Rhinoplasty
Meet Dr. Andrew Kornstein
Dr. Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS, a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, boasts a career spanning 25 years. He is dedicated to enhancing lives through aesthetic surgery by achieving patient goals with a visionary approach so that they can feel young and youthful. His attention to detail and superior training sets him apart from others, allowing him to achieve long-lasting natural results for years to come.
Having a perfectly contoured nose can bring your facial features into balance. Not only can it improve the aesthetics of your face, but it also has the ability to improve the functionality of your nose. Rhinoplasties can also be obtained through non-surgical means, but if you want permanent benefits, the surgical option is most recommended. At Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, Dr. Kornstein helps patients achieve the nose they desire, whether for physical or functional purposes. Dr. Kornstein is a member of the highly selective Rhinoplasty Society, which means he is one of the nation’s top providers of this surgery.
Rhinoplasty Candidates
The ideal rhinoplasty candidate is someone who is unhappy about the shape of their nose and wants to reconstruct it in a way that brings balance. A good rhinoplasty candidate is well-adjusted and has realistic expectations of the procedure, wanting to look better and not perfect. Patients should be past their mid-teens, as that is when the nose is expected to stop growing.
Good candidates are also those whose breathing has been compromised by the shape of their nose. If you’ve suffered an injury that led to difficulty breathing or snoring, rhinoplasty can help correct the nasal canal so there aren’t any blockages. Patients should also be non-smokers, as smoking can slow down the healing process.
How Rhinoplasty Works
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to reconstruct the shape of your nose by creating incisions and subtly changing the nasal structure. The surgery is performed under anesthesia, as it keeps the blood pressure stable while maintaining the post-operative swelling at a minimum. Dr. Kornstein will create the incisions in easily concealed places, either removing cartilage or adding tissue, depending on the desired results.
Rhinoplasty procedures are similar for both men and women, but the results may depend on the desired aesthetic. Women often opt for reducing the size of their noses in hopes of a more delicate contour, but men prefer a more defined contour. For this reason, most men want a strong, straight nasal bridge, whereas women look for a finer, less protruding bridge.
The rhinoplasty procedure can be performed using different techniques, depending on the changes necessary and the patient’s preferences. For instance, open rhinoplasties feature incisions within the skin between your nostrils, giving Dr. Kornstein a better view. This technique is recommended when you have complex modifications to make. Closed rhinoplasties are easily concealed, as the incisions are made in the nostrils, and are mainly recommended when you have minor changes to make.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
During the initial recovery stages, both men and women can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area. Side effects can differ slightly, as women tend to swell and bruise more than men. Dr. Kornstein uses a technique that limits trauma to the tissue, using post-electromagnetic appliances and focused ultrasound techniques to keep bleeding minimal. This reduces inflammation and promotes faster healing of the tissue.
The initial symptoms last about two weeks or less, at which point you can start enjoying the shape of your new nose. Most patients can see the results in about three weeks, and most healing signs can be easily concealed with makeup. Full recovery should be achieved in around six months, with potential scars being barely visible at this point.
To promote quick recovery and reduce the swelling, apply cool compresses on the cheeks (not on the nose directly). The coolness will travel to the area through the skin, soothing your symptoms. It’s advised to be careful about putting pressure on your nose – for example, when wearing glasses. Keep the sun exposure at a minimum, and avoid hot baths or showers, as the heat can exacerbate the swelling.
Rhinoplasty Results
Results from rhinoplasty are permanent, although they may change as your body ages. That said, you can expect them to last long-term, especially if you don’t plan on incurring any injuries. The swelling typically goes away after two to three weeks, at which point you can see the shape of your new nose.
To maximize the results, we recommend that you follow a healthy lifestyle and wear sun protection at all times. It’s a good idea to come in for your follow-up appointments with Dr. Kornstein, as some patients may need minor modifications (i.e., a scar revision procedure). Be patient; the nose can take up to one year to fully settle into its intended shape.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation
For more information about rhinoplasty and whether this procedure is right for you, contact Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa today. We’ll schedule you for a complimentary consultation to discuss everything we can do to help you accomplish your aesthetic goals.