Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Q: What is involved in a rhinoplasty consultation?
A: When planning to perform rhnioplasty, Dr. Burstein first obtains a thorough medical history from his patients to establish a patient’s esthetic and/or functional goals. Next, photos are taken, and if appropriate, computer imaging is performed to ensure both surgeon and patient are on the same page.
Q: What is revisionary rhinoplasty?
A: Revisionary rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to enhance the results of a previous nose surgery. Because the nose is such a prominent, and essential, facial feature sometimes additional surgery is needed to gain optimal rhinoplasty results. Dr. Burstein gets many referrals for patients looking for additional rhinoplasty work. He believes in only using the patient’s own tissues for nasal reconstruction to minimize the chance of infection or rejection of foreign materials while maintaining esthetically pleasing results.
Q: Do you have to be a certain age to have rhinoplasty?
A: Dr. Burstein performs nose surgery on patients of every age. Because the nose is an ever-changing facial feature, it is best to reserve cosmetic nose surgery for patients who have already completed puberty (unless the cosmetic concern is the result of a congenital defect in which immediate attention is appropriate). As with any facial plastic surgery, thoughtful contemplation and adequate research must be completed before any procedure is pursued.
Q: Is there a difference between reconstructive rhinoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty?
A: Rhinoplasty refers to a variety of nasal surgery types. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is used to enhance the appearance of a functionally sound nose to balance a patient’s facial features or enhance facial profile. Dr. Burstein performs “reconstructive rhinoplasty” (i.e.- Atlanta cleft nasal reconstruction and cleft lip and/ or cleft palate surgery) to remedy a functional concern like breathing difficulties in pediatric as well as adult patients.
Do I Really Need a Specialist for Plastic Surgery? What’s wrong with wanting a deal on cosmetic procedures?
The now three year economic slump has undoubtedly pushed many Americans to seek alternate sources of income. Unfortunately, it’s also pushed many medical professionals to branch out from their original fields of practice to offer more profitable procedures they are not always adequately trained to perform. This observation is evidenced in a 2010 Aesthetic Surgery Journal article entitled, “Plastic Surgeons Losing to Non-Core Physicians on the Internet?”
The article summarizes a study compiled by the American Board of Medical Specialties in which the website traffic of 2,001 physicians offering cosmetic services were analyzed over the course of a year. Of those physicians, the websites of board certified plastic surgeons attracted fewer views than those physicians who were not certified in cosmetic specialties, but did offer the services. In addition, the number of people who viewed the non-plastic surgeon cosmetic procedure providers grew by nearly 50% while the traffic for board certified plastic surgeons only grew about 10%.
These statistics make the need for accurate patient education even more apparent than previously thought. No doubt you’ve probably heard (more…)
September Spotlight Patient
Caroline has been busy this summer. She enjoys playing piano, tennis, lifeguarding, and probably most importantly to her—traveling. A high schooler, Caroline’s year will most likely be spent researching and visiting colleges that offer international studies programs. What Caroline won’t be concerned with anymore is the appearance of her nose. This June, Caroline received rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and genioplasty (chin surgery) from Dr. Fernando Burstein.
After a lot of very careful research and several consultations with highly qualified prospective plastic surgeons, Caroline and her parents decided Dr. Burstein gave them the “right feeling” about what needed to be done to deliver the cosmetic changes Caroline was after. Caroline also appreciated Dr. Burstein extensive experience with teenage rhinoplasty patients and his specialty experience with facial plastic surgery. Caroline’s mother Allison remembers their first consultation with Dr. Burstein, “I was impressed by Dr. Burstein’s extremely detail-oriented personality: his ability to listen to what Caroline wanted out of the surgery and also his professional and confident way of offering clear advice as to how she could achieve the best results possible.”
