Victoria Facial Plastic Surgeons

Sports After Rinhoplasty ?and Does Result Shows Right After Removing the Cast ?

hello =), So I went to the doctor and he saw my nose,he told me he's gonna define the bridge and reduce a bit from the tip making it a bit higher... and he told me it's going to be closed rihnoplasty. Would i see result right after removing the cast ? because i heard some people say it would be bigger than what expected until almost 3 months . and when can i return to play sports such as : tennis, horseback riding *jumping* , cycling etc..

Most swelling is gone in the first month after surgery however some minor tip swelling that only you would notice can persist for several months. While you will be looking and feeling great within a couple of weeks, you must be careful with your new nose which is in the healing process for months. You should take 2-3 weeks off rigorous exercise (no heavy lifting, running, etc) and avoid an accidental trauma to the nose. As long as you keep your nose safe, you can enjoy all your activities as usual starting 2 - 3 weeks after surgery. Ask your surgeon for more advice on your post operative period. You should be provided with detailed instructions.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon

What is Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty?

A friend mentioned getting Transconjunctival blepharoplasty.  What does this mean? Is it better than traditional eyelift surgery? I'm 52 and would like to help my under eye bags.

Surgeons have two surgical approaches to choose from when addressing lower eyelids:

1. Transconjunctival (also called "internal blepharoplasty" or "scarless blepharoplasty")

The internal approach to lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves a fine incision made on the inner surface of the lower eyelid. Because the scars are inside the lower eyelid where they cannot be seen, this procedure is often called scarless blepharoplasty.

2. Subcilliary (also called "external blepharoplasty")

The EXTERNAL approach involves an incision that is made just below the lower lash line. The incision fades with time to become virtually imperceptible.

Is Transconjunctival Better Than Traditional Eyelid Surgery?

The most appropriate approach for each patient depends on their age and lower eyelid features.The internal approach is typically appropriate for younger patients who have bulging lower eyelids but limited skin laxity. If extra skin needs to be removed, then the external approach (subcilliary) is more appropriate.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nose implant alternatives in Asian Rhinoplasty?

I am considering an Asian Rhinoplasty. I like the size of my nose (but when I smile, it looks a little wide in pictures), but I want my nose bridge to appear taller. However, I noticed the people who have implants, their noses are narrower than before.

You are right. Augmenting the bridge gives a more narrow appearance on the front view. A conservative augmentation will minimize this. Consult a rhinoplasty expert who performs computer imaging to get a sense for how this would look on you.

Alternatives to silicone include Gore-tex or your own cartilage. Cartilage can be taken from your septum or external ear.  Both are excellent alternatives.

In terms of recovery, swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. Follow the link before to find out detailed information about Asian Augmentation Rhinoplasty and what to expect from the recovery period, including when you can go back to work and regular activities.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon