Dr. Mark A.F. Knight

There are many reasons why some people may consider a rhinoplasty. For example, congenital abnormalities, traumatic injury to the nose, aesthetic contour issues, or even skin cancer. Regardless of the reason, the issue is to consider what is important to you as the patient seeking this procedure. If you are under the age of 18, parental consent is required for surgical procedures. Alternatively, you may consider waiting until you are able to make the decision on your own.

Rhinoplasty is generally a very safe procedure, although some patients and surgeons are very concerned given its location in the middle of the face. In my opinion and experience, rhinoplasty requires great technical precision to render satisfactory results.

Post surgical scarring from rhinoplasty can sometimes interfere with the nasal air passages, but this is not very common. In fact, a rhinoplasty can be combined with a septoplasty or turbinectomy to actually open up the nasal air passages and alleviate an obstructed airway, allowing you to breathe much easier.

There are some minimally invasive techniques such as dermabrasion that can reduce the prominence of the scar. Alternatively, a carefully matched skin graft may be done. There have been some reconstructive procedures involving the use of epithelial cell transplants and stem cells. These more complex procedures are best performed at a University center using insurance coverage.

For some patients with a strong genetic risk for developing breast cancer, this is an option to consider. I would strongly recommend that you consider coordinating the mastectomy and the breast reconstruction procedure at the same time. There are some options that are ideally suited to your situation as they allow a much better aesthetic outcome after the reconstruction. As a general surgeon, I am very familiar with mastectomy procedures. As a reconstructive plastic surgeon, it is my goal to optimize the outcome by balancing the concern for minimizing cancer risk while maximizing the aesthetic outcome. This is achieved by carefully planning the incision for the resection of the breast in consideration of the reconstruction. The incision may go only around the nipple, or may include a vertical scar. In select cases, the natural nipple and areola may be preserved, especially in prophylactic mastectomy cases. The options for reconstruction include completely native tissue (such as from the abdomen or back) or an implant placed under the muscle. It would be advisable to set a consultation with surgeon to discuss your specific situation..

All procedures carry risks and benefits. The risks of lip injections depends on the nature of the substance being injected. For example, raw silicone may cause severe scarring. Hyaluronic acid may trigger alergic responses in some patients. Fat may form areas of nodular fat necrosis. There are many products that have been used for lip injections, but the two most commonly used substances are collagen and hyaluronic acid. These products are naturally found in the human body and have good safety profiles. Despite their initial appearance, they do not create a permanent effect. Their effect is partially additive, not cumulative, so over time smaller volumes may be required to achieve the desired result.

Among the most promising options for treatment are lasers. Aside from that, there may be some improvement from collagen or PRP injections in limited areas. Unfortunately, there are not may medical, surgical or pharmaceutical interventions for extensive stretch marks. A tummy tuck will remove the majority of stretch marks below the belly button.