The Rhinoplasty Recovery Process
PRE POST SURGERY
Don’t wait until after the procedure to prepare; make the necessary decisions to ensure that your recovery period goes as smoothly as the surgery itself. Request two weeks leave from your place of work, just to be safe. You may not require the full two weeks, but you want to be sure to give yourself ample time to heal without overly stressing your body. Also, you should designate a point person to look after you in the hours and days following the procedure. This loved one will be an advocate who can be at the hospital when required, drive you home safely, tend to your needs, and watch over you in the event of any complications that may arise.NASAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
You will wake up to a brand new person staring back at you in the mirror. Your nose will be buttressed by a splint and additional material like gauze and/or bandages. Don’t be alarmed; this is a temporary phase meant to provide you with maximum support. Once you come to terms with this initial transition, it’s time to move forward.THE FIRST TWO DAYS
As with any surgical procedure, the patient must emerge from the fog of anesthesia. This can be disorienting, but shouldn’t last more than a day or two. During this time, avoid disturbing the delicate structure of your new facial features; be sure not to blow your nose. Excessive irritation will set back your recovery process. Remember that nosebleeds are common during these first 48 hours, so allow the natural clotting process to take effect. However, if the aforementioned bleeding is excessive or persistent, consult a doctor immediately.THE FIRST WEEK
In addition to nosebleeds, you should expect a modicum of swelling, bruising, and general puffiness during the first week of recovery. To alleviate pressure on the affected area, be sure to elevate your head in order to promote ideal circulation. Also, employ cold compresses on the swollen facial tissue to lessen these side effects as much as possible. Hydration is the key to a speedy recovery. Water infuses your cells with the moisture they need to facilitate proper healing and regeneration. You will also need to increase your intake of liquids as you ingest any prescribed pain medications. Some of these pills tend to cause dry mouth, so be sure to accompany them with a refreshing glass of H2O.RETURN VISIT
After about a week, you should plan on a follow-up doctor’s appointment. This gives your medical team the chance to assess your progress, listen to your concerns, and proceed to the next phase of your recovery. Your doctor will remove the gauze and/or splint supporting your nasal passages, as well as any stitches you may have. He or she will deduce how well you are responding to these benchmarks and advise you on how to care for yourself moving forward.DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Throughout the recovery process, it is imperative to heed your physician’s instructions. Be sure to dress your wounds lightly with products (such as antibacterial salve, warm water, non-abrasive cloth, etc.) specified by these directives. If your medical staff recommends the continued use of pain meds, you must follow the dosage and frequency of your prescription strictly.DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS
To prevent possible damage to the affected area, you should avoid strenuous activity (like sports or heavy lifting) for eight weeks. Any unwanted contact with your nose could change its shape during these formative days, and it could have long-lasting ramifications on the overall health of your face. You should also swear off airline travel during the first two months of recovery; the change in barometric pressure can aggravate your nasal passage and damage the tissue that is in the process of repairing itself.BE A PATIENT PATIENT
Rhinoplasty is a delicate process. You shouldn’t expect results overnight; the human body isn’t equipped to change that rapidly. Minor facial swelling may persist for several months after the date of your initial procedure, and that’s healthy and normal. In fact, it may take up to a full year for the ultimate results of your rhinoplasty to take their effect. You must grow into your new look… and your new look must adhere to your specific lifestyle. Be sure to embark on this journey of self-discovery and exploration with the right attitude, as well as a team that understands your needs, worries, and long-term cosmetic goals. William J. Binder, M.D., is a seasoned professional, but he’s also a great listener. Call (310) 858-6749 today to discuss a potential procedure for you or a loved one, and schedule an appointment to turn your rhinoplasty dreams into realities.Aging Skin & How to Slow It Down
The Aging Process
Before we start discussing treatment options, let’s talk a little bit about how our skin ages. As we get older, our skin begins to lose many of those vital substances that keep it plump and elastic. For example, after the age of 20, our skin begins to produce one percent less collagen a year while losing its ability to self-exfoliate. In our thirties, aging skin begins to look dull and thin as it loses the ability to hold moisture in the outer layers and fat cells shrink. By our forties, virtually no collagen is produced anymore, causing collagen and elastin fibers to become damaged or break, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. By the time we finish our fifties, our oil glands have begun to shrink, leaving skin dry, dull, and easily damaged. Finally, menopause can leave the skin looking and feeling drier, more sensitive, thinner, and less toned. All of these things combine to create the aging process that we are familiar with.Rejuvenating Procedures
Now that we know how and why aging occurs, let’s talk treatment options. Fortunately for those wanting a more youthful look, there are a variety of rejuvenation procedures available at a variety of price points, ranging from treatments applied to the skin’s surface to precise surgeries. Which of these procedures is right for you depends on your health, budget, and signs of aging, as well as the degree of invasiveness that you are comfortable. Talking to your doctor about your health history and goals for your procedure will help you determine which avenue of treatment is best for your situation. These procedures can generally be performed alongside each other, and this may be recommended for the best results, but is not necessary to slow or reduce the appearance of the symptoms of aging.Injected Treatments
