Dr. Joseph Ardito, M.D.

The vast majority of rhinoplasties are performed intranasally without any external scarring. Scars that would form would be internal and rarely pose any kind of problem. There are certain techniques that require external incisions such as open rhinoplasty technique or alar base resection.

Absolutely, as long as you're using a reasonable amount of pressure and nothing exotic. There should be no limits in that area.

With an external splint over the nose, you cannot shower, but you can sponge-bathe your face. A dry shampoo option is considered but not a regular shampoo. Once the external splint comes off you can shower as normal which is usually 5 to 7 days post-up.

Initial swelling is significantly reduced within one week. However, patients with thicker oily and olive-type skin will hold on to it much longer sometimes well over a month. On rare occasion, some patients will have chronic swelling that can last for many months.

It certainly could, depending upon the deformity you're trying to correct. Some patients have a very wide nose and others have a very bulbous tip. In those cases, you certainly would see a reduction in size. Other corrective changes may be more of correcting a deformity or distortion, but not necessarily making it smaller.

Treatment of a Nasal Septal deviation is one that requires outpatient surgery, after medical management has failed. These procedures are performed as an outpatient either in a Surgicenter or Hospital. The septum can be repositioned [Septoplasty] or can have some of the cartilage or bone removed [SMR - Submucous Resection] . These procedures are performed through the nostril without any external incisions. Sometimes there are also other stuctures that can restrict ones breathing that can also be treated to ensure maximal benefit, namely Enlarged Turbinates [Turbinoplasty]. They are often treated simultaneously. These procedure can be performed within 30 - 45 minutes. Risk factors are minimal and infrequently noted. Your surgeon will discuss the details of the procedure, recovery, and risk factors during your pre-op interview. I hope this information will be helpful.
Joseph Ardito MD

After liposuction, there will be some scar formation that may reduce fat lay down in that location, but fat can still develop if there is enough of a caloric or hormonal stimulus. In either case, it should be less than the initial fatty volume.

J. Ardito, MD

Yes. There are many varied pattern of wound healing, genetically. Some scars can be sanded down with dermabrasion, other with scar revision, removing a scar and creating a new more favorable scar. Also sometimes skin flaps can help with improving scars. It MUST be remembered that once a scar is created there will always be a scar there, but some are much more acceptable than others.

Usually 30-90 minute, depending on the method and extent of the scar.

Not usually, the surgery is fairly simple and the post op period is a week or two with limited pain. If there were a post op infection that would be the only significant reason for pain and a slower outcome, but that complication is quite infrequent.

Otoplasty can be performed many ways, some of which last longer than others. Usually the initial results are noted within a week, when you can return to most jobs, but the final results take 6-12 weeks.

Yes, it is safe, but there may be somewhat greater swelling, especially if you have an "outdoor lifestyle." You also cannot get any sunburn for at least 6 months after rhinoplasty surgery, which makes it somewhat more challenging. There is no greater risk of infection in the warmer seasons.

There can be minimal discomfort from most procedures as long as adequate anesthesia has been administered. Obviously, the amount of post-op pain can vary from one individual to another. The location and type of procedure are also major factors regarding pain. Fear of the unknown can also make things worse for some patients, so adequate pre-op counseling can really help.

This can vary depending on a patient's deformity and the nature of the facelift. There are many varied techniques that have different levels of benefit that can impact the length of the results.

That is one of the primary goals of rhinoplasty, not just cosmetic change.