Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, plastic surgery has become a popular avenue for individuals looking to enhance their appearance, particularly when it comes to nasal basal filling. Whether it's for cosmetic reasons or to address functional issues, many people are considering this type of procedure. This guide will explore the ins and outs of nasal basal filling plastic surgery in New York City, including the types of procedures available, the best hospitals and surgeons, what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and the associated costs and risks.
Types of Nasal Plastic Surgery in New York City
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S., and New York City has some of the top facilities and surgeons for this procedure. At Mount Sinai's division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, their goal is to create natural, long - lasting results. Their double - board certified facial plastic surgeons, who are also experts in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), ensure that the new nose not only looks better but also functions better. There are two main types of rhinoplasty: primary and revision.
- Primary Rhinoplasty: This is the first - time surgery to address cosmetic concerns and/or nasal breathing. According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 213,000 people receive a nose job each year, and a significant portion of these may be primary rhinoplasties. During a primary rhinoplasty, the surgeon modifies the bone and cartilage of the nasal framework. After accessing the framework through carefully concealed incisions, the bone of the upper portion of the nose is sculpted and smoothed. The cartilage in the lower portion is then reshaped to bring all the dimensions of the nose into harmony, and the nasal septum is straightened to improve breathing. Any necessary grafts are used to support and contour the final result.
- Revision Rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to address concerns or deformities resulting from prior nose surgeries. For example, if a previous rhinoplasty did not achieve the desired aesthetic or functional outcome, a revision rhinoplasty can be done to correct these issues.
There are also different techniques for rhinoplasty: open and closed.
- Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nose. The advantage of this approach is the lack of an external scar and the relatively shorter duration of the operation. However, it may have limitations in terms of the complexity of the changes that can be made compared to open rhinoplasty.
- Open (External) Rhinoplasty: A small incision is added at the base of the nose to increase the surgical field of vision. This approach allows for better visualization of the nasal anatomy and more complex alterations and grafting to be performed.
Nasal Base Reduction
Nasal base reduction, or alarplasty, is a rhinoplasty technique used to narrow the alar base of the nose when it is excessively wide for the face. The alar base plays a crucial role in the overall proportion and appearance of the nose and its harmony with the rest of the face. An overly flared or wide alar base can make the nose look bottom - heavy. This procedure is common among patients desiring surgery on African American, Middle Eastern, and Asian noses, often referred to as ethnic rhinoplasty.
The width of the nasal base can be measured from the outer margin of one nostril to the outer margin of the opposite nostril, and its axis can be classified as vertical, divergent, or convergent. Generally, the nasal base should fall between the distance between the inner corners of a patient's two eyes.
There are three main surgical techniques for nasal base reduction:
Technique | Description | Advantages |
---|---|---|
Alar Wedge Excision | Also known as the weir incision, it removes wedge - shaped pieces of tissue from the nasal flare and spares an incision in the nostrils. | Ideal for avoiding over - straightening of the ala, preserves the natural curvature of the ala, and avoids telltale incisions in the nostril opening. |
Nasal Sill Excision | Typically used in the correction of enlarged nasal sill width along with excessive flare in the ala. Sill reduction is indicated when the nasal base has a horizontal axis and the nostrils are enlarged. | Can directly narrow the nasal sill when appropriate. |
V - Y Advancement | Used to reposition the alar insertion if the lateral insertion of the ala is responsible for excessive nasal base width. | Can address specific problems related to alar insertion, but it will leave a scar on the face, so it is rarely performed. |
Nasal Reconstruction
The nose is one of the most vulnerable features on the face due to its central position and projection. Many people experience a broken nose at some point in their lives, and in some cases, nasal reconstruction may be necessary. Dr. Rousso, a top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City, is highly experienced in nasal reconstruction. His expertise can achieve functional airway reconstruction of the nasal passages, as well as address aesthetic concerns for the patient.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is different from cosmetic rhinoplasty as it often involves rebuilding tissues that have been lost or damaged, such as skin, bone, and cartilage grafts, depending on the extent of the injury. For example, after a trauma or the removal of skin cancer on the nose, nasal reconstruction may be needed to restore both the function and appearance of the nose.
Dr. Gary Linkov at City Facial Plastics in New York is also a respected reconstructive and facial plastic surgeon. He uses advanced techniques and cutting - edge medical technology to restore the function of the nasal passages and ensure the balance and aesthetics of the nose appearance. There are several indications for nose reconstruction:
- Cancer: After skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma on the nose are removed, the defect is closed with a nose reconstruction.
- Trauma: Various nasal injuries, such as those from a motor vehicle accident or sports injury, may require reconstruction. In some cases, the initial goals are to close any obvious lacerations and irrigate the wounds, and the nasal bridge reconstruction may be planned in a delayed fashion if needed.
- Congenital Defect: Cleft lip patients sometimes have nasal deformities that may require correction. Conditions such as nasal dermoid cyst also often require nose reconstruction once the lesion is removed.
There are different options for nasal reconstruction:
- Secondary Intention Healing: The wound closes gradually by itself, which can be a prolonged process but is the simplest form of repair.
- Primary Intention: Suture closure, which is a great option for smaller defects on the nose where the surrounding tissue will not distort.
- Skin Graft: Skin is removed from another area, such as the back of the ear, and placed over the nose defect and bolstered in place until it heals. However, this can result in depression and discoloration.
- Local Flap: Tissue adjacent to the nasal wound can be rearranged, advanced, or rotated to fill the defect. Incisions are placed in ways to camouflage the repair.
- Regional Flap: Tissue not immediately next to the nasal defect can be recruited for closure, such as from the cheek or forehead. These surgeries sometimes require more than one procedure to complete the nasal reconstruction.
