Before cars became nearly autonomous and loaded with flashing and chiming warnings, they confined their counsel to one simple piece of advice: “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.”
It’s still great guidance when changing lanes, but also useful wisdom for anyone considering plastic surgery. The image of yourself in the mirror, or at least your perception of it, does not always represent the reality of your appearance. This is especially true with rhinoplasty, where patients with perfectly fine noses often believe their central facial feature looks completely out of place. That is one reason experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles S. Lee, MD, suggests that clients consider starting first with subtle modifications that can often be achieved without surgery.
Dermal Fillers
A few targeted non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques can make moderate changes in the volume, profile and appearance of the nose — improving its look while preserving its character.
Dermal fillers offer a range of options for making such incremental changes. These convenient injectables are popular not simply for their ability to build volume and fill in lines, furrows and areas of depression, but also for their effectiveness in stimulating the production of naturally revitalizing collagen. Although temporary, lasting from six months to a year, dermal fillers require only a brief office visit for each injection session, and downtime ranges from nonexistent to minimal. Recommended choices include Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse.
Facial Geometry
Sometimes the appearance of the nose can be modified by changing the structure of surrounding tissue. This is the case with lip lift. With age, the skin above the lips and below the nose loses integrity and begins to stretch. Upper lip lift tightens skin in this area, providing a new foundation or frame for your nose.
With an eye to the aesthetic appeal and balance of the final result, Dr. Lee begins by making an incision where it will be least noticed: in the crease formed where the nose meets the skin above the lip. By removing some of this skin, the upper lip is drawn slightly upward.
Fat transfer, either directly to the nose or in adjacent areas of the face, is another option that changes volume and dimensions, and may be appropriate for some patients.
To learn more about alternatives to rhinoplasty, schedule a personal consultation with Charles S. Lee, MD, or contact the Beverly Hills office of Enhance® Medical Center today.
