Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) to Narrow a Wide Nose

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:40:31 +0000

Facial features should be well-balanced between the eyes, nose, and mouth. For the most pleasing facial appearance, one particular feature should not overwhelm the other two. Unfortunately, a nose that is too wide, either at the base or the bridge, can make the face look out of proper proportion. Dr. Vincent Marin is skilled at rhinoplasty (nose job) procedures to help the face regain its balance.

What Can Cause a Wide Nose?

One of the most common reasons for an excessively wide nose, particularly around the nostrils or bridge, is ethnicity. Wide nostrils are particularly common among African-American patients. African-American, Hispanic, Middle-Eastern and Asian patients may all have low, wide, nose bridges. A rhinoplasty procedure to correct noses for these patients is known as “ethnic rhinoplasty.” Another common cause for a wide nose may be an injury that does not heal properly. If the nose has been broken in an accident, particularly if it has been broken multiple times, it may heal in such a manner that it appears wider.

What Is the Procedure to Fix a Wide Nose?

Alar base reduction: This procedure is used to correct a nose that is too wide at the base. Very small incisions are made in the base of the nose at the natural crease in order to remove excess tissue and narrow the nostrils and base of the nose. Many patients with a wide nose base have thick skin, so it may be initially difficult to see any changes made to the cartilage at the tip of the nose.

Nasal osteotomy: This procedure is required if the nose is too wide at the top, or across the bridge. In essence, the nose must be broken before being set in place to narrow the bridge and upper part of the nose. Unlike when the nose is broken due to injury and heals on its own, Dr. Marin carefully repositions the nose into its proper place before allowing it to heal. This procedure is likely to cause excess swelling and bruising, but this is to be expected and should resolve beginning within a month after the procedure.

How Long Will it Take to See Results?

Patients must wear a nose splint for the first one to two weeks following rhinoplasty. Regular activities can be resumed within seven to 10 days following surgery. This allows the nose to resettle into its new alignment. Results should begin to be noticeable about a month following surgery.

Of course, the key to a rhinoplasty is to keep the face in balance. This is particularly important for an ethnic rhinoplasty, where the goal is to enhance the appearance of the nose, yet not lose the unique ethnic features of the face. Dr. Marin has extensive experience working with patients of various ethnic backgrounds to give them the look they desire. Patients may discuss with Dr. Marin any of their concerns about their final appearance when they come in for a consultation visit.

Breast Augmentation and Areola Reduction

admin — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:09:04 +0000

Breasts come in many shapes and sizes. However, more often than not, women are unhappy with the shape and/or size of their breasts. One study found that 70 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 65 were unhappy with either the shape or size of their breasts. Younger and thinner women were more likely to think their breasts were too small, while older and heavier women more often felt that their breasts were too large.

Fortunately, there are a variety of cosmetic surgical procedures that may help women feel more secure about the appearance of their breasts. These procedures can range from a breast lift, to breast reduction, to breast augmentation. There are even procedures that can reshape the nipple if it is inverted or protrudes too much, as well as to correct the size of the areola (the darkened skin around the nipple). Here are two common procedures that Dr. Vincent Marin can perform to reshape the size of the breasts and areolas.

Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation procedure involves the surgical insertion of implants to change the shape and size of the breasts. This can be done to increase their size, reshape sagging breasts, or correct asymmetry in breast size ( where one is significantly larger or smaller than the other). The implants are filled with a silicone gel or a sterile saline solution encased in a silicone outer shell.

Recovery time following a breast augmentation procedure should take about two to three weeks. The breasts may be sore and swollen during this time, but that is perfectly normal.

Risks from breast augmentation may include scarring, changes in breast shape or nipple sensation, or blood clots. These risks are relatively rare, but if patients have any concerns, they should schedule a follow-up visit.

Areola Reduction

Large areolas (sometimes referred to as “puffy areolas”) may be the result of a previous surgery or pregnancy. Although enlarged areolas do not present any medical complications, they can look out of proportion to the rest of the breast.

Fortunately, surgical correction is relatively quick and simple, with almost no recovery time needed. Part of the areola is removed, either by very tiny incisions around the outside of the areola or at the base of the nipple itself. The actual surgery should take less than an hour. Dr. Marin will make every attempt to retain full breast sensation.

