, our goal is always to achieve the absolute best result both functionally and cosmetically the first time. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, and make sure you both agree on the aesthetic goals and plan before the surgery. After surgery, be patient, as swelling can take months to settle, so you may not see the final result until 6-12 months after the procedure! If in the rare event you are unhappy with your results, your surgeon can address these issues, and perform a revision if necessary.

Dr. Monica Kieu

Hello,

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, your scar can never be completely removed, but there are different options for treating it. Depending on the location and size of your scar, a facial plastic surgeon can reposition it into a more cosmetically favorable area. Other options include procedures to reduce the size of the scar (excision), or to minimize the appearance (dermabrasion, microneedling). An in-person consult would be highly beneficial and give you the most information!

Monica Kieu, DO

Hi,

Thanks for your question! Diabetes is not a contraindication for Botox, and in fact, I have many patients with diabetes who get Botox regularly. A board-certified physician can help you come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.

All the best,

Monica Kieu, DO