The pursuit of facial aesthetics has seen a notable shift, with millennials increasingly turning to plastic surgery to achieve their desired looks. Among the various procedures available, rhinoplasty and facial contouring stand out as popular choices. This article delves into the details of these procedures, exploring the reasons behind their popularity, the considerations involved, and what potential patients should know.
The Rising Popularity of Rhinoplasty
According to the American Academy of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, rhinoplasty is a commonly requested procedure across all age groups. While anti-aging procedures like blepharoplasty and facelifts become more prevalent among individuals over 40, rhinoplasty remains a consistent choice for younger demographics. Concerns about COVID-19 might have contributed to a higher number of rhinoplasty procedures among millennials in 2021.
Determining Candidacy for Rhinoplasty
Technically, anyone who desires to change the shape of their nose is a candidate for rhinoplasty. However, it's crucial to understand that not all changes are feasible for every nose. Factors such as natural anatomy, skin thickness, and cartilage stiffness significantly influence the achievable results. Consulting with a rhinoplasty specialist is essential to receive accurate guidance on what outcomes are realistically possible.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Fillers
Using fillers to alter the nose, often referred to as a "surgical nose job," has both pros and cons. Fillers are a good option for those who are hesitant about surgery or seek subtle changes, such as camouflaging a bump on the nose. However, the results are temporary, and repeated filler injections can lead to an unnatural appearance over time. Fillers are soft gels and do not replicate the look of bone and cartilage.
Risks Associated with Fillers
Placing fillers in the nose carries risks, including vascular compromise, where filler obstructs blood flow in an artery. This can lead to blindness or necrosis (death of the skin) in the nasal tip and nostril areas. Additionally, fillers can complicate future surgical rhinoplasty by causing tissue reactions and making it difficult for surgeons to assess the nose's natural anatomy.
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Longevity of Fillers
Fillers can persist for several years, even four to five years, and dissolving them completely with hyaluronidase may not be possible.
The Healing Process After Rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, a small plastic cast is typically placed on the bridge of the nose, with a few stitches under the nose. Nasal packing is usually avoided, but patients may experience stuffiness for up to two weeks. Bruising under the eyes is common, peaking around 48 hours post-surgery and gradually improving thereafter. The cast and stitches are usually removed after a week, with most bruising resolved by then. Swelling diminishes over time, with approximately 80 percent gone in a month, 95 percent in six months, and complete resolution taking a year or more.
Addressing Misconceptions about Rhinoplasty
Social media has played a role in demystifying plastic surgery, but it can also create the misconception that rhinoplasty is a minor procedure. While fairly straightforward, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure on the face and should be approached with seriousness.
Facial Contouring Surgery: Reshaping Facial Features
Facial contouring surgery is a transformative method in plastic surgery, gaining popularity for its ability to reshape bone structure and dramatically alter facial lines without visible scars. Developed in Korea, this surgery aims to achieve facial symmetry while preserving unique features. It involves small incisions inside the mouth to reshape the bone structure.
Goals of Facial Contouring
The goal of facial contouring is to achieve facial symmetry while preserving individual features. Women often seek softer, narrower, and more feminine features, while men desire a broader, more masculine appearance. Facial contouring is also used in gender reassignment procedures.
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Techniques and Procedures
Originating in Korea, many "classical" techniques were developed to address Asian beauty standards, such as creating a narrow "v-shaped" jawline. In Western countries, bone contouring and face implants are commonly used, while skeletal reduction is more standard for people from oriental countries.
Facial contouring can also address age-related skin sagging and is used to correct imperfections such as:
- Square jaw
- Protruding cheeks, mouth, or chin
- Receding chin
- Asymmetrical mouth
Bone surgery is generally not performed on patients under 17 or over 60 due to bone tissue suitability.
Preparing for Facial Contouring Surgery
Thorough preparation is essential for successful surgery and preventing unwanted side effects. The process begins with a detailed consultation with the surgeon to discuss desired changes and possible solutions. Patients can view before-and-after photos of previous patients to establish realistic expectations. Specialists may use 3D computer modeling to provide a preview of the new facial features.
The initial interview is detailed to ensure the surgeon and patient agree on the goals. The examination includes a physical study of the face and lab tests, including X-rays and CT scans, to understand the bone-muscle structure. Based on this information, a surgical plan is created.
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Procedures Involved in Facial Contouring
Facial contouring surgery is unique to each patient and involves individual solutions. While jaw bone reshaping is a common request, the procedure often includes other facial operations focusing on the jawline, forehead, cheekbones, and nose. Common surgical techniques include:
- Jaw bone reduction or contouring: Surgical or non-surgical methods to reduce the size and shape of the jawline, often involving "V-line surgery" to create a narrow, v-shaped jawline. Incisions are made inside the mouth or between the gum and inner cheek to avoid visible scars.
