Facial injuries can occur at any time. Between car accidents, sports injuries, and falls, your nose is always at risk. Because your nose projects outward, it is far more susceptible to cosmetic and functional damage. While some nasal breaks can be repaired manually, more severe injuries, multiple breaks, or breaks that have already started to set may require a surgical fix. Rhinoplasty can be performed on injured noses to restore aesthetics and functionality by realigning and reshaping the nasal structure.

External Complications

A cosmetic deformity is one of the major reasons patients turn to rhinoplasty after an injury. Even though many individuals believe that it is alright to allow a nose to heal on its own, this is not without risk. A broken nose is like any other broken bone: if it is not set correctly, it will not heal correctly. Patients may discover that their once well-shaped nose is crooked, flattened, or humped. Surgery is the only option to correct a nose with a cosmetic concern such as this.

Internal Complications

Nasal obstruction is the most significant concern after a facial injury. A broken nose can lead to a deviated or perforated septum. Both of these conditions diminish breathing capabilities and can result in additional complications such as headaches, recurring sinus infections, nosebleeds, and trouble sleeping. When there is a blockage to the nasal airway, a technique known as septoplasty can be performed. Septoplasty repairs a deviation by realigning the soft cartilage of the septum to allow for proper airflow.

There is a sudden rush of blood to the nose when it experiences trauma. Occasionally, this blood will collect and create a septal hematoma that, if left untreated, can lead to an infection. Infections settle into the cartilage and begin to eat away at it, causing the collapse of the nose. A collapsed nose is complicated to treat and should be avoided at all costs.

How Soon Can Rhinoplasty Be Performed?

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that improves nasal form and function. Because facial injury causes both external and internal bruising and swelling, it can be challenging to diagnose the underlying concerns initially. Often, patients will need to wait a few days before undergoing surgery so that the surgeon can see the damaged structure without the bruising and swelling getting in the way. While some waiting is helpful, it is vital to see a doctor as soon as possible. The chances of complete restoration are increased significantly when the damage is corrected shortly after the injury. Rhinoplasty can, however, benefit patients with fully healed nasal injuries. Rhinoplasty after a broken nose can greatly enhance confidence and self-esteem that may have been affected by the injury.

To learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty after a broken nose, contact Dr. Corbin by calling his Beverly Hills office at (310) 284-8384, his Brea office at (714) 671-3033, or by filling out his online contact form.

Men and women turn to plastic surgery for many different reasons—some of these are purely aesthetic chosen by patients hoping to increase their confidence, while others are selected for improved comfort and functionality. Plastic surgery can enhance both of these areas: aesthetics and comfort; however, just like anything else, surgery does have its limits. Before you undergo your cosmetic procedure, it is best to understand what plastic surgery can and cannot do so you can ensure that your expectations remain realistic.

You Will Still Be You

Many patients go into their consultation with the image of a celebrity and the statement: “I want their nose,” or “I want their chin.” Unfortunately, plastic surgery does not work like that. No matter how many procedures you undergo, you can never guarantee that your results will physically match another person. For starters, your genetics will often not allow for it. Everyone has a different bone structure, and that may or may not be able to be altered through surgery. Also, it is challenging, if not impossible, to know how you are going to heal and how your results will take shape. The important thing to remember, especially when it comes to facial surgery, is that all of your different facial features work together to create your facial appearance, and mimicking one facial feature is not enough to make you look like them.

Bringing in photos is a good practice as long as you understand that they are there as a guideline. Attributes and similarities can be taken from these photos, and they can be helpful for Dr. Corbin in understanding what type of results you are interested in. For instance, if you are undergoing rhinoplasty, providing a photo of a nose that you find aesthetically beautiful can help Dr. Corbin plan a strategy that will combine your physical needs with your aesthetic wishes. The same goes for any procedure, whether it be facelift surgery, chin augmentation, or even breast augmentation.

Plastic surgery will not ultimately change the face that you see in the mirror. It will, on the other hand, enhance and bring forward the features that you already have.

Plastic Surgery Is Not Weight Loss Surgery

Liposuction is the second most popular form of plastic surgery. Liposuction removes excess, unwanted pockets of fat from nearly anywhere on the body. Since fat cells contribute to and make up excess weight, and liposuction removes these cells, it can seem as though liposuction is a weight loss surgery. This, however, is not the case. Liposuction is a procedure meant to trim and tone your physique not be used as an alternative to weight loss. Liposuction is best for patients who are already near their ideal weight. It can be an excellent procedure for patients who have already lost a substantial amount of weight and want to get rid of the final pockets of fat.

Procedures like abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and thighplasty are also often misconceived as weight loss procedures. These procedures remove excess skin and tighten loose muscles, which in turn can significantly slim your appearance; however, it is not the same as weight loss. Before patients undergo plastic surgery, they should try to get near their goal weight through diet and exercise or actual weight loss surgery.

For more information, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Corbin, contact our Beverly Hills office at (310) 284-8384, our Brea office at (714) 671-3033, or fill out our online contact form.