Does Insurance Pay for Septoplasty?
The short answer to this question is – yes, if you have symptoms of nasal blockage that are not improved with medications. If you are found to have evidence of a deviated septum, or crooked septum, on examination by a facial plastic surgery or otolaryngology specialist, they will likely recommend surgical repair. In order for your insurance company to cover these services, your surgeon will submit paperwork documenting their opinion and recommending septoplasty surgery. If... Continue Reading
Rhinoplasty and Steroid Injections
Question: What are steroid injections and why are they used for rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty patients? Answer: Steroid injections refer to an injectable corticosteroid (called steroid for short) solution that is used to decrease swelling and dissolve unwanted scar tissue. I use steroids quite commonly to help during the healing process following rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. If taping the nose does not address the issue sufficiently and/or quickly enough, I might recommend a steroid injection... Continue Reading
What is Artefill?
Artefill, made by Suneva Medical in San Diego, is the only FDA approved permanent injectable filler on the market. Artefill is a fantastic injectable filler product that is a great alternative to Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra. It is used very much like the other fillers for smoothing out unwanted facial lines, creases and wrinkles. The one exception is the lip where Artefill should not be used. You do have to get skin tested... Continue Reading
Facial Plastic Surgery and Upcoming Holiday Season
We have been quite busy around the office lately, consulting with many of you about a wide variety of facial plastic/cosmetic surgery procedures. As my staff has likely already explained to many of you, we are embarking on a very busy time of year when it comes to facial plastic surgery. Traditionally, this time of year is very popular for plastic surgery since many patients take advantage of holiday vacation time to assist in their... Continue Reading
How To Minimize Bruising Following Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty
All patients undergoing rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty by my office are counseled on how to minimize chances of bruising following surgery. The onset and severity of bruising after cosmetic rhinoplasty is dependent on multiple factors, which can usually be accounted for by careful planning. All patients are instructed to review our list of restricted of medications that is handed out to you and is always on our website for reference. I prefer my patients avoid... Continue Reading
Rhinoplasty and Spreader Grafts
In many cases where patients are undergoing reshaping of the dorsum (bridge) I will recommend that we place spreader grafts at the time of the surgery. Spreader grafts are long, rectangular-shaped pieces of cartilage that are placed in parallel with the bridge in between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage. They are what we term ‘hidden’ grafts in that they are placed within a precise pocket without contacting the skin directly. This is in... Continue Reading