Dr. Burstein’s in-depth rhinoplasty consisted of a septoplasty, nasal tip asymmetry revision, and shaving of the bump on the bridge of Caroline’s nose to successfully address the underlying structural issues contributing to Caroline’s cosmetic complaints. In addition to the rhinoplasty, Dr. Burstein also repositioned Caroline’s chin to enhance her facial proportion. Known as genioplasty, this procedure moves the patient’s own chin to a more aesthetically pleasing position through a small incision inside the mouth. This technique avoids potential long term problems sometimes seen with artificial implants. Inspite of the extensive work performed by Dr. Burstein, Caroline’s mom says she recovered quickly and was surprised at the rate at which her daughter was able to return to her regular activities, hobbies, and even summer travel plans. Allison remarked, “I will admit that the first week after Caroline’s surgery was a little rough, but Dr. Burstein gave us a very good idea of what to expect and helped us every step along the way. I was really surprised when we only had to tape Caroline’s nose during her recovery. The other surgeons we saw made it seem like the procedures would be much more involved and harder to recover. I attribute Caroline’s speedy recover to both Dr. Burstein’s experience, as well as Caroline’s age.”
Allison elaborated about the age factor and their decision as parents to allow their daughter to have cosmetic surgery, “Caroline came to us several times over the course of several years complaining about her nose. My husband and I could really tell that it was something she wanted for herself. As parents, we knew that it was right time because she’s only at home for one more year before she goes off to college and we wanted to be sure we could be there, close to her doctor, to ensure she healed properly.”
Despite Caroline’s naturally introverted personality, she is very satisfied with her rhinoplasty results and tells all of her friends about her surgical experience with Dr. Burstein. Allison closes with how satisfied she and her husband are with Caroline’s results, “I could tell just by the way Dr. Burstein interacted with his staff at our appointments that it was a very professional operation and that they all care for each other and think of their plastic surgery patients as family.”
To hear from more of Dr. Burstein’s previous spotlight patients continue to read his blog. Visit his website and connect with him on Facebook and Twitter for regular plastic surgery news and updates.
Answers to Your Questions about Eyelid Surgery and Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
Q.) My age is starting to show in my eyes, is there anything that can help or prevent this aged appearance?
As we age our skin starts to sag, wrinkles emerge, and fat deposits build up. All of these symptoms show around our eyes. Luckily, cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift surgery, Botox®, and Dysport® may be able to help. Each of these procedures offers something different, so a consultation will help determine which procedure is most appropriate for each patient.
Q.) How do I know if I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin around my eyes?
A proper consultation is the only way to determine which eyelid procedure is most appropriate for you. Generally, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is best used to remove fat, excess skin that causes wrinkles, and muscle tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The brow lift (upper facelift) reduces wrinkles and furrows along the bridge of the nose and forehead by lifting and repositioning the excess skin that causes wrinkling. (more…)
Reducing Plastic Surgery Risks for Patients of Any Age
While complications and risks surrounding plastic surgery aren’t the most easily discussed topics, new research comes as welcome relief to cosmetic surgery patients over the age of 65. It’s long been believed that plastic surgery complications and risks increase with age, but a three year study by Cleveland Clinic researchers declares this belief a myth for facelift surgery. Analyzing the outcomes of 216 female facelift patients (148 patients under the age of 65 and 68 patients older than 65), researchers determined that with proper screening, patients over the age of 65 are at no higher risk during facelift surgery than younger patients. More research is necessary to determine if facelift patients over the age of 70 are at higher risk of complication or if the study’s findings are applicable to other cosmetic procedures; however, this study raises important questions for reducing surgical risks in patients of any age by choosing appropriate procedures, finding a trustworthy plastic surgeon, and discussing any and all medical conditions during consultation. (more…)
Spotlight Patient
As Ronnie can attest, working at a busy Atlanta university can give anyone a tired appearance. Ronnie loves spending time boating with her husband and daughter. About a year ago, she decided to pursue facial plastic surgery for a rejuvenated appearance. (more…)
Dr. Fernando Burstein Named Top Doc in Atlanta Magazine Again
We are proud to announce that for the third year in a row, Dr. Fernando Burstein has been named to Atlanta Magazine’s Top Docs list. The list is assembled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare company in New York that surveys reputable healthcare providers across the nation to determine the most talented providers. The list is used as an educational outlet to show patients which physicians in their area are accomplished leaders in their field. All Licensed physicians in Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties were included in the vote.
