What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is requested by any patients who wish to  change the appearance of their nose. This type of surgery changes the shape of the bone and the cartilage inside the nose. Usually little or no external scarring occurs.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, then you may be an ideal candidate for  rhinoplasty. Most Asian patients have noses that are shorter and smaller than they would  like and want their noses elongated and enlarged. However, Atlanta nose surgeon Dr. Kim will  speak with you about your goals as well as concerns, and then work with you to achieve  what you desire.

What are the characteristics of an Asian nose?
Asian noses typically have less definition and projection and the bridge begins lower on the face.

They also have:

• Weak tip cartilages

• Thin, weak septal cartilage

• More soft tissue in the nasal tip

• Relatively thick skin
   

How is Asian rhinoplasty different from other types of rhinoplasty?
The goal of Asian rhinoplasty nose surgery is generally the opposite of standard rhinoplasty. Whereas rhinoplasty for the Caucasian is typically intended to reduce the size of a large nose, Asian rhinoplasty is designed to augment and increase the size of the nose.

What kind of pain and discomfort should I expect after an rhinoplasty?
Surprisingly, there really is little to no discomfort with nose surgery. Most patients report having no discomfort at all. The worst experience that patients have reported in the past is packing the nose or putting splints in the nose for a night or for several days, which can be very uncomfortable. However, Dr. Kim will prescribe you some painkillers.

How long is the downtime after surgery?
You should expect to take at least one week off from work or school. During that week, you will be wearing a splint so you may want to stay out of public sight if you feel uncomfortable. You may also experience significant swelling and bruising. By the end of the second week, a large percentage of the swelling will have subsided to the point that you may be more comfortable being seen. You will also be able to wear makeup to cover any residual bruising.

To learn more about all types of rhinoplasty and discuss your options with Atlanta, Georgia nose surgeon Dr. Kim, please contact Kim Facial Plastic Surgery, serving patients in Atlanta, Georgia. Our experienced plastic surgeon would be happy to conduct a personal nose surgery consultation.

Is It Safe to Get a Silicon Nose Job After First One Got Infected?
By Dr. Kun Kim
I believe the most common reason for “infection” and extrusion of the silicone implant following the rhinoplasty is an improper sizing of the original implant the the pressure points where the implant may exert pressure. The improper amount of pressure (tip, especially; with L shaped…at the base of columella) will over time, extrude.

I don’t hesitate to use silicone again following the original implant removal. With proper use of cartilage to shield the tip area, the pressure points are minimized and I feel it is as safe as the original implant.

Depending on heght or augmentation desired, silicone implant may be the best choice. Rib cartilage can also be used (I have used cadavaric ribs) with some higher cost. With cartilage use….there is also some risk of resorption over time. Ear and septal cartilage sometimes provide enough cartilage as well.

Fractured Nasal Bone- How Long to Heal?
By Dr. Kun Kim
Nasal fracture is unlike any other bone fracture in your body. Bony fractures in your limbs, for example, require immobilization and or fixation for 4-8 weeks to heal properly. Nasal fracures on the other hand….can be left alone in its fractured state and it will heal just fine. This is because nasal bones are not being moved and pulled by surrounding muscles. Therefore, the closed or open reduction of the nasal fracture is ONLY performed if there is cosmetic or functional deformity of the nose following the nasal fracture. In other words, if there is no cosmetic or functional sequelae following the nasal fracture, no treatment is necessary.
Now, in your case, if it is very small fracture and there are no sequelae other than the small hair line fracture itself, I will allow you to do what ever you like, with the exception of boxing and wrestling, perhaps. I think you can work out with the kind of work out you are talking about.

Is This My Final Result 8 Weeks Post-Op?
By Dr. Kun Kim
At 2 months post op, I will say that you probably have 98% of the result you are going to have. Swelling is there some at this point and this will gradually go away over next 12 months but basically, what you have at this point is 98% of what you are going to have 1 or 10 years later.

Revision rhinoplasty, if contemplated, should be performed 1 – 2 years later when complete healing has taken place.

Can my Wide, Bulbous Nose Be Reduced in Size?
By Dr. Kun Kim
Yes, of course! This is one of the most basic maneuvers in rhinoplasty. Tip bulbousity or wide and malformed nasal tip is very common problem and this should be a basic technique that should be available to any rhinoplasty surgeon. Having said that, obviously the next question is how much should it be narrowed and will I look natural in my new nose. This is where experience and esthetic eye of the surgeon comes in. I always say that the best rhinoplasty results in attention away from the nose to one’s eyes…and the bad rhinoplasty results in attention to one’s nose away from the eyes. It is important…especially in Asians and Black noses, that the tip or the entire nose is not done too narrow like tin Caucasians. This will not appear normal.

As always talk and consult with doctors who have proper credentials until you are comfortable with his skill set, expertise and his experience.