Sunday, December 29, 2013

Do Facelifts Last?

There are many different types of facelifts. Each type of facelift and the extent of dissection will dictate the desired outcome and duration of the result. Patients who are concerned about jowling or a sagging jawline may and do not have much neck skin laxity may be good candidates for a mini facelift. This may last 5-7 years and then a repeat procedure may be necessary afterwards.

Patients who are in their 50’s and 60’s may have significant neck skin laxity, bands in their neck, or a heavy neck. These patients may need significant liposuction, neck tightening, and a deep plane face and neck lift. These types of facelifts may last 10-15 years before needing a repeat facelift.


Monday, December 23, 2013

How does Rhinoplasty Work?

With rhinoplasty, or nose job surgery, the underlying framework of the nose is reshaped and the skin contracts and redrapes over this new framework. The skin can be completely elevated using either the open approach to rhinoplasty or through a closed rhinoplasty approach. The bony and cartilaginous framework is better visualized with the open approach and grafts are sutured and placed more easily. Once the cartilage and bone are reshaped, the skin is layed back down and allowed to contract over the new shape of the nose. This may take up to year to completely occur. However, after 8 weeks, the majority of swelling has subsided and the nose will begin to take its new shape.

Dr. Funk is a rhinoplasty expert in Houston, TX.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Asian Rhinoplasty or Nose Job

Noses come in different shapes and sizes. Different ethnicities exhibit different nasal features. The Asian nose typically presents with a flat bridge, thicker nasal skin, wide nasal bones, an amorphous or bulbous tip, little tip projection off the face and a wide base with circular or horizontal shaped nostrils. Different Asian nationalities may have various features from country to country in Asia. In addition, a patient’s nationality does not necessarily dictate their nose shape.

Asian rhinoplasty or nose surgery typically entails building on the dorsum or bridge using the patient’s own cartilage, rib cartilage, cadaveric rib cartilage, or an artificial implant. I prefer utilizing rib cartilage or cadaveric rib cartilage. In addition to building up the bridge of the nose, the tip needs to be more refined and brought out. I typically will use a strong tip graft for this with septal or rib cartilage. Alar base reduction or bringing in the nostrils is also essential to narrow the width of the nose inferiorly.

Dr. Funk is a top rhinoplasty surgeon in Houston, TX according to Real Self. He is a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston.

Monday, December 2, 2013

What is the Recovery after Rhinoplasty or Nose Job Surgery?

Almost any surgery requires a certain amount of recovery time for proper healing and rest. Recovery after rhinoplasty or nose surgery is no exception. My patients will have a cast on their nose for the first 6 days after surgery. The nose is retaped on day 6 for 2 more days. On day 8 after surgery, the tape and remaining stitches are removed. The nose is still swollen, but at this stage, you are completely social after your rhinoplasty. Patients can expect minor bruising, if any, around the eyes which will typically resolve within a week after surgery. Patients may return to normal workout activity at 2 weeks.

Dr. Funk is a top rhinoplasty surgeon in Houston, TX and is a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Why does a Facelift sometimes look “done”?

An operated appearance after any cosmetic surgery is not the type of result one typically desires. Patients want natural results and don’t want to look “different”. The best facelift surgeon will provide a result that looks rested, refreshed, and more youthful while still maintaing a patient’s visage or identity.

The classic “pulled” appearance after a facelift may be due to over-resection of skin or pulling too much on the skin and not enough on the deeper musculature and fascia. Scarring may be evident around the ears due to this over-pulled appearance. The key to provide a natural, long-lasting, and refreshed appearance after a facelift is to place all the tension on the deep muscle and fascia and redrape/excise the excess skin without placing any tension on it. This allows for a youthful and non-operated look.

Dr. Funk is a top facelift surgeon in Houston and is board certified in facial plastic surgery.