Can nostrils be lifted?

Because our practice focuses heavily on rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, we see many patients every week who are unhappy with their previous rhinoplasty result. One of the greatest sources of unhappiness is a poorly performed nostril reduction. Nostril reduction or narrowing is a relatively common procedure performed along with rhinoplasty and, done well, it often is a really nice finishing touch to a great nose job. See our blog of Dec 08 to get a sense of how we do alar base reduction differently.

Problems usually occur after nostril narrowing because of poor technique and especially overaggressive removal of nostril tissue. This can lead to the typically triangular, pinched, tethered nostril appearance, a dreaded look that should really never happen. We’ve also seen this problem occasionally after lip lifting procedures where tissue is removed from the bottom of the nostrils across the columella to try to pull up and show more of the upper lip. Sometimes, the lip is not lifted so much as the base of the nose is pulled down. We’ve blogged before about how to prevent nostril narrowing problems. But, what can you do if you’re already there?!?

The answers are unfortunately not simple nor perfect but, there is some promise of help in many cases. In our experience, there are a few reliable ways of getting some degree of improvement in this situation depending on the severity. If the problem is merely poor scars, this can be pretty readily treated with resurfacing techniques such as chemical peels, laser, or dermabrasion. If the problem is mild notching or tethering of the nostril, this can sometimes be improved with what is called a V to Y advancement. See the diagram below to get a picture. Essentially, when the scar is revised, some tissue is ‘borrowed’ from the cheek/lip area where it meets the nostril edge in order to elevate the nostril attachment. The downside of this approach is that it leaves a vertical scar along the upper lip although every attempt is made to hide it in the natural crease in this area.

When the situation is more severe, there is no choice but to return some normal tissue to the area where too much nostril tissue has been lost. As shown in the diagram below, the nostril scar must be opened and some skin (usually taken from behind the ear or some other non-visible area) must be placed into the area to try to recreate the normal curvature of the nostril.

This can produce a very nice result but it does create some potential headaches of its own because of visible scars and possible skin color matching issues. Obviously, the absolute best result is achieved by getting it right the first time. If it’s your first rhinoplasty, don’t let posts like this discourage you…just find the right rhinoplasty specialist for your procedure.

The widely-used treatment for herpes helps battle HIV…

The widely-used treatment for herpes helps battle HIV…

New research has shown that the common treatment for herpes, aciclovir, can delay the onslaught of illness from HIV.

The study, involving 3,300 patients in Africa, found that aciclovir was able to reduce the risk of HIV progression by up to 16%.

Although the results were far from a cure, researchers say the modest effect provided a simple solution for HIV patients trying to retain their health.

Aciclover Slows HIV

The researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, concentrated on people infected with HIV-1 – the most common type of infection. It is known that most people who are infected with HIV-1 are also infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), more commonly known as genital herpes.
Previous studies have shown that keeping the herpes virus suppressed reduces HIV levels but it was unclear whether this would slow down the disease.

In the trial, the participants were divided into two groups. One group was given a twice daily dosage of aciclovir, the other a placebo.

After monitoring the participants for two years, the results showed that 284 people in group who were given aciclover had either started taking HIV medication, or had died, compared to 324 patients from the placebo group.

Researchers were quick to note that the se of aciclovir treatment did not make the patients less infectious.

The researchers believe that coupling HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs would probably have a greater effect on reducing HIV disease progression than was seen with aciclovir. But the herpes treatment may provide an additional option for individuals who have not reached medical thresholds for initiating antiretroviral therapy.

Study leader, Dr Jairam Lingappa, said:

“Further investigation is needed to establish if suppression of this herpes virus has a role in HIV-1 treatment for people not eligible for antiretroviral therapy.”

“While the HIV disease ameliorating effect we have observed is modest, it could add one more tool to help people with HIV infection stay healthy for longer.”

Gus Cairns, editor of HIV Treatment Update, said:

“It’s nice to see a positive result in this field. There are biological reasons to believe that treating people’s herpes could make them less likely to acquire HIV, or less likely to transmit it if they already have it, but results of trials testing the idea have been disappointing…

“Now at least we find that aciclovir, a very cheap, non-toxic and widely-available drug, can prolong the time some patients may be able to stay off the more expensive, and sometimes toxic, HIV drugs.”

He added that the delay in HIV progression seen in the study may translate into a year or two off HIV medications, “The only reservation I have is that aciclovir doesn’t appear to make people less infectious, whereas the HIV drugs certainly do.”

Welcome to my New Jersey Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Blog

People ask me my opinion constantly. Patients ask me my opinion. Colleagues ask me my opinion. Friends ask me for my opinions. Media sources call asking for my opinion. Thus, I have decided to create my own blog.

I suppose to be called opinionated is not necessarily a good thing, but given what I do for I living, I suppose it is normal. Cosmetic surgery is an amazing and interesting field.

Who doesn’t want to be beautiful? What can I do to improve myself? What is good? What is bad? What should I avoid? Is plastic surgery safe? Are there dangerous procedures? Invasive? Non-invasive? How do I minimize risk? When am I ready for plastic surgery? Which doctor should I trust?

