I am deeply grateful and ever so appreciative of your truly welcome and much needed help! Your surgery results are nothing short of awesome! Thoughtfulness like yours indeed takes a special caring. Again, ‘Thanks a Million’ for everything!!
- P.B.S., Revision Rhinoplasty
I wonder how you create a living thing with your hands. How do you build something out of nothing? The thought of the task baffles me, but to my father, it is mundane.
- Katharine Searcy Menick click here for the rest of her perspective
I wanted to take a minute of your precious time to thank you and to let you know the true meaning of what you have restored in her. Yours is a truly special gift and the confidence in which you handled her case allowed her to focus on healing, not worrying!
- V.B., patient’s daughter Nasal Reconstruction
I feel great every time I look into the mirror. Thank you for that gift.
- C.G., Nasal Reconstruction
Needless to say, I am overjoyed at the acquisition of my new nose - something I never imagined I would need - turned out so splendidly. It is a wonderful gift that you bring the world with your expertise, your care, and your artistry. It replaces despair with hope and, indeed verges on the miraculous. My deepest thanks.
- D.L., Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
I get compliments almost every day on my beautiful nose.
-J.D. Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
You are really a miracle worker! My nose is healing rapidly and I feel normal again - a delicious feeling.
- P.F., Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
I am so happy for getting the surgery. The surgery has changed the outlook I have about myself and my self-confidence. So thanks again because how can I repay someone who has changed my life.
- T.P., Revision Rhinoplasty after Congenital Nasal Hemangioma
You truly gave me a new lease on life, as the saying goes. My nose is absolutely beautiful; I still get compliments on it!
- D.W., Nasal Reconstruction/Revision
Thank you so much for taking such great care of our son. We couldn’t have made it through all this without your kindness and compassion.
- B. and G. S., Nasal Reconstruction for their child
Words will never be enough to express our gratitude for the work you have done with our daughter. You have made her a whole person again. From the first day we met you, we had unending hope for her. You plainly said you could fix her when everyone else warned us not to expect much.
- Mother of K.B. Facial Reconstruction - click here for case details
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what a magnificent doctor and artist you are! My two surgeries a few months ago - nose repair and facelift - changed my life. Everyone remarks how beautiful the work is. I feel I have lived on both sides of appearance; that is, going from droopy and haggard to looking vibrant and pleasing.
- J.T., Facelift and Rhinoplasty - click here for case details
Nasal Reconstruction Patient Care
The method of repair is chosen based on the site, size, and depth of the defect and the needs of the patient. Does the patient want the wound simply healed or do they wish to restore a normal appearance?
Secondary Healing: After excision of a skin cancer, secondary healing may be planned. The wound is allowed to heal spontaneously without surgical treatment. The wound is left open and a light bandage placed for 24 hours to collect any oozing. After that time, the patient may shower and wash the area daily, apply a small amount of Vaseline or bacitracin ointment to keep the wound moist, and cover the wound with a Band-Aid or other simple dressing. Such wounds normally heal over several weeks with little or no pain and very little risk of infection or other significant problems. The final scar may be excellent. However, it may be flat, shiny, or pale and be very visible. Scarring may pull adjacent structures in abnormal positions. Missing facial features are not restored.
Skin Grafts: For a skin graft to “take”, it must lie on vascular bed. It must lie ‘still’ and in contact with it underlying bed. No fluid or blood should accumulate between the skin graft and the bed. For this reason, it is important to avoid heavy exertion or trauma to the area. Frequently, a sponge dressing will be sutured over a skin graft for 5 to 7 days to protect it and improve the likelihood of “take”. The dressing and sutures are removed in the office. Although somewhat crusty and black and blue initially, skin grafts improve in appearance over the next few weeks. The appearance of a forehead skin graft can often be quite satisfactory. However, the color and texture of skin grafts are unpredictable. They may be pale or hyperpigmented or depressed.
Local Flaps and Simple Suture: Most often, no dressings are applied after a local flap or simple suture closure. The patient washes with soap and water and applies a small amount of Vaseline or bacitracin to keep the area clean and minimize crustiness. A cold compress (a washcloth and tap water and ice cubes) can decrease swelling, keep the wound clean, and increase comfort for a few days. Sutures are normally removed between 5 and 7 days.
2 Stage Nasolabial and 2 and 3 Forehead Flaps: Nasolabial flaps are performed as an outpatient. The first stage of a forehead flap reconstruction requires an overnight stay in the hospital. The area of reconstruction and the flap can be covered with a bandage, if the patient desires, but this is a matter of preference. The face and hair are washed the following day. Sutures are removed between 2 and 7 days after surgery. Subsequent forehead and nasolabial flap surgeries are performed as an outpatient