How Do I Know My Nose is Broken?

Nasal fractures occur frequently following facial trauma. In many cases, fractures are accompanied by bruising, swelling, bleeding, distortion of nasal structure, deviation of the nose, and difficulty breathing through the nose.

In many cases, the diagnosis of a nasal fracture is relatively simple. Some patients have obvious deformities such as nasal flattening or significant nasal deviation, which makes the diagnosis apparent. In other cases, the diagnosis of a nasal fracture can be very difficult because of swelling. In these cases, swelling may need to resolve before the diagnosis can be made.

When patients have obvious or displaced nasal fractures, they will usually require corrective surgery. Not all nasal fractures require treatment. In some cases, the bone and cartilage are not displaced and because of this, surgery is not necessary. 

When corrective surgery is performed within three weeks of the fracture, closed nasal reduction is performed. This is a relatively simple procedure that re-positions and stabilizes the nasal bones. If repair is not done within three weeks of injury, correction should be delayed for one year and then a formal rhinoplasty performed. 

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients can anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days following surgery. We typically tell our patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six weeks, they can resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting.
 

Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery. This minimizes swelling and increases comfort. Drains are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within two weeks of surgery. Pain management is extremely important, especially when the abdominal muscles are tightened. Most patients are initially given narcotic pain relievers and switched to double strength Tylenol five to seven days following surgery.

Patients with small children should have assistance with childcare for at least one week and patients should not drive while taking narcotics.

For many patients, abdominoplasty is a life-changing experience. After unsuccessful dieting and exercise programs, this procedure results in dramatic changes in self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-image.

Cold Compresses After Blepharoplasty?

In the first 24-48 hours following blepharoplasty surgery, we recommend cold compresses. Our primary concern during this time period is bruising and swelling. We feel that cold causes the small blood vessels in the eyelids to constrict. This potentially minimizes bleeding and swelling and makes patients more comfortable in the early postoperative period. 

After 48 hours, we feel that the impact of cold compresses on bleeding and swelling is minimal. Despite this, many patients continue to use cold compresses because they find them soothing.
   
Swelling and bruising are potentially significant problems in the postoperative period. We therefore utilize cold compresses, elevation of the head, and avoidance of strenuous activities that can increase blood pressure. When these steps are taken, patients have lower complication rates and a more comfortable recovery.

Improved General Anesthesia for Cosmetic Surgery

The science of anesthesia has made dramatic advances in the past twenty years. In the past, inhalation anesthesia resulted in slower recoveries with more nausea. Current anesthesia techniques allow patients to wake up almost immediately following the completion of surgery. It’s also important to note that newer anesthetic agents are associated with less nausea following surgery. In addition, most patients are ready to leave the surgical facility within one to two hours following the completion of their procedure.

The response to anesthesia varies from patient to patient. It’s fair to say that anesthesia is often the most frequent source of anxiety for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. It’s also fair to say that most patients are very happy with their anesthetic experience after surgery. If you have concerns regarding your anesthetic experience, make sure you discuss them with your anesthesiologist. This will ultimately alleviate your anxiety and improve the quality of your surgical experience.

Bruising After Rhinoplasty

Bruising and swelling following rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient. Several factors may contribute to bruising and these include the surgical techniques, wound healing characteristics of the patient, and the medical management of the patient in the pre and post periods.

The type of rhinoplasty performed may significantly impact bleeding and bruising. Patients who have their nasal bones fractured to narrow the nose are more likely to have postoperative bruising than those who don’t have nasal infracture. There are also significant differences in wound healing characteristics of individual patients. Some have greater tendencies toward bruising than others.

In the preoperative and postoperative periods, several maneuvers have been shown to decrease bruising. It’s important to stop Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Herbal supplements, and nonprescription drugs and vitamins.
   
After surgery, elevation of the head, ice compresses, and splinting all help to minimize bruising and swelling. It’s also important to avoid activities that will elevate blood pressure and potentially increase bruising. For this reason, strenuous activity should be avoided for at least six weeks.
  
It’s important to realize that swelling and bruising are a normal part of rhinoplasty surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative maneuvers may minimize bruising , but they won’t make it disappear entirely.

Attention Teachers & Students:

Aesthetic Surgical Images wishes to extend a special offer to all of those involved in education. We understand the strict time constraints placed on teachers and students throughout the school year. This makes it hard to focus on anything outside of your immediate curriculum, and often, things you really want in life have to be placed on temporary hold. We know you rely on those short summer months to get caught up on all of these issues, as well as to find some time for relaxation and rejuvenation of mind and body. Summer is now rapidly approaching and we want you to be able to make the most of the valuable time that you have.

If cosmetic surgery is on your radar for this summer, now is the time to start making your plans. Come into Aesthetic Surgical Images now, before the end of the school year, for your free cosmetic consultation to get the process started. You will be able to discuss your goals in detail with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and be evaluated to determine the procedures necessary to achieve your goals.  You will also understand the process involved in recuperation and the length of time you will need to be up and running again. This will give you a chance to plan your summer and optimize your time off. Imagine a more beautiful and confident you before school starts up again in the fall!

To assist you with this transformation, the surgeons of Aesthetic Surgical Images are proud to offer all teachers, students, or anyone involved in the educational process a special discount on any cosmetic surgical procedure booked between the end of this school year and the start of the next school year this fall. Remember to mention this promotion when you contact us to schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation. Don’t let this be the summer you thought about cosmetic surgery, let this be the summer you actually do it! 

Call the surgeons of Aesthetic Surgical Images at 402.390.0100 today.

Running After Breast Implants?

Recovery varies from patient-to-patient following breast augmentation surgery. We generally recommend that patients avoid strenuous activities including running for at least six weeks following surgery. 
 

 

Running in the immediate postoperative period has the potential to cause the breasts to bottom out. The constant bouncing of the implants within a freshly formed breast pocket can cause the pocket to expand inferiorly. Capsule formation acts to stabilize the implant pocket but may take weeks to occur. In some cases, two weeks may be adequate, while longer periods may be necessary in other cases.

Physics suggests that larger implants would be more likely to stretch the pocket and skin, while compressive support bras would minimize the phenomena. 

If you’re considering an early return to running, it’s important that you discuss the issue with your plastic surgeon before proceeding. Your surgeon will have important information regarding your situation and when it’s safe to resume this activity.