SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER - RHINOPLASTY RATES INCREASE

By Wendy Lewis, Editor in Chief - http://www.beautyinthebag.com

What is the first thing you notice about a person's face? Often is the nose, which is the central feature. A nose can be too large, too crooked, or too wide for your face. You may think the bump on the bridge is too big, the tip is too droopy or thick, and your nostrils too flared. A rhinoplasty, or "nose job" procedure can correct the obvious cosmetic issues of the appearance of the hose, but medical issues like breathing obstructions and traumatic injuries can also be accomplished in one operation. Dr. Sam Rizk, a prominent New York City facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty ( http://www.rhinoplastyonline.com ) has seen a rise in teenagers getting rhinoplasty and chin implants. It is usually recommended to wait until age 14 for girls and 16 for boys, since the nose may not be fully developed at a younger age. Dr. Rizk cautions that you should never bring your teenager to a surgeon who is willing to operate on patients younger than the minimum age range. It is important for a teen to be mature enough to understand and participate in the process, says Dr. Rizk.

Summer of "NJ"

Since this surgical procedure still takes weeks of recovery time, most teenagers opt to go under the knife during summer breaks (hence, the popular phrase "Summer of 'NJ' [nose jobs]") or in between high school and college. With new technology, however, the recovery time is shorter and almost painless. Using state-of-the art 3D computer imaging to demonstrate to patients the potential changes to the structure and profile of the nose, Dr. Rizk offers rhinoplasty patients a clear vision of what to expect. This method of communicating and understanding the teenager's goals and motivations also helps teens set realistic expectations about what can be achieved with surgery.

Imaging can also demonstrate the benefit of a less projected or smaller nose in harmony with a stronger chin or jaw, if needed. Rhinoplasty and chin augmentation are often combined to bring the face into greater balance. Chin augmentation may be achieved by manipulation of the jaw bone or adding a solid silicone chin implant to create a better profile. In some cases, Radiesse ( http://www.radiesse.com ) or ArteFill ( http://www.artefill.com ) can also be used to enhance the shape of the chin and jawline. However, these and other injectable options are usually reserved for adults and not for teenage patients.

Know Before You Go

Rhinoplasty is performed under general or twilight anesthesia and incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils (closed) or on the strip of skin separating the nostrils (open) and the skin and soft tissue envelope is separated from the cartilage and bony framework of the nose. The framework is then reshaped and resculpted, the overlying soft tissue envelope is then replaced. A splint is applied for five to seven days to help keep the new shape in place.

There is no such thing as a perfect nose and everyone can have some minor irregularities of cartilage or bone. It is not uncommon for a correction to be required or requested after the nose has settled into its new shape. Some irregularities of cartilage and bone are to be expected and are present in all noses. A secondary surgery is not recommended for a period of at least 6-12 months, until the tissues have fully healed and all the swelling has gone down. Since recovery and healing time is quicker at a younger age, most plastic surgeons will recommend undergoing the procedure in your late teens to mid-twenties.

Dr. Rizk mentions that the nose job procedure in teenagers could be quite sensitive since their problems and concerns can affect them both physically and emotionally for a long time if not treated correctly. "Teens are very internet-savvy, and can often find misleading information online. They should talk with their parents to set realistic and clear goals before coming to consult with a plastic surgeon," said Dr. Rizk.