Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeons

Is it Encouraged to Bring Photos of Noses I Like to a Consultation for Rhinoplasty?

Hi, I am going for a primary consultation for rhinoplasty. Is it frowned upon to bring photos of noses I like to a consult? Obviously, it is not going to look exactly like another persons nose, but does it help a surgeon as a guideline?

Part of a successful consultation process in rhinoplasty is establishing a good rapport and building effective communication tools. This is why "morphing" or digitally enhancing existing photographs has become so popular. Patients do no have the same vocabulary as surgeons do when it comes to describing the nose. We  (plastic surgeons) talk in terms of angles and proportions, however our patients just intuitively know what aesthetic they prefer. In fact the most popular answer to my question of what changes my patients want is, "I know I just do not want my nose to look like Michael Jackson's".  One way of bypassing this potential for confusion is to bring pictures from the popular media to understand exactly what our patients likes and dislikes are. From there a surgical plan can be developed to tailor specific changes to fit each individuals' nose.  Open communication and honesty are the backbones of a successful outcome. Good Luck!

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD

Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid Surgery And/or Injections ? (photo)

I am a 38 yr old male who has had a tired appearance under my eyes since I was in my mid twenties. I have a high cheek bone under my eyes. I am considering upper and lower (lower most importantly) eyelid surgery, but money is a factor so I'm saving. In the mean time, I'd like to improve my appearance for less $ and was told by one physician that injections could take care of the lower tired look, but it's not permanent. I am interested in doing this, and having my laugh lines filled in, then in a

Your pictures are quite typical for someone requesting cosmetic treatment for tired eyes. There are surgical and non-surgical options available to you and there are benefits to both. As we age the lid cheek junction becomes exagerrated as the fat around the eye begins to bulge and the cheek fat begins to sag. This causes the undereye area to look heavy and tired. Options to correct this involve a lower lid blepharoplasty with conservative fat excision versus fat repositioning. In someone requesting a cheaper yet "reversible" fix then injection of a hyaluronic filler into the tear trough to smooth out the volume loss here is a great option. Injections of this type last around a year or longer and the introduction of blunt tip cannulas has greatly reduced the swelling and bruising previously seen in my practice. 

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD

Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeon

Can I Re-Start Boxing 1 Month After Septorhinoplasty?

Hello, I recently had septorhinoplasty about a month ago and my nose feels strong. I did not have much swelling after the cast was removed. Can I re-start my amateur boxing career now?

Unfortunately your chosen profession and the long term results from your surgery probably do not mix. Your nose will never be as strong as it once was prior to your boxing career and your operation. Thus, you are going to have a greater tendency to continue to have cosmetic and functional problems with your nose if you sustain further injury. To guarantee an optimal amount of healing has occurred in your nasal bones and cartilages I would wait at least 6 months before fighting again. Good luck and keep your guard up!

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD

Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeon