I’m Desperately Wanting to Have Two Operations for Rhinoplasty and Buccal Fat Pad Removal on Both Sides?

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had a stroke last year in Jan (I’m 40 now) & have been on Plavix ever since. I know it’s very risky for people to have any operation whilst on Plavix. Then 2 months ago, I had my gall bladder removed & only the snr surgeon would operate (another wouldn’t touch the operation due to me being on Plavix). During my surgery I needed a blood transfusion and I also needed to be in hosp. for a week and half rather than just overnight due to the excessive bleeding. So can you please give me advice on this?

A: It’s difficult to recommend elective cosmetic surgery when you are on long-term anticoagulation that probably should not be discontinued.  While the risk of bleeding for rhinoplasty and buccal fat removal is not likely to put your health in jeopardy, the increased bleeding is likely to adversely affect your results.

You may consider looking into other options with a much lower chance of bleeding complications to improve your appearance (i.e. Botox/fillers/lasers).

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Is it alright if I have one cigarette each day after having rhinoplasty done two weeks ago?

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’m seventeen years old & had rhinoplasty done two weeks ago. My doctor took a bump off my nose since my nose was broken for eleven years & I had breathing problems. I have dissolvable stitches on the inside of my nose & on the right side of my head just above my right ear. My doctor said I’m healthy but I’ve been craving to have a cigarette for a long time now. So is it alright for me to have a cigarette a day or once every now & then since it’s been two weeks after having my rhinoplasty done?

A: After rhinoplasty, the blood supply and lymphatics of your nose is very sensitive and can easily be compromised. Smoking and nicotine will hurt the blood supply and circulation of your nose, which can result in poor healing. Touch base with your surgeon about when is a safe time to resume smoking. I typically instruct my patients to wait 6 weeks after surgery.

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Bad scar after rhinoplasty?

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had an open rhinoplasty 14 months ago. I have a terrible scar. (I have no history of bad scarring and usually heal well). My nose has various other issues as well, and I plan on having a revision in two months with a different surgeon. I was wondering if this scar can be revised during surgery, or if it will only become worse with a revision surgery since the doc has to use my old scar? I plan on asking my surgeon this as well, obviously, but I just wanted other opinions. Thank you! 🙂

A: During your revision rhinoplasty your surgeon can perform a scar revision by excising the old scar. With a meticulous, tension-free closure the appearance of the scar should improve.

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Korea Rhinoplasty. This morning, I cleaned my nostrils with a q-tip and these 2 plastic pieces fell out from my nose.

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: It’s been 8 months since I got my nose done in Korea, but this morning I cleaned my nostrils with a Q-tip and these 2 plastic pieces fell out from my nose. I’m really freaked out because I don’t know what it is. Please help

A: The best course of action is to touch base with your surgeon to determine how best to care for your nose.  Another option would be to seek in-person examination from a rhinoplasty specialist to ensure your nose is healing as it should.

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Asian ethnicity but given a Caucasian nose post op. Prosthetic looking nose, tip looks like a ball. What should I do?

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’m 10 days post op. I am Asian but live in another country. I had rhino and fat transfer to chin. Yesterday, splint was removed. I was shocked to see a Caucasian nose on my face. Nose tip looks like a clown’s nose, my nostrils too high (pig-like) bridge too elevated-looks like prosthetics. Does the nose tip swell terribly and is at its worst on the first 2 weeks? Will it get slimmer on week 3? Will the nostril drop? Is Asian skin more thick? Will the results start to show 3rd month despite this?

A: This early in your recovery (less than 2 weeks) it is common for the tip of the nose to look like a ball due to all of the swelling.  Asian skin certainly is thicker and does swell more than other ethnicities.  Your nose will continue to change in appearance, and should improve, as it continues to heal and edema resolves.

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I want to remove my silicone implant in my nose that I have done in Thailand. Can I do it in the country I’m at?

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Hello I am a 26 Asian male who had Rhinoplasty silicone implant done in Thailand in 2012, what is the name or term for removing it out as I now am planning to decide and remove it and be natural again, can I still do it in the country I’m at? or I would have to travel back to Thailand?

A: It is certainly possible, and maybe even advisable, to have your silicone implant removed and your nose revised elsewhere besides Thailand.  Finding a rhinoplasty specialist experienced in Asian rhinoplasty will be crucial in achieving the best results.  Depending on what changes were made to your nose, returning to natural may or may not be straightforward.

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Nose swelling more than 15 years after Asian rhinoplasty. What’s causing this?

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had an Asian rhinoplasty (not sure Gore-tex or Silicone including nasal tip) more than 15 years ago. No complications until now. About a month ago, the nose swelled up gradually like avatar including eye and subsided after 3 days. Minor swelling and tenderness still remains. I do have allergy lately and skin got better with steroid, but the nose tip is still hard and swollen. Even after massive swelling, there was no redness or exudation. Can it be allergy? If this is allergy how is it treated?

A: 15 years after surgery, the first concern for swelling in the presence of a foreign implant in the nose is infection.  The best course of action is to be evaluated in-person by a rhinoplasty specialist evaluate this possibility and treat it properly.

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Am I a good candidate for Korean jawline surgery and rhinoplasty?

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I feel that my nose is too bulbous, large at the sides, not well defined. It makes me look masculine. I also want facial contouring for a more v-shaped face.

A: Refining the tip of your nose and creating more height and projection to the bridge and tip of your nose will make a nice change to your overall appearance.  An in-person evaluation by a specialist in Asian cosmetic surgery will allow you to consider the treatment options for improving the contour of your face.

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What type of surgery will make my nose taller and less squashed? I’m Asian.

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: What type of surgery will make my nose taller and less squashed? I’m Asian

A: The safest and most permanent way to build up and refine your nose is with Asian rhinoplasty using tissue from your own body.  Using tissue from your own body ensures your nose will age naturally with the rest of your body.

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My nose tip is too high after nose surgery. Will it drop down?

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I got a nose job done 1 week ago and my nose tip is too high and looks bad now, will it drop down soon?

A: The tip will definitely lose some projection and some rotation (come down and come towards your face) as your nose heals.  However, if the tip still appears to be over-projected relative to the lack of height in your dorsum (bridge).  Follow up closely with your surgeon to ensure the best results.

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