While it’s an honor in itself for Dr. Burstein to be among only a handful of plastic surgeons on the list, two of the list’s nine other plastic surgeons practice with Atlanta Plastic Surgery surgeons also made the list. Physicians who complete the survey considered numerous factors like patient care, work quality, and contributions to the medical field.
Board certified in plastic, reconstructive, and otolaryngology (head and neck) surgery, Dr. Burstein specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face. Working with countless pediatric reconstructive procedures, he is dedicated to providing optimal patient care. His expertise in the natural contours of the face combined with his use of the most up-to-date surgical techniques and technology allows him to produce natural looking cosmetic surgery results.
For more information about Dr. Burstein and the plastic and reconstructive procedures he performs, visit his website. We also invite you to connect with him on Facebook and Twitter for regular plastic surgery updates.
Frequently Asked Questions: What cosmetic procedures can diminish the signs of aging without a facelift?
Q.) What procedures can get rid of my double chin without a traditional facelift?
The appearance of a double chin can be caused by fat, excess skin, or a combination of both. Facial liposuction can eliminate excess fat and enhance the contour of the neck. Neck lift surgery removes sagging skin and tightens the muscles beneath the skin. One of these procedures, or a combination of a few, may be used to remedy the appearance of a double chin depending on your specific needs.
Q.) Is there a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the appearance of my eyes?
There are a couple of procedures that can enhance the appearance of aging eyes, depending on the specific symptoms you are experiencing. If you’re concerned with the early signs of aging, such as wrinkles around and in between the eyes, Botox® or Dysport® may be injected to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles (lasting up to 6 months). However, for a more permanent affect for patients with significant signs of eye aging like drooping eyelids, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids for the removal of excess skin that contributes to a “hooded” eyelid appearance. (more…)
Dysport® Invites You to “Think Outside The Bo**x”
Although I’m sure you’ve heard about the rejuvenating power of cosmetic injectables like Botox® and Dysport®, you may not have heard about the Botox® and Dysport® patient satisfaction study recently published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. First, let me explain the difference between cosmetic injectables and facial fillers. Facial fillers, like Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvéderm®, work to fill in fine lines and deeper wrinkles while plumping areas of lost volume of the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. Instead of filling in the wrinkles, cosmetic injectables like Botox® and Dysport® work to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes.
Botox® and Dysport® are made out of varying versions of a purified botulinum toxin: Botox® from onabotulinumtoxinA and Dysport® from abobotulinumtoxinA. Botox® was the first to be FDA approved out of the two (in 2002), but seven years later Dysport® was approved by the FDA giving BOTOX® a run for its money. While ongoing research seeks to determine which product is preferable, for now, over 65% (out of 90 patients studied) of patients prefer Dysport®’s results when they contracted their facial muscles. However, no differences were noticed when the muscles were relaxed, leaving patient preference as the deciding factor.
Now through September 30th, 2011, patients can save $50 on Dysport® injections with the “Think Outside The Bo**x” promotion. Additionally, former Botox® Cosmetic patients can save another $50 ($100 total) when they provide an itemized receipt for Botox® Cosmetic treatment received 3-12 months prior to their Dysport® treatment. To save, all you have to do is receive Dysport® treatment from my nurse practitioner, Debi Cooper between July 15th and September 30th, 2011, register on the Dysport website (dysportusa.com) if you haven’t already, and mail in the rebate form from the site.
Be sure to take advantage of this special offer while it lasts. To learn more about the facial plastic surgery procedures I offer, visit my website. To stay updated on specials like these as well as plastic surgery news, sign up for my monthly newsletter and connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Spotlight Patient: Rhinophyma
With almost thirty years experience driving a truck, John spends much of his time on the road. Married with three children (two daughters and a son), John enjoys time with his family when he’s not working. From his description, he sounds like an average guy. Unfortunately, due to a rare skin condition called rhinophyma, John didn’t look like an average guy before his reconstructive surgery. After years of suffering from rosacea, excess tissue developed on his nose giving it a protruding, bulbous appearance. (more…)
