Dr. Apo M.D. 5/27/24 Dr. Apo M.D. 5/27/24

Is Facial Plastic Surgery the Same as Reconstructive Surgery?

If you have been curious about the differences between plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery, you’ve come to the right place. While reconstructive facial plastic surgery and cosmetic facial plastic surgery have many similar benefits, there are some important distinctions, too.

Understanding the difference between facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery can be complicated. What qualifies for a certain distinction may require special consideration by an insurance carrier. To find the right surgery for you, always schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.

The Primary Focus of Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial plastic surgery is most commonly used for aesthetic purposes and is sought out by an individual on their own time. People typically seek out facial plastic surgery specialists to address concerns or anxieties around visible signs of aging, facial symmetry, or dissatisfaction with overall facial features.

While facial plastic surgery can improve someone’s confidence, self-esteem, and even mental health to some degree, what primarily separates reconstructive surgery from facial plastic surgery is a medical need or emergency.

Reconstructive Surgery Defined

Facial plastic surgery is mainly focused on enhancing appearance for aesthetic reasons, whereas reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and normal appearance due to medical concerns, trauma, or birth defects.

What may blur the lines between facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery is that both use similar procedures and techniques to solve different concerns.

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, both changes the appearance and function of the nose if someone has difficulty breathing due to an accident or birth defect. There are other specialized reconstructive surgeries as well, like removing scar tissue, addressing a cleft palate, and repairing an appearance after facial trauma, just to name a few.

Trust Dr. Apostolakis, Facial Plastic Surgeon, to Restore Your Confidence

Spend this year feeling confident and secure in yourself and your appearance with Dr. Apostolakis Rhinoplasty Specialist. Goof facial plastic surgery allows the overall beauty of the face to shine through, and a Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job procedure, can help improve the nose’s appearance and overall nasal breathing.

Whether you’ve always wanted to make a change or are considering a nose job or other facial plastic surgery in Austin, our team at Louis William Apostolakis, M.D. is led by our board-certified surgeon who holds years of experience providing Rhinoplasty in Austin, TX, and helping to improve the appearance of faces and overall quality of life.

Dr. Apo M.D. 10/16/23 Dr. Apo M.D. 10/16/23

3 Ways to Deal With Post-Surgical Depression After Facial Plastic Surgery

While facial plastic surgery can greatly improve your mental health and confidence, the process can still be emotional for some. Those considering facial plastic surgery consider the physical risks associated with the surgery but may fail to recognize the emotional complications post-operation.

These top 3 ways to deal with post surgical depression after facial plastic surgery will prepare you for the possibility of an emotional recovery.

Be Patient

Healing from facial plastic surgery takes time. Depending on the surgery, recovery can range from ten days to one month or more. During the healing process, you will experience bruising, stiffness, and pain. This may make individuals feel as though they’ve made a mistake in their operation. Remind yourself that these processes are a sign that your body is healing and they will end soon.

Strong Support System

Facial plastic surgery is less taboo these days, but that doesn’t mean everyone will support your decision. Share your facial plastic surgery plan with a few people closest to you so that they can be there pre and post surgery. While you’re healing, you may require extra help to complete everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or running errands. Feeling as though you cannot participate in everyday life or that the people closest to you doubt your decisions may make someone experience depression after facial plastic surgery.

Be Prepared

Before your facial plastic surgery, prepare your home or wherever you will be recovering. Like any surgery, you want to rest in a clean environment that is full of all the things you might need in close reach. Stock your kitchen full of the foods you enjoy that will be easy to eat in the first couple days of healing. Likewise, clean and organize your bathroom with whatever medical supplies or medications that might be necessary for optimal recovery after facial plastic surgery.

Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apostolakis

Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.

Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!

Dr. Apo M.D. 10/13/23 Dr. Apo M.D. 10/13/23

3 Ways That Facial Plastic Surgery and Mental Health Are Connected

Is there a connection between facial plastic surgery and mental health? Some may be surprised to know that receiving facial plastic surgery can improve overall mental health. In our modern age, many people experience stress and anxiety due to concerns about their appearance. If you experience having discouraging thoughts about your facial features, it may be impacting your happiness and mental health.

Whether due to genetics, recovering from physical trauma, or feeling generally unhappy with an aspect of your face, facial plastic surgery can encourage better mental health in these 3 ways:

Empowerment

If you are unhappy with a certain aspect of your physical appearance, you may feel as though this insecurity holds power over you. Deciding on finding the best facial plastic surgery near you can give you a sense of power. Your happiness is completely dependent on you. Seeking facial plastic surgery may be the right answer for you if part of your appearance holds you back from enjoying life to the fullest.