Botox is the most common cosmetic treatment and probably one of the most well-known. Botox reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by forcing facial muscles to relax. Though many people fear having a “frozen” or inexpressive expression after Botox treatment, when applied by a qualified medical professional, Botox does not have this result. Most other injected anti-aging treatments are dermal fillers. These products replace naturally occurring substances that begin to deplete from the skin as you age. Some fillers use the same substances, like collagen or hyaluronic acid, while others use alternative substances. Either way, these fillers can be used to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas or plump thinning lips. In some cases, they can even reduce the appearance of scars or other blemishes. Common dermal name brands include Cosmoderm, Zyderm, Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Sculptra, and Radiesse. Like Botox, the results of these injections are not permanent, though the exact length of the treatment depends on the product and patient.Skin Resurfacing Treatments
Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and more can be addressed with skin resurfacing treatments, which work essentially by providing a thorough exfoliation treatment and encouraging healthy, beautiful skin development. These treatments are minimally invasive and excellent at slowing and resolving minor signs of aging, but they cannot provide comprehensive repairs for deep wrinkles, sagging skin, or severe scarring. The three main types of skin resurfacing treatments are dermabrasion, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Dermabrasion involves removing dead skin with a diamond tipped vacuum, improving skin texture and the appearance the lines and uneven pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing is performed by using a gentle but precise laser to remove damaged skin. This treatment is especially successful in improving hyperpigmentation and the appearance of scars. Finally, chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution, which removes dead skin cells and aids in the healthy regeneration of the skin underneath.Lift Surgeries
Surgical treatment is generally the best option for patients looking for more thorough age slowing and age reversing treatments. While other surgical options can be used for rejuvenation purposes, eyelid surgery, facelifts and neck lifts are the most common choice. These treatments can be used for many of the most severe signs of aging, including a double chin, under eye bags, sagging eyelids, hollow cheeks, and a bandy neck. However, it’s important to remember that, while these surgeries can give comprehensive, but natural looking results, they do not stop the aging process and, while these surgeries can be performed multiple times, each consecutive surgery is less able to provide thorough results than the last.Your Skin Rejuvenation Expert
Regardless of the rejuvenation procedure you choose, you deserve to have your skin care performed by the best. Dr. William J. Binder is experienced, acclaimed, and considered one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons. Contact his office today to find out more and schedule your consultation.When to Consider Lip Augmentation Surgery
Avoiding Skin Cancer
Minimize Sun Exposure
Exposure to harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun is the single largest risk factor for skin cancer, so effective skin cancer prevention requires minimizing exposure to the sun. Tans and burns are huge risk factors for skin cancer later on, but sun exposure without tanning or burning still increases the risk. Stay indoors or seek shade when the sun is at its most damaging, between 10 am and 4 pm. When outside, keep your skin covered as much as is comfortable for the weather. A wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses can provide protection for your face. Make sure screens are used to block infants from the sun without overheating them. Do not intentionally burn or tan, either in the sun or using indoor tanning devices. Use an artificial tanning product instead to get that bronze glow without the risk.Wear SPF Daily
Of course, totally avoiding sun exposure is neither practical or healthy. One can reap the benefits of sun exposure while avoiding its dangerous effects by using sunscreen each day. A sunscreen with broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection and an SPF of at least 15 can be worn for everyday use. A sunscreen-only product can be used, but many cosmetics and moisturizers also offer sun protection, but check the label of a product to ensure that it offers broad spectrum protection of an adequate SPF before relying on it for protection. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to the whole body at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply after swimming or significant sweating, and every two hours regardless of activity. Don’t forget easily missed areas, like the ears, lips, and the part of the hair.Skin Cancer Examinations
Check yourself for skin cancer from your scalp to your feet at least once a month, and use a mole map to chart what you find, so you’ll know if something changes or if something new appears. Have a friend or family member help you check hard to see areas. Know the ABCDEs of identifying possibly cancerous or precancerous spots:- Asymmetry: the sides of the mark don’t match
- Border: the mark has an irregular or undefined edge
- Color: color is uneven or unusual, such as black, white, red, or blue
- Diameter: the mark is larger than 6mm in diameter, or larger a pencil eraser
- Evolving: the mark looks different from others on your body or is changing over time
Skin Cancer Treatment
Unfortunately, while protective measures certainly minimize the risk of skin cancer, even the most careful person can still experience it. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary to remove the cancerous or precancerous cells. Because of the risk for scarring, many patients elect to have the surgery performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, as plastic surgeons are both able to remove the growth and are knowledgeable about surgical techniques that minimize the chances of scarring. Some plastic surgeons, such as reconstructive plastic surgeons, actually specialize in these types of surgeries. One of these types of plastic surgeons is Los Angeles based Dr. William J. Binder. Dr. Binder is one of the world’s leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Though Dr. Binder conducts and publishes research extensively, writes for industry publications, and often travels to lecture and train other surgeons, his greatest passion is in working with patients. Avoiding skin cancer, like any cancer, is scary. Don’t choose just any doctor to perform your surgery. Choose a skilled, compassionate, and experienced surgeon who will help you through the process every step of the way, giving you the knowledge and support you need. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.The Ultimate Facelift FAQ
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Depressions and facial wrinkles
- Thinning lips
- Sagging, dry skin
Are You a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?
