How long does it take for rhinoplasty to heal? Pinocchio

Hello Pinocchio, it takes about 12 weeks for rhinoplasty to heal.  Some factors that influence healing are oxygenation, infections, age, presence of sex hormones, stress, diabetes, medications, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and nutrition.  To facilitate the healing process, it is critical to follow post-op instructions: Elevating the head during sleep; don’t bump the nose; Don’t work out for 2 weeks post op;  Follow a low salt diet to minimize fluid retention in the nasal tip; Eat soft foods for 1-2 weeks post op; Avoid wearing glasses for 4 weeks post op – if you really need to,  tape them onto your forehead; No nose blowing 2 – 12 weeks post op;  Take pain relievers as needed; Take a nap –sleeping promotes healing; and lastly, be patient.  Swelling can take weeks, months, even a year or two to totally subside.

How does Asian eyelid surgery work? Chin Chin

Hi Chin Chin, Asian eyelid surgery gives a “double eyelid” through a visible crease or fold when the eye is open. The position of the fold to be made will be done either through a non-incisional or incisional procedure.  Factors to be evaluated are: a patient’s age gender, skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, healing history from past procedures, as well as the unique anatomy around the eyes. This surgery takes about 1 hour under local anaesthesia with an IV sedation; pre- and post-op recovery may take another 2 hours or expect a total of 3 hours. After surgery, a return visit to the surgeon is done after 1 week to remove sutures.  Swelling between the eyelid crease and the eyelid margin can persist for months and even a year. Factors which can affect the recovery process include allergies, sinus conditions as well as having sensitive skin.

Which treatment is best for acne scarring? Marge

A variety of treatments can be considered ranging from laser, dermabrasion, augmentation, subcision, punch, chemical peels, skin needling, steroid injection, cryosurgery and/or topical applications. Multiple treatments are very often combined for optimal results, especially in cases of more severe scarring. Laser skin resurfacing can even out the skin surface, promoting the formation of new collagen, which can help fill in acne scars.   Ablative laser skin resurfacing delivers an intense wavelength of light to the skin, removing the top layers of aged skin.  There are also filler injections to fill in deep acne scars. Kojic acid (a natural skin lightener derived from mushroom extract), arbutin (also called bearberry extract), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are great ingredients to look for in lightening creams. A consult with a board certified surgeon will help you identify the best treatment for your specific needs.

What’s more effective, a fat transfer or implants? Adele

Hi Adele,

Thank you for your question.  Fat transfers have an easier post op recovery and the injected area needs to be isolated for about a week.  Healing of the affected area takes 1 month, and for implants, 3-4 months. So based on those criteria there seems to be a preference for fat transfer.  There are steps you can take to make the recovery period easier on yourself after undergoing fat transfer: get your prescriptions filled before your surgery, take the antibiotics and pain killers only as prescribed by your doctor; avoid taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory compounds for 2 weeks before and after surgery.  For smokers they should not smoke for 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery.  The same goes for chewing tobacco and using e-cigarettes – they both inhibit circulation and can compromise surgical outcome.  Consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon to help you decide which procedure is best for you.

I am Asian female with wide nose. Which will be better for me, an alarplasty or a rhinoplasty? Panorjit

Hi Panorjit, thank you for your question. Asians generally have wider and flatter noses. There are two procedures you can consider: Alarplasty (less invasive procedure with shorter recovery time, cheaper cost by 50%) and Asian rhinoplasty.   Both procedures are best taken together as they address different aspects of the Asian nose.  The former will reduce the width of the nostril and the latter will address the width of the tip and narrow the nose, making it project more, similar to a European look.  Best to find a licensed cosmetic surgeon who will consider overall physical symmetry versus racial symmetry.