Post-Traumatic Recovery

If you have experienced facial trauma from an accident or violence, facial plastic surgery can aid in the recovery process. For many who have experienced these acts mentioned above, the flaws on their face remind them of the accidents they’d rather forget. Facial plastic surgery can help you move forward from these discouraging memories. You can find a restored sense of normalcy and self-esteem by seeking facial plastic surgery for post-traumatic recovery.

Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence

If you’re unhappy with a part of your appearance, chances are it is impacting your overall happiness and confidence. You may feel more reclusive, less social, and even experience compulsive ruminations over your features. Trusted Facial plastic surgery near you will improve the features you wish to change. After scheduling a thorough consultation with a plastic surgery provider in your area, your post-operation will surely lead to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apostolakis

Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.

Dr. Apo M.D. 9/8/23 Dr. Apo M.D. 9/8/23

Is a Nose Job Covered By Insurance If It is Considered Necessary?

Many patients never pursue cosmetic surgery or rhinoplasty because they are unsure if their insurance will cover the cost of a nose job. However, depending on your insurance provider and the type of nose job you receive, you may be eligible for insurance coverage for your nose job. If you want to aesthetically change the shape or size of your nose, also known as a cosmetic rhinoplasty, it is unlikely that insurance will cover this procedure. Alternatively, if you struggle to breathe or have difficulty with your sense of smell, you may need to correct a deviated septum. Deviated septums, also known as functional rhinoplasty or medical nose job, can be covered by insurance to improve a patient’s breathing and overall health and life.

What Are The Differences Between a Cosmetic And a Medical Nose Job?

In some cases, patients suffer from a deformity in their nasal passageway that obstructs their air passage. A functional or medical rhinoplasty procedure can alleviate or permanently eliminate breathing problems and even snoring. Deviated septums, cleft palates, a major nose injury, or inflammation from chronic allergies are all reasons to have a medical nose job procedure. These nose jobs will likely be covered by medical insurance.

The nose is one of the most predominant features of a person’s face and is often the object of many insecurities. While a person may feel very intently that their nose hinders their overall health, concerns based on aesthetic preferences are very unlikely to be taken into consideration by health insurance providers. Intentions to change the size, shape, or other proportions of the nose are considered cosmetic nose jobs and will rely on personal pay options. Removal of bumps, shaving bridges, pinching or widening nostrils, and reshaping are all considered cosmetic nose job surgeries if they are not pertinent to the functionality of the nose.

How Will I Know If My Insurance Will Cover My Nose Job?

Generally, almost all cosmetic nose job procedures are considered unnecessary surgery and not covered by health insurance. Depending on your insurance provider, they will reimburse you for the cost of a medical nose job if it fixes or improves breathing due to structural damage. All insurance providers have different medical criteria to determine a patient’s medical coverage for plastic surgery procedures. If you aren’t sure what type of nose job you need, consulting with board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Apo is the first step to a perfect nose job.

Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo

Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.

Dr. Apo M.D. 3/24/23 Dr. Apo M.D. 3/24/23

Top 5 Ways That Blepharoplasty Can Make Positive Changes in Your Life

If you have excess loose skin on your upper or lower eyelid, you may benefit from a blepharoplasty procedure. Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes or tightens loose, hanging skin from around the eyes. This skin typically develops with age, but it can occur in younger people due to genetics.

When loose skin does develop around the eyes, you may notice a more aged, tired appearance. Having blepharoplasty can resolve these concerns and help enhance your look. Learn more about the top five ways blepharoplasty can make positive changes in your life.

1. More Youthful Appearance

The main purpose of a blepharoplasty is to remove excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. This excess skin can create a more aged appearance, especially when it occurs underneath the eyes. Excess skin along the lower lid can form “eye bags” that make you look much older.

When you have eyelid surgery, it removes this excess skin to give the eyes a more youthful appearance, helping you achieve a younger look overall.

2. Eyes Look More Vibrant and Awake

If you have loose skin along the lower eyelid, it can make your eyes look tired and stressed. The appearance of under-eye bags is one of the most common aesthetic complaints for this reason. A blepharoplasty can give your eyes a more vibrant, open, and awake appearance that refreshes your face.

3. Enhanced Field of Vision

Another benefit of blepharoplasty is the way it can enhance vision for some people. Sometimes loose, excess skin on the upper eyelid can hang down into the field of vision, affecting your ability to see. This is particularly true for people who have a smaller eye shape to begin with.

During eyelid surgery, this excess skin is either removed or tightened to widen your field of vision and make it easier for you to see.

4. Easier Makeup Application

When you have excess skin around the eyes, it can impact the way you put on your makeup. Many people struggle to apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara when their upper eyelid skin is loose. Blepharoplasty can remove or reduce this loose skin to make eye makeup application easier. The result is a flatter, tighter eyelid that makeup glides onto much more smoothly.

5. Improved Self-Esteem

Some people who have excess skin surrounding the eyes feel self-conscious about their appearance. Enhancing your look by having this skin removed can improve self-esteem.

Many people find that eyelid surgery helps them feel like a more refreshed, rejuvenated version of themselves. The result is a boost in self-confidence and overall mood.

Experiencing Your Own Blepharoplasty ResultsBlepharoplasty is a beneficial procedure that can help both men and women at any age. You can see an improvement in both the way you look and the way that you feel by having excess skin removed from the eyelids. From younger-looking eyes to easier makeup application, there are numerous great reasons to seek blepharoplasty surgery.

Dr. Apo M.D. 2/27/23 Dr. Apo M.D. 2/27/23

Top 5 Milestones of Healing that Typically Occur After Rhinoplasty

If you have ever wanted to change the way your nose looks, you’re not alone. Many people want to alter the shape, size, or structure of their nose to enhance their appearance. The nose tends to be the focal point of the face, and if there are certain imperfections in the nasal structure, they can distract from your other facial features.

While contouring with cosmetics can give the illusion of a different nose shape, rhinoplasty is the only way to change the way your nose looks permanently. For this reason, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures in the world.

The procedure works by removing or repositioning the bones and cartilage in your nose to change the way it looks.

When seeking a rhinoplasty procedure, most patients are concerned about the recovery process. Find out what it’s like to heal from rhinoplasty by reading about the 5 milestones that occur during the recovery process.

1. Returning Home After Surgery

The first milestone in your rhinoplasty aftercare journey is returning home after surgery. Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can return home the same day as your procedure.

You will be monitored for several hours in an aftercare area before being discharged to return home. This is to ensure that you wake up fully from anesthesia and feel well after surgery.
In some cases, you may need to stay overnight for monitoring after your rhinoplasty. This is rare and typically applies to patients who are getting extensive procedures or have extenuating circumstances.

2. Removal of Sutures and Dressing

Once you’ve returned home after your rhinoplasty, the next milestone in your recovery will be having your dressings removed.

You will have sutures, bandaging, and potentially a small splint in place when you go home from your surgery. These provide added support to the vulnerable skin, cartilage, and bones of your nose during the first few days of recovery.

About one week after your treatment, your sutures and bandaging can come off. If you have a splint in place, it may need to remain for another week for additional support.

3. Reduced Swelling and Bruising

After a rhinoplasty procedure, it is normal to have some swelling and bruising around your nose. The swelling and bruising are due to the manipulation of your nasal tissues during the surgical process.

These typically last for one to two weeks after your procedure. When the swelling and bruising begin to subside, you will know that you’re reaching the next milestone in your healing process.

4. Returning to Exercise and Other Activities

The cartilage, bones, and other tissues in your nose are delicate. When your rhinoplasty is complete, these tissues will be especially vulnerable for several weeks. For about four to six weeks after your rhinoplasty, you will need to avoid strenuous activities that could cause stress or trauma to the nasal tissues.

Strenuous activities include exercise, contact sports, heavy lifting, and other similar tasks. About one month after your procedure, your surgeon will evaluate your healing process to determine whether you can resume your normal activities again. If you are cleared for exercise, you have reached another milestone in your healing journey.

5. Seeing Your Final Results

The last milestone of your rhinoplasty journey will be seeing your final results. It takes several weeks for swelling and bruising to completely subside and for your nasal tissues to settle into their new placement.

For most patients, final results are visible in six to eight weeks. Once you have reached this point, you have completed all of the milestones in your rhinoplasty recovery.

Dr. Apo M.D. 12/19/22 Dr. Apo M.D. 12/19/22

Will I Experience Any Side Effects After Having Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, addresses drooping skin over the eyelid that creates a tired or aged appearance. The popular procedure targets one of the first signs of aging and produces impressive results.

Most patients who undergo eyelid surgery recover quickly and easily. However, like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty has some potential side effects.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery to remove excess skin from the eyelids. During the operation, your surgeon will make a shallow incision in the eyelids’ natural folds.

Then, they’ll remove excess fat or skin that causes the eyelid to sag and fold, reducing heaviness around the eyes. Additionally, they’ll tighten the underlying muscle and seal the incision to restore lift and youthfulness to the eyes’ appearance.

Eyelid surgery can restore your facial aesthetics while clearing out excess skin that reduces peripheral vision.

What Are the Typical Side Effects of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a popular choice for patients seeking a dramatic improvement with little recovery time. Fortunately, the few common side effects are short-lived. These include swelling, discomfort, and scarring.

Swelling

All surgical procedures result in swelling, as it’s part of the body’s response to trauma in the tissue. However, patients can reduce swelling by taking over-the-counter medications like naproxen or ibuprofen and carefully applying cold compresses to the area in 10- to 20-minute increments.

Discomfort

The level of discomfort you experience after surgery depends on the surgeon’s technique and the extent of tissue removed in the procedure. If you experience moderate to severe discomfort, your surgeon might prescribe prescription pain relief.

Scarring

The skin of the eyelids is thin and delicate, so you should expect some initial scarring after your blepharoplasty. An experienced surgeon will carefully place your incisions to reduce the appearance of scars. While the scars of eyelid surgery fade over time, applying topical scar-reducing creams can speed healing.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects?

All surgeries can lead to unexpected bruising, bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia. These risks are inherent in undergoing a surgical procedure. However, you can reduce the chances of complications by closely following your doctor’s instructions before and after your surgery.

In addition, there are less common side effects some patients experience after eyelid surgery. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a week of the procedure:

Blurred vision
Corneal irritation
Droopy eyelids
Light sensitivity
Dry eyes
Asymmetrical eyelids
Difficulty closing the eyelids
Excessive tearing

Rarely do patients experience more severe complications. These issues often result from undergoing a procedure with an inexperienced surgeon and include wound separation, damaged vision, suture cysts, or excessive skin or muscle removal complications.

Reducing Your Risk of Side Effects from Eyelid Surgery

Patients who choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who frequently performs eyelid surgery are less likely to experience the more severe side effects of the procedure.

Your surgeon will provide instructions to follow before and after your surgery. These instructions are crucial to your successful recovery. If there is a reason you can’t follow your doctor’s guidelines or if you have questions about your recovery, call your doctor immediately to reduce your chances of experiencing complications.

Dr. Apo M.D. 12/16/22 Dr. Apo M.D. 12/16/22

How Can I Decide Whether Rhinoplasty Is the Right Choice for Me?

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, is among the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Patients undergo rhinoplasty for reasons that range from difficulty breathing to purely aesthetic reshaping.

While it’s not uncommon to find fault in the function or appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty isn’t for everyone. Choosing to undergo any surgery is a personal decision, and understanding the procedure can help you decide whether rhinoplasty is right for you.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose surgically by altering its cartilage and bones. The surgery can offer the following benefits:

Adjust nose size to restore facial balance
Reshape nose profile to eliminate visible humps or depressions
Narrow nose width
Reshape and reposition nostrils
Correct nasal asymmetry
Reshape a nasal tip that’s overly bulbous, large, drooping, or hooked

In addition, patients with difficulty breathing through their noses may undergo rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum or other structural defects.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Qualities of a good candidate for a nose job include patients:

Whose facial growth is complete
Who are in good physical health
Who are in good mental health
Who do not smoke

Additionally, patients need to understand the rhinoplasty procedure, be prepared for the recovery process, and have realistic expectations for their outcome.

Why Rhinoplasty?

The first step in determining whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for your needs is clearly understanding what you want to change about your nose. Nose shapes vary widely, and choosing a shape and size that will best suit your other facial features is a complex process.

There are four different areas of the nose to evaluate when choosing rhinoplasty.

The Upper Nose

The bony area close to the eyes is often reshaped to remove a bump or narrow a broad nasal bridge. In addition, many patients undergo rhinoplasty to create symmetry between the height of the nasal bones and the angle between the forehead and the top of the nose, making a straight nose.

The Middle Nose

The middle part of the nose is where patients with a deviated septum will need reshaping. Many patients want the central nose to appear straight and even from the front and equal to the nasal bones in height from the side.

The Tip of the Nose

Of the four areas of the nose, the tip receives the most reshaping in a rhinoplasty.

Ideally, the tip of the nose creates an aesthetically pleasing line when viewed in profile. In some cases, it can project slightly beyond that line. For example, when the nose tip droops, it can appear curved or hooked. Similarly, the tip can point too far upward if it lacks cartilage.

The Nasal Airway

The nasal airway is the most critical element of a rhinoplasty, though it has little effect on the nose’s appearance. Often patients can have their nose’s aesthetics altered while treating nasal blockages due to structural defects in the airway.

Therefore, it’s essential to choose a surgeon skilled in maintaining the integrity of your airway while aesthetically reshaping your nose.

The best way to decide whether rhinoplasty is right for you is by working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will accurately assess your goals and explain what to expect after a rhinoplasty.