What is Brow Lift Surgery?
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift addresses the following: • Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. • Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows. • Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids. • Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position. • Fighting signs of aging Complementing cosmetic procedures to a brow lift include upper and lower eyelid tucks, face-lifting, and skin resurfacing techniques.What is the Cost of a Brow Lift?
The average cost of a brow lift is $3,201, although costs can vary widely. The average fee does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. A surgeon’s fee will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic office location. Most health insurance does not cover brow lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans. Brow lift costs may include: • Anesthesia fees • Hospital or surgical facility cost • Medical tests • Post-surgery garments • Prescriptions for medication • Surgeon’s fee To choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.Is Brow Lift Right for Me?
As we age, the body changes in various ways. Unfortunately, the face is the most obvious and usually among the very first signs of aging. As the skin loses its volume and elasticity, it begins to sag and droop, creating those wrinkles and fine lines on our forehead. To address this aging skin, many patients have turned to brow lift surgery. While this procedure sounds enticing, knowing if you are a good candidate for the procedure is first. You may be a candidate for a brow lift if you: • Are physically healthy • Don’t smoke • Have a positive outlook and realistic goals . Other factors to consider include age and recovery. When it comes to brow lift, age does matter. Individuals who are in their 40s and 50s are most likely to see significant changes after a brow lift, since this is the time when brow lines, forehead creases and sagging eyelids begin to appear. Post-procedure recovery is also important to know as you decide on your procedure. After the surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include: • How to care for the surgical site and drains. • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection. • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health. • When to follow up with your plastic surgeon. In the weeks after your procedure, you should keep you head elevated and refrain from vigorous physical activity. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area. The initial wound will take 10 to 14 days to heal. Sutures or clips will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to work and resume normal activity after two weeks. Swelling and incision lines may take several weeks before completely refined and faded. Following your physician’s instructions is vital to the success of your surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on to care for yourself. Dr. Binder’s surgery center in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for solutions regarding facial cosmetic surgery. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your neck lift surgery in our Beverly Hills office.Considering Rhinoplasty? Here are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Cosmetic surgery of any kind is a big decision and one that should not be made on a whim. Altering your physical appearance is an often-permanent and often-rewarding process, but only if you know what you want to change and why you want change it. A rhinoplasty is the second most common cosmetic procedure in the United States today. The surgery aims to both improve breathing problems and promote self-confidence, depending on each individual’s case.
The procedure rearranges and sculpts cartilage in and around the nose to improve nasal symmetry. Patients who wish to reduce the overall size of their nose, alter the positioning of their nostrils, or adjust the contour of the nasal tip benefit from this highly popular and successful surgery. Not only does a successful nose surgery gift its patients with an enhanced physical appearance but it also carries with it the added benefit of potentially bettering your health. Individuals with a deviated septum can undergo nose surgery to repair the nasal airway, drastically improving their breathing and sleeping. While this procedure seems like an easy decision for those unhappy with their facial appearance, it is important to carefully consider every aspect of any cosmetic surgery. Ask yourself these 5 questions before you make your decision.Why Do I Want to Do This?
It’s completely understandable to feel self-conscious about the way you look, especially regarding your face. Unlike your body, parts of your face you are unhappy with cannot be hidden by clothing. It’s only natural to want to look your best. The beauty norms in today’s society are hard to escape or ignore but they should by no means dictate standards of which you must live up to. Before you do anything, you must ask yourself, are you doing this for you or for those around you? If the answer is not the former, you may want to reconsider your decision.What Do I Expect?
Before you undergo this type of surgery, it is wise to manage your expectations. Keep in mind, your doctor can only work with the existing natural structure of your nose. A clear understanding of the procedure, results, and recovery will only ensure that you go into your surgery with realistic expectations and come out of your surgery with a rewarding outcome.Do I Have Time for the Recovery Process?
With advancements in medicine and technology, we are living in a time very conducive for the surgery healing process. Taking off time from work, your family, or school is not always easy so it is wise to have your ducks in a row before you follow through with a decision like this. Luckily the recovery process for a nose surgery is relatively fast. Although you’ll be wearing a nose splint for around a week, it’s possible you’ll be able to return to your job in a matter of days (provided your profession doesn’t require too much physical exertion).Is This the Right Time?