- Cartilage / Bone Graft: These tissues may be needed to provide added support if cartilage or bone are missing. Often ear cartilage is used to help reconstruct the nasal ala, and rib cartilage or septal cartilage can also be applied.
- Alloplastic Material: Large nasal defects with significant loss of structural support may require a combination of treatments, which at times include various foreign materials to serve as a scaffold.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon in New York City
Top Hospitals
Mount Sinai is a leading hospital for plastic surgery in New York City. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have the depth of experience to create beautiful results. They offer a full range of options in both aesthetic (cosmetic) and reconstructive (restorative) plastic surgery. The hospital's plastic surgery practice also offers an array of non - invasive enhancing treatments. Their plastic surgeons are faculty members of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the hospital has established the largest plastic surgery residency program in the United States, which means patients can benefit from the latest techniques and the expertise of a team of medical professionals.
City Facial Plastics, under the leadership of Dr. Gary Linkov, is also well - known for nasal reconstruction and other facial plastic surgeries. They use advanced techniques and cutting - edge medical technology to ensure the best possible results for patients. The practice focuses on providing personalized care to each patient, taking into account their unique needs and goals.
Qualities to Look for in a Surgeon
When choosing a plastic surgeon for nasal basal filling or any nasal plastic surgery in New York City, it is essential to consider the following qualities:
- Board Certification: Look for a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures that the surgeon has met the rigorous standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery.
- Experience: Check the surgeon's experience in performing nasal plastic surgeries, especially the specific procedure you are interested in. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better outcomes and be able to handle any complications that may arise.
- Reputation: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation. You can also ask for before - and - after photos of previous patients to see the quality of their work.
- Communication Skills: A good surgeon should be able to communicate clearly with you, understand your goals and concerns, and explain the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes in a way that you can understand.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery
If you are considering nasal plastic surgery, the first step is usually a consultation with a surgeon. At Mount Sinai, patients interested in cosmetic treatments start with an extensive consultation to identify areas of concern and review their goals. The surgeon will then develop an individualized treatment plan.
Before rhinoplasty surgery, patients may be given the following instructions:
- Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin - containing products for two weeks, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid in healing. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the tissues, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- See your regular health care provider to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery.
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.
During Surgery
The type of anesthesia used for nasal plastic surgery depends on the extent of the procedure and the patient's preference. Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. With local anesthesia, the nose and the area around it are numbed, and the patient may be lightly sedated but awake during the surgery. General anesthesia allows the patient to sleep through the operation.
The duration of the surgery also varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. For example, a simple rhinoplasty may take 1 to 3 hours, while a more complex nasal reconstruction may take longer.
After Surgery
After rhinoplasty surgery, patients usually go home on the same day. Right after surgery, the nose and face will be swollen and painful, and headaches are common. The nasal packing, if present, is usually removed in 3 to 5 days, after which the patient will feel more comfortable. The splint and cast may be left in place for 1 to 2 weeks.
For nasal base reduction, recovery time is roughly one to two weeks. Patients can expect the base of their nose to be slightly swollen and red immediately following surgery, but this will subside gradually over the recovery period. Any stitches are typically removed one week after surgery, and full recovery takes approximately one month.
After nasal reconstruction, swelling, bruising, light bleeding, and pain can be expected in the first 1 - 2 weeks. Patients should apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions and/or bolsters during at least the first week to prevent infection and to keep the incision sites from drying out. At the first follow - up appointment at 1 week postoperatively, the skin sutures are removed (if not dissolvable), and bolsters are removed if they were used.
It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions during the recovery period, such as avoiding strenuous activities, wearing any recommended compression garments, and taking prescribed medications as directed.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of nasal plastic surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on the type of procedure, the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed.
Insurance may cover surgery performed to improve breathing, such as in the case of a deviated septum or after a trauma. However, it does not generally cover surgery that is done for purely cosmetic reasons. For example, if you are having a rhinoplasty mainly to change the shape of your nose for aesthetic purposes, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost.
Before undergoing any surgery, it is important to discuss the expected costs with the surgeon and the hospital. They can provide you with a breakdown of the fees, including the surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia fee.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, nasal plastic surgery carries some risks and potential complications:
- Anesthesia Risks: There are risks associated with anesthesia, such as reactions to medicines and problems breathing. These risks are relatively rare but can be serious.
- Bleeding and Infection: There is a risk of bleeding during and after surgery, as well as the risk of infection at the incision site. To reduce these risks, patients are usually given antibiotics after surgery and are instructed to keep the incision area clean.
- Scarring: While efforts are made to minimize scarring, there is still a risk of visible scars, especially in open rhinoplasty or in some cases of nasal reconstruction. However, in many cases, the scars are well - hidden and fade over time.
- Unsatisfactory Results: There is a possibility that the results of the surgery may not meet your expectations. This could be due to factors such as the complexity of the case, unexpected tissue reactions, or individual healing differences. In some cases, a revision surgery may be needed to correct any issues.
- Breathing Problems: In rare cases, surgery may result in worsening of breathing through the nose, especially if the nasal structures are not properly reconstructed or if there is swelling that persists for a long time.
Conclusion
Nasal basal filling and other nasal plastic surgeries in New York City offer a range of options for individuals looking to enhance their appearance or address functional issues. With top - notch hospitals like Mount Sinai and experienced surgeons like Dr. Rousso and Dr. Gary Linkov, patients can expect high - quality care and potentially excellent results. However, it is important to thoroughly research the procedure, choose a qualified surgeon, and understand the risks and recovery process before making a decision.
If you are considering nasal plastic surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon in New York City. They can provide you with more personalized information based on your specific needs and goals. Don't hesitate to ask questions and get all the details you need to make an informed choice. Share this guide with others who may be interested in nasal plastic surgery, and explore related topics on plastic surgery in New York City to learn more.