Rhinoplasty and Nose Surgery -- Pittsburgh Facial Plastic Surgeon Discusses Benefits and Recovery Expectations

PITTSBURGH, PA--(Marketwired - Jan 12, 2016) - In 2014, rhinoplasty made the list of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's most popular procedures in the U.S. with nearly 150,000 individuals undergoing the treatment. Commonly known as a "nose job," rhinoplasty can actually serve a number of different purposes, helping patients improve functional breathing problems such as a deviated septum, or addressing cosmetic issues that may have caused life-long self-consciousness about one's appearance. Dr. Paul Leong, a Pittsburgh facial plastic surgeon and the head of Sistine Plastic Surgery, makes rhinoplasty a special focus of his practice. He says the aesthetic and functional benefits of nose surgery can help many patients meet -- and even exceed -- their goals and expectations.

Dr. Leong says one of the most important things to understand about rhinoplasty is that it is a procedure that needs to be completely customized for each patient. Every person's nose is different and, in order to maximize the potential for results that look natural and satisfy the individual, Dr. Leong says nose surgery must be performed based on the patient's unique nasal anatomy and ultimate treatment goals.

For patients who desire cosmetic enhancement of the nose, Dr. Leong says rhinoplasty can address a number of common issues. The procedure can reduce a large nasal hump or bridge, minimize the width of the nostrils, improve the shape of the nasal tip, and bring the nose into a better overall balance and symmetry among facial features. Dr. Leong notes that the results of cosmetic rhinoplasty can ultimately have a positive effect on the entire facial appearance, helping patients feel a greater self-confidence about the way they look. For those looking to improve breathing problems caused by irregular nasal structures, Dr. Leong says these issues can be addressed with or without making any changes to the appearance of their nose, depending on the patient's preferences.

The physical exam of the patient is extremely important to the quality of the outcome. From a cosmetic standpoint, a thorough external exam reveals the various concerns the patient may have. However, the examination of the inside of the nose is equally important. Dr. Leong uses both a headlight and a fibro-optic to examine the inside of the nose and observes the nose during normal breathing and during deep inspiration. Dr. Leong feels that he wants to maximize the quality of the patient's breathing through the nose, as well as its cosmetic appearance.

Dr. Leong explains that rhinoplasty can be performed utilizing an array of advanced techniques, and the goal is for results that meet the patient's needs while looking as natural as possible. He notes that incisions are typically made in very inconspicuous places, and residual scarring is barely noticeable -- in some cases, it's not noticeable at all. Since each patient's anatomy and individual needs are unique, Dr. Leong says the recovery period from rhinoplasty will vary; however, patients can generally plan for about five to seven days of rest before resuming normal daily activities. Swelling from the procedure will largely diminish in the first few weeks for most patients, but Dr. Leong cautions that it could take several months for it to fade completely. He says any pain or discomfort that accompanies the recovery period can typically be managed with medication -- even over-the-counter options such as Tylenol® in some cases.

During recovery, the Pittsburgh facial plastic surgeon notes, patients should strictly adhere to post-operative instructions and take exceptional care of the treatment area in order to ensure proper healing. He says individuals should also remember that, while some of the initial results of rhinoplasty will be noticeable after the swelling begins to dissipate, it will take time for the final outcome to be apparent. Ultimately, Dr. Leong says one of the many reasons nose surgery is such a popular procedure is that it can effectively address issues that may have affected the patient for many, many years. He advises individuals who are considering this procedure to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is highly experienced with rhinoplasty and be sure that all of their questions are answered before undergoing treatment.

About Paul L. Leong, MD
A board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Paul Leong is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After earning his MD from the Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Leong completed his internship in General Surgery and his residency in Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), followed by a Fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He also obtained a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University. In addition to rhinoplasty, Sistine Plastic Surgery offers an array of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelift, eyelid surgery, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and other injectable treatments. Dr. Leong is available for interview upon request.

For more information about rhinoplasty, Dr. Leong, and Sistine Plastic Surgery, please visit sistineplasticsurgery.com and facebook.com/sistineplasticsurgery.

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