The opinions in this blog are based on my plastic surgery training combined with real life practice of plastic surgery in New Jersey. From time to time my thoughts may stray to ideas completely related to cosmetic surgery. Regardless of what I write, they will be the thoughts of a New Jersey plastic surgeon giving his opinions. Please realize that these thoughts are not intended to be medical advice or substitute for consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic Surgery – Obtain The Superior Guise

Cosmetic Surgery – Obtain The Superior Guise

One can choose it to sustain one’s look particularly in the old age when skin, face and body start showing signs of getting older improving it and also enriching some of their body parts. Today, Cosmetic surgery is referred to one of the sphere of surgery and medicine. It is controlled to boosting one’s form with the assistance of surgery as well as medical techniques. a few of them are discussed below.

Chin and cheek implants

To enhance these areas one can choose implants. One can modify the contour of their chin or cheeks to make them appear more appealing. These surgeries are also known as chin enlargement and cheek enlargement. Several people have almost no chin and cheeks which are sunken. Small filled bags are placed in inside these areas to give them a fuller and regular appearance. These bags are surgically placed in. One cannot distinguish the distinction between a normal chin and the chin which has undergone this surgery. You do not have to be anxious about the pockmark as they are inside the mouth, where they will never be noticeable.

Cosmetic makeover

There are a number of surgeries which people can undergo. These surgeries are known as remedial surgeries. These surgeries benefits in changing the look of one’s overall face. Loads of celebrities have undergone corrective lip surgery to alter their smile or to develop several of their facial area. A makeover alters the guise of one’s face fully. People who step in for a number of operations at the same time to alter their façade go in for a change.

Liposuction cosmetic surgery

The outline of the body is redefined to give it an attractive appearance look. The deduction of additional fat is known as liposuction. People who want instantaneous consequences can go through these surgeries. These surgeries helps in altering the form of the body.

Executive mini face lift

This surgery is designed to lessen or absolutely eradicate the signs of constant worry and becoming old. Face lift aid to amend the forms of the face and regain the fresh and youthful guise. It supports in repositioning the facial structures construction.Our facial tissues drop its stretch and defense which makes them sag around the face. It offers a pulled up appearance to the skin.

But one must consult their general practitioner before going for these surgeries. These surgeries do not take a lot time but one has to take loads of care after the surgery. One cannot go into nonstop sun. So if you intend to go for these surgeries, be prepared to take attention of your skin.

Build up your looks and see how it amend your life. There are several surgeries that one can go through to enhance their appearances. It will perk up your confidence levels thereby improve your life.

Liposuction in the Philippines: Finding a Cosmetic Surgery Service by Licensed and Duly Certified Surgeons in Manila

Liposuction and Surgery in the Philippines

In the industry of liposuction in the Philippines, very few licensed Filipino cosmetic surgeons specializing in hi-definition vaser liposuction surgery offer their services locally. Most of them go abroad or serve other nationalities from other countries for a higher income. On the other hand, this incident proves that surgery and liposuction in the Philippines is relatively very low contributing to the increase in getting surgery services as well as liposuction. Since there are different cosmetic surgery services with each having their own varying prices, I decided to make this article and help those who are looking for the right service and the right professionals in the field of cosmetic surgery and liposuction in the Philippines.

Common Liposuction and Surgery Services

To start off, allow me to list below some of the most popular services that one can avail regarding services of a professional and licensed cosmetic surgery for men and women. Also for your information and guidance, the process involved in surgery has a general procedure and technique called as body contouring. This is a standard general term used for such services while on the other hand there is a lot of varying cosmetic surgery prices corresponding with each type of service.

Common Breast Surgery Services

As an initial tip, before undergoing any treatment or surgery in our breast, please be advised that you have to check for qualifications of your physician in terms of standards as well as have an initial check up of your personal condition. In the case of the different plastic surgery and surgeons in the Philippines, they have to possess professional license as well as know about the latest technology in their profession. This will serve as a strong indication that your surgeon is just what you are looking for. Just FYI, the latest technology in liposuction in the Philippines offered by licensed cosmetic surgeons is called as vaser liposuction and liposelection. Also you should first know the risks and know it outright by asking for an initial result analysis on your pre-surgery checkup.

• breast augmentation
• breast lift
• breast liposuction
• breast reduction
• breast enhancement
• gynecomastia treatment using vaser technology

Common Face Lift Service

• upper eyelid surgery or eye deepsetting or double eyelid creation
• eyebags removal
• noselift or rhinoplasty
• facelift and browlift
• wrinkle removal
• freckle removal

Basic Qualifications of a Cosmetic Surgeon in the Philippines

• cosmetic surgery license
• board certified liposuction surgery professional or board-eligible plastic surgeon
• member of duly recognized cosmetic surgeons association in the Philippines
• must have at least attended 5-6 years of formal training in cosmetic surgery in an accredited and duly recognized hospital in the Philippines
• years of practice, credentials and experience as a whole
• must at least possess hospital privileges
• consultation treatment and analysis of results must be well defined and conclusive
• clinics attended and hospitals served