- Malarplasty (cheekbone surgery): Reshaping of cheekbones with incisions inside the mouth and behind the hairline.
- Double jaw surgery (Bi-maxillary Osteotomy): Corrects protruding jaws or overbites by cutting and repositioning the jaw bone using screws, pins, wires, or plates.
- Facial implants: Inserting implants under the skin to add volume and enhance facial features, typically in the chin, cheeks, or lower jaw. Implant materials can be organic or synthetic.
- Face liposuction: Removing facial fat from cheeks, chin, jawline, and neckline, with incisions placed to minimize visible scars.
- Face lifting (rhytidectomy): Pulling back the skin to restore contour and youthfulness to the face.
- Scalp advancement (hairline lowering): Relocating hair-bearing tissue to create a smaller, more feminine forehead, with hair regrowth masking the scars.
- Rhinoplasty (nose job): Surgical or non-surgical changes to the size or shape of the nose, with incisions hidden within the nostrils or a small scar on the tip of the nose.
Facial contouring surgery can take 2.5 to 5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Recovering from Facial Contouring Surgery
Each patient receives a recovery recommendations manual from their physician. Hospital stays of one to two days are typically advised for observation and aftercare. Recovery varies based on the extent of the surgery. Patients undergoing jaw contouring may experience difficulty in mouth movement for several weeks, while others can resume normal activities in 2-3 days. Non-absorbable stitches are removed after two weeks. Major swelling usually subsides in a month, with full recovery in three months. Final results are visible in 6-12 months. Prescribed drugs aid in tissue healing.
During recovery, it is recommended to avoid hot and spicy foods to prevent scar irritation and to maintain frequent mouth washing. Special mouth exercises can help with nerve and tissue healing and widen the jaw, starting two weeks post-surgery.
Cost of Face Contouring Abroad
Korea is a leading specialist in facial contouring surgery. Medical tourists often choose Korean surgeons for their experience in plastic surgery and ability to perform ambitious operations. Estimated costs for different procedures in Korea are:
- V line surgery: from $8,600
- Two jaw surgery: from $17,000
- Square jaw/cheekbone reduction/Mini V-line: from $21,400
- Eye browbone shaving: from $5,000
- Face implants: from $2,500 to $4,000
- Face liposuction: from $2,000 to $6,000
- Face lifting: from $2,000 to $13,000
- Rhinoplasty: from $1,700 to $4,200
Facilities Offering Facial Contouring
As Korea is the world leader in jaw surgery, many advanced surgeries are performed there. Oral surgeons in other countries, such as Turkey, can also perform jaw and cheekbone contouring.
Considerations for Men's Facials
Men's skin differs from women's skin, being thicker, oilier, and more prone to irritation from shaving and environmental exposure. Men's facials are essential to maintain clear, healthy skin.
Unique Needs of Men's Skin
Men produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. They also have thicker skin, requiring deeper exfoliation and targeted treatments. Frequent shaving can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. Environmental stressors can speed up aging and dull the skin. Hydration is crucial, even with oily skin.
Benefits of Men's Facials
Customized menâs facials target these concerns, offering professional care designed specifically for male skin. Benefits include:
- Reduced Acne & Skin Irritation: Deep cleansing to unclog pores and calm inflammation.
- Anti-Aging Effects: Promoting skin renewal and reducing fine lines.
- Tailored to You: Customizing treatments to individual skin needs.
Steps in a Men's Facial
A typical men's facial includes:
- Steam Treatment: Opening pores and softening buildup.
- Exfoliation: Removing dead skin cells and smoothing texture.
- Deep Cleansing & Mask: Eliminating impurities and applying a custom mask.
- Facial Massage: Reducing stress and improving circulation.
Types of Men's Facials
Specialized facials for men address specific concerns:
- Deep Cleansing Facial: Removes dirt, oil, and impurities, preventing breakouts.
- Anti-Aging Facial: Reduces fine lines and boosts collagen production.
- Hydrating Facial: Restores moisture and improves skin tone.
- Acne Calming Facial: Calms inflammation and balances oily skin.
Who Benefits from Men's Facials?
Men from various lifestyles can benefit from facials:
- Athletes: Detoxifying skin from sweat and outdoor exposure.
- Professionals: Maintaining a polished appearance.
- Men with Beards: Cleansing and treating the skin underneath the beard.
- First-Timers & Skincare Beginners: Providing a personalized and comfortable experience.
Key Benefits of Men's Facial Treatments
Menâs facial treatments offer real results, including:
- Deep cleansing to clear clogged pores and reduce breakouts.
- Calming irritated skin, reducing inflammation and redness.
- Restoring moisture balance and hydrating dry skin.
- Targeting fine lines and promoting collagen production.