It is best to be in good overall health for a procedure like this. Those with pre-existing health conditions should speak with their doctor about possibly pursuing alternative solutions. If your life is currently up in the air or you are dealing with uncertain and stressful circumstances it may be wise to hold off on a cosmetic facial surgery until you are in a better position to make a clear decision.Have You Found the Right Surgeon?
Perhaps the most time consuming and important decision you will face before surgery is choosing your surgeon. If you are building house you want to hire the best wood workers and similarly, if you are making a permanent change to your physical appearance, you want the doctor best equipped to do so. Certification, background, experience are all things you need to research and consider before deciding on which surgeon is right for you. Ideally this person should be someone you feel comfortable around and someone who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures. Dr. Binder’s approach to nose surgery not only improves function, but creates such natural and balanced results that no one will be able to tell that a procedure was ever performed. With 30 years of experience as a double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Binder has produced success story after success story. Why continue to live with insecurities or breathing difficulties when with just a call to our offices you can start on your way become a success story, too?Surgical Reconstruction for Extreme Physical Damage
Why Might Someone Need or Want Reconstructive Surgery?
Following an accident or other injury that results in physical trauma, once a patient’s overall health has become stable again, thoughts begin to turn to repairing the damage, particularly in the case of severe or disfiguring facial trauma. Studies have shown that patients with uncorrected facial trauma have a higher incidence rate of body-image issues, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.Types of Reconstructive Surgery
This type of surgery takes many forms, and the number of techniques and procedures is growing every day. Facial reconstruction in particular is a rapidly growing field, and now includes techniques that would have been impossible even just a decade ago. Facial reconstructive procedures can include:- Scar Removal or Revision
- Skin Cancer Removal
- Mole Removal
- Facial Fillers
- Revision Rhinoplasty
- Custom Reconstructive Implants
- Burn and skin graft revision
- Other Skin Resurfacing
Reconstruction of the Skin
Skin treatments typically take the form of chemical peels or laser treatment to lessen the raised appearance of scars, or to eliminate excessively darkened or lightened pigmentation following a burn or skin graft. These same procedures can also be used to reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that comes as a result of passing time. Laser treatments, particularly C02 laser treatment, can also be used to “sand away” a raised or hypertrophic scar in order to bring it in line with the rest of the skin on the face, thereby making it far less noticeable and obtrusive. The same can also be done with dermabrasion, and often the two techniques are used in conjunction with chemical peels and other deeper reconstructive options to achieve the very best result.Skin Treatments Beneath the Skin
For deeper damage that causes the skin to be raised or lowered, particularly following trauma such as a burn, there are more intensive options that can aid in scar removal. This typically takes the form of collagen or other fillers, but it can also include tissue expanders that help to bring the skin together to promote smoother, more aesthetic healing. This procedure is a bit more involved than other simple skin treatments, but it can also be used in combination with Z-plasty to help bring severe scars more in line with the natural lines of the face in order to more effectively blend them into the surrounding skinWhat Reconstructive Surgery Can’t Do
Despite the advances in modern cosmetic surgery, there are some things it just can’t do. For one, deep burns are particularly problematic to reconstruct, as there is often very little tissue left to work with. There is likely to always be some measure of visible damage following a severe burn. However, even the most severe scarring can be lessened with the proper techniques. By combining several different types of reconstructive procedures to achieve a customized solution, severe scarring can be improved and the physical and emotional after-effects of trauma can be lessened.Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters
The most important part of any surgery is choosing the right surgeon. The very best reconstructive surgeons are the ones that specialize in particular areas of care, so be sure to find one that is specifically focused and well versed in facial reconstruction, before choosing to undergo such delicate procedures. Facial scarring can easily be made much worse with improper or poorly performed scar removal procedures, making it especially important that you choose a reliable physician with an excellent track record. Dr. William J. Binder is one of the world’s leading facial reconstructive experts, and has a long history of innovation and creative application of advanced reconstructive procedures. He is based out of Los Angeles, but due to his expertise and experience, patients from around the country and even the world come to receive treatment from him. Dr. Binder is extensively published and is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. If you have questions about facial reconstruction and want a consultation with the very best, contact Dr. Binder’s office today.8 Interesting Facts about Botox
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Botox Is the Most Popular Cosmetic Procedure in America
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Botox Is a Muscle Relaxant
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Overactive Bladder Conditions Can Be Alleviated with the Help of Botox
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Botox Can Treat Migraines for Up to Three Months
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Cosmetic Applications of Botox Were Discovered by Accident
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Botox is Older Than You May Think
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Botox Is One of the Safest and Most Well Researched Products Available
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In Addition to Being Safe, Botox is Remarkably Effective