Balancing the facial profile and adding definition to facial features are the expected results of facial implants. A consultation appointment with a BOARD CERTIFIED Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon should be a priority to determine what would be the best option for your face. Make sure that you are choosing to enhance your appearance for yourself and for no one else. During your appointment, make sure you ask as many questions as you want, look at their before and after pictures of their work, and feel comfortable and confident in your choice of surgeon. A chin implant can help balance out a strong or prominent nose, extend the jawline, or strengthen a weak or pooly-defined chin. A profound outcome can be achieved with even a subtle change! Good Luck and Best Wishes, Simon J. Madorsky, MD
The nasal septum is the supporting wall between the nostrils that separates the two nasal passages and directs airflow. The septum is made of thin bone in the back and cartilage in the front. There are very few people have a perfectly straight septum. As a part of human development during childhood and puberty, the nasal septum can bend to one side or another. Also, the septum may be deviated at birth or as a result of injury. Surgery to straighten the septum is called Septoplasty. Before surgery, the doctor may use an endoscope (a thin, flexible, lighted instrument) to look at your nasal passages to see the shape of your septum. In some cases, the endoscope may be used during surgery. In some cases, the Septoplasty is done along with other procedures to treat chronic sinusitis, inflammation, nasal bleeding, correction of sleep apnea, or polyp removal. To repair the septum, the doctor works through the nostrils making an incision to separate the layer of soft tissue (mucosa) from the underlying cartilage and bone. The doctor trims or straightens the bent cartilage and then replaces the mucosa over the cartilage and bone. Turbinates are curved, boney ridges that are located on each side of the nasal cavity. They are lined with mucus membranes and are responsible for moisturizing and warming the air that flows through the nasal cavity. Enlarged turbinates can cause blockage of airway passages and prevent the sinuses from draining properly. The first line of treatment for enlarged turbinates is steroid nasal sprays, such as Flonase. If there continues to be persistent nasal obstruction despite medical treatment, the size of the turbinates can be reduced surgically. Turbinoplasties are done under a general anesthetic in an out patient surgery setting. Tiny incisions are first made inside the nose. The turbinates are then accessed and excess bone is removed. Excess mucus membranes may also need to be removed. Adequate bone and mucus membranes will be left so that the turbinates can continue to perform their necessary functions. Following surgery, there is often nasal packing over night and tiny, self-dissolving sutures. Breathing is much easier because of the increased airflow space. Sinuses drain properly again. Best wishes. Simon Madorsky, MD
