Rhinoplasty patients usually spend a lot of time concentrating on the structure of their noses, in the belief that any aesthetic issues are solely related to the underlying cartilage. However, this is not always the case, and the patient’s skin is vital in creating an appropriate surgical plan, as it will limit the effectiveness of certain types of surgical approaches or procedures.
Dr. Bustillo believes that patients with thinner skin have specific needs, such as rounding off all the cartilage and bony edges, since these will show through the skin once the post-operative swelling has gone down.
On the other hand, Dr. Bustillo also notes that patients with thick skin raise specific questions regarding the kind of definition that can be achieved. While there are techniques that he can use to increase definition, the fact that the skin can be quite thick means that it will be naturally softer-looking and lacking in definition.
Dr. Bustillo points out on the rhinoplasty page of this website, “the use of structural rhinoplasty is very important in patients with thick skin. The nasal tip must be strengthened in order to combat the extra weight of the thick skin.”
The strengthening often takes the form of grafts which can be used to strengthen the tip, combined with thinning the skin from the inside and using the septum to provide additional support. All in all, it is obvious that the skin plays an important part, but more than that, care needs to be taken to make sure that it is in the best possible condition before surgery, and that the patients takes good care of the skin as the nose heals.
Skin Care Advice for Rhinoplasty Patients
While Dr. Bustillo’s expert team will supply patients with the best possible advice and medical information prior to surgery, it is always a good idea to educate oneself as much as possible. A good place to start can be forum sites where surgeons participate in question and answer sessions with prospective patients.
These sites often raise questions that you can clarify with Dr. Bustillo when preparing for your rhinoplasty. For example, people with very oily skin or acne problems may want to begin a series of nasal facials to help clear the pores and give the nose the best chance of recovery and reduce scarring.
People with skin sensitive to sunlight and makeup will also need to remember that it will be even more sensitive post-operation, and therefore they may need to use special skincare products to protect the skin as it repairs itself.
In addition, there are specific products that can be used as facial washes, which leave the skin in a better condition to support the rigors of surgery, and are worth discussing with Dr. Bustillo in the weeks, or even months, leading to surgery.
Finally, it is important to remember that there may be short-term changes to the nasal skin after surgery, but these are usually not long-term and will clear up in the months following the rhinoplasty. If these side-effects persist beyond that, then it is wise to seek the advice of a skincare specialist.
For more information, regarding nasal skincare and rhinoplasties, Dr. Bustillo can be contacted through his practice at 305-663-3380, or via the website. Initially, a consultation will be planned either face-to-face or via the internet (for patients traveling into Miami) in order to ascertain the patient’s goals and Dr. Bustillo’s realistic expectations.
