Cosmetic
surgery such as rhinoplasty is very affordable in the Philippines. Lower
overhead costs and professional fees makes it possible for U.S.- trained
plastic & reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Carlos
Lasa, Jr. to perform these surgeries at a fraction of the cost of
the same procedures in the United States, U.K. and other countries,
without sacrificing quality of care.
The
Philippines' medical services can rival the best in the world. Most
Filipino doctors speak English fluently, ensuring the good communication
between surgeon and patient that is essential during consultation. There
are qualified and well-trained plastic surgeons who charge relatively
affordable fees, especially if they practice in Asian countries like
the Philippines, where cost of living expenses are low and if they can
keep overhead costs low by having modest outpatient surgery clinics.
However, be careful if the cosmetic surgery provider you're considering
charges much lower than others in the same country. Although price is
definitely a factor when considering elective surgery, patients seeking
quality medical care at very affordable prices should know that choosing
the right surgeon is the single most important decision they will make.
For best results for your rhinoplasty surgery, choose an authentic plastic
surgeon who has had formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery
and experience in this particular procedure.
Rhinoplasty,
or plastic surgery of the nose, is one of the most popular cosmetic
surgery procedures. The nose occupies the prominent central area of
the face, and thus determines to a major extent whether the face is
considered attractive or not.
You may be considering rhinoplasty to enhance your appearance, or for
reconstructive purposes such as correcting birth defects or traumatic
injuries to the nose.
If you are considering rhinoplasty...
the following information can help you understand the procedure, how
it's done and what results can be expected. However, each patient has
individual needs and features, and it is only by consulting with a plastic
surgeon that you can best understand how plastic surgery can help you.
Rhinoplasty
is most often thought of as either a nose "lift" or a nose
reduction. In actuality, plastic surgery of the nose may involve the
following techniques, done singly or in combination:
-nasal bridge augmentation or reduction (changes the height of the bridge
of the nose), -nasal tip augmentation or reduction (changes the shape
of the tip, change the angle between nose and upper lip)
-alar plasty (reduction of width of the nasal base to narrow the span
of the nostrils). Back
Are
you a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
To be a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you should be physically healthy,
psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations.
You may
think having rhinoplasty will make you look like your ideal or give
you perfect looks. You may think that people will treat you differently
or that you will be a happier person after your rhinoplasty. These are
unrealistic expectations. Good results will help you increase your self-confidence
but you won't necessarily look like your ideal.
Your
age is also a consideration. You should be at least 14 or 15 years old
for girls and a little later for boys because it is best to have rhinoplasty
after you've completed your growth spurt. Having the surgery should
be something you want and not something other people want for you. Your
social and emotional adjustment is also important to consider especially
if you are a teenager. Back
Selecting
a Surgeon
Although rhinoplasty is generally safe, the discerning patient should
consider some factors to ensure safety, minimize the risks involved,
and get a good result.
Oftentimes,
patients choose their surgeon on the basis of price. However, the success
of the procedure is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon. There
are no laws in the Philippines that regulate who can perform rhinoplasty.
Thus, to avoid unsatisfactory results, it is best to choose a surgeon
who has had accredited training in plastic surgery and extensive experience
in rhinoplasty. This delicate operation also requires aesthetic judgement,
sense of beauty, and the ability to visualize the end result.
Your
surgeon's skill can make all the difference between a good result and
one which will require correction and additional expense. Specially
since he will be working on a very prominent feature on your face, select
your surgeon on the basis of his professional qualifications and experience
and not on the price.
The patient
must also be able to trust the surgeon for proper evaluation and advice.
Consultation
Cosmetic surgery of the nose is one of the most delicate plastic surgery
operations. There is so much artistry involved in the planning and execution
of this operation. Everyone has a different nose and there are many
techniques that the surgeon can use to achieve the desired results.
When
you first consult with your surgeon, he will ask you what your expectations
are and what you would like your nose to look like. He will also evaluate
the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face,
your skin, and your age since these factors influence his decisions
about what techniques to use for the surgery to get the desired result.
Your
surgeon will explain what he plans to do and what anesthesia he plans
to use, considering your preferences. He will discuss where the surgery
will be performed, as well as the risks and costs involved. You can
also ask him any questions you may have, especially those regarding
your expectations about the results.
He will
also ask you if you've previously had nose surgery or have had an injury
to your nose. If you have allergies, breathing difficulties, if you
smoke, or take medications, vitamins, or other drugs, you should also
inform your surgeon.
Before
you undergo your operation, your surgeon will ask you to have blood
tests done to ensure that you will not have any bleeding problems as
a result of the operation. If you are 40 years of age or older, you
will also be requested to have an electrocardiogram done and to visit
your internist or cardiologist for cardiovascular clearance. This is
to ensure that you are physically fit to undergo the surgery.
If you
are planning to have a nasal bridge augmentation (noselift), it is ideal
to have a mold of your nose done before the operation. This nasal mold
will help the plastic surgeon carve or sculpt a silicone implant that
will be specially appropriate for your face. It is important that the
silicone implant blends harmoniously with your existing nasal framework
so that the surgical result will look natural. Back
Planning
the Surgery After
evaluating the patient, the plastic surgeon plans the operation and
determines whether incisions can be hidden inside the nose, (a "closed"
rhinoplasty) or if incisions on the outside skin have to be made (an
"open" rhinoplasty).
The shape
and position of the incisions are carefully planned so that the resulting
scars are practically invisible after healing. It is rare for a patient
to have visible scars if her surgeon is competent. However, if the operation
isn't performed skillfully, incisions that are made randomly and haphazardly
will result in visible scars and an unnatural new nose. Thus, you have
to be very careful in your selection of your surgeon. The most important
factor in the success of your surgery is your surgeon's training, skill
and experience. Back
Preparing
for your Surgery
To avoid any complications and risks, your surgeon will give you specific
guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain
vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Follow these instructions
carefully. Back
The Risks
of Surgery
All surgery has some uncertainty and risk involved but complications
are infrequent and usually minor when rhinoplasty is performed by a
qualified plastic surgeon, since he has the necessary training, skill
and experience. If you follow your surgeon's instructions closely both
before and after surgery, you can also reduce your risks of complications
such as infections, nosebleeds, or reactions to the anesthesia. Back
Anesthesia
Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending
on the complexity of the procedure and on what you and your surgeon
prefer.
With
general anesthesia, you'll be sleeping during the operation and wake
up after it is finished. With local anesthesia, you'll be awake during
the surgery, but in a relaxed state, since you will be lightly sedated.
You will be insensitive to pain and your nose and the surrounding area
will be numb. There is less risk when the operation is done under local
anesthesia. Back How
much will the surgery cost and will I be able to afford it?
Rhinoplasty
(Nose Lift Surgery)