Recovery time is very minimal. Patients should be able to resume normal activities within 48 hours after the procedure. As with the breast augmentation procedure, the most common side effects will be bruising and swelling, both of which should start to go away within a week. If these persist beyond two or three weeks, schedule a follow-up appointment.

There’s no reason to be unhappy with the appearance of the breasts or areolas. Schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Marin to learn more about the surgical options that are available. With breast augmentation and areola reduction, patients can experience a boost in their confidence and increased satisfaction with their appearance.

Rhinoplasty to Alleviate Allergies

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:01:18 +0000

It happens every spring. Flowers and plants are in full bloom, and pollen is in the air. Along with that come your stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and sinus pain. If there happens to be a particularly high pollen count, you are even more miserable, sometimes for days or weeks on end. Or perhaps you have developed an allergy to that adorable new kitten you just adopted. Over-the-counter or prescription medications offer mild relief, but many patients would like permanent relief from allergies. Could a functional rhinoplasty (nose job) be the answer to your allergy woes? Dr. Vincent Marin specializes in cases just like yours and may be able to offer you a solution.

What Causes Allergies?

When you come in contact with the allergen (whatever it is that triggers your allergies), your sinuses and the lining of the inside of your nose swell and thicken, making it more difficult for you to breathe. This results in the stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and sinus issues that are generally associated with an allergic reaction. Remedies such as medication or steaming the sinuses will help a little, but won’t provide any permanent relief.

Can a Functional Rhinoplasty Stop Allergic Reactions?

A functional rhinoplasty (as opposed to one that is performed for purely cosmetic reasons) will not completely prevent allergies. However, it can cut down on the severity and frequency of your allergic reactions. The best approach is to work with both your allergist and your cosmetic surgeon so that your allergies are under control before undergoing functional rhinoplasty. This will cut down on the amount of nasal swelling right after surgery, so as not to aggravate your allergies even further.

What Is Involved with Functional Rhinoplasty?

There are several different procedures that can be performed, depending on the type of problem. These may include correction of a deviated septum (the piece of cartilage separating your right and left nostrils) or removal of nasal growths, or polyps. In extreme cases, the exterior of the nose may need to be restructured and/or reinforced to increase air flow.

How Long Will My Recovery Time Be?

Rest and relaxation are very important to help you heal following surgery. There may be some bruising and swelling, but those should start to go away within a week after surgery. If you have a desk job, it is generally safe for you to return to work one week after surgery. If your job requires more physical activity and exertion, you should wait an additional two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first month following surgery.

Will My Insurance Cover the Surgery?

If there is a proven medical problem that can be corrected by the surgery, your insurance may cover the cost. However, if you want to undergo the surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, such as to decrease the size of the nose, your insurance will consider that to be elective surgery, which typically is not covered by health insurance. This is why it is important to also consult an allergist, who can help provide the required proof of a medical need for rhinoplasty surgery.

While a functional rhinoplasty cannot completely prevent allergies, it can minimize the symptoms of allergies. Contact Marin Aesthetics in San Diego to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation.

Breast Lift Costs

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:54:33 +0000

You’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time researching the type of breast lift technique that best fits your needs, the required healing process after your surgery, and the desired physical and emotional outcomes. Another important detail to consider is the costs and financing of your breast lift.

Payment Options

Because most cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by insurance, we at Marin Aesthetics in San Diego accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. Breast lift costs range from $5,500 to $7,500, depending on the exact procedure and technique you select. We know a breast lift can be an expensive procedure, so we also offer medical financing through various providers. We’ve seen that increased financial flexibility with various financial options allows our patients a range of options that best fits their needs.

Finance Provider

One health care financing provider that we work with, CareCredit, is a great option for helping patients finance cosmetic surgery procedures. CareCredit offers financing for health care services and has a long history with cosmetic surgeons. They have many options including six to 24-month financing terms and convenient repayment plans. For some plans, as long as you make your payments on time, the loan will be interest-free. For more information about CareCredit, please feel free to contact our office. We would be happy to provide you with more information.

If you are not interested in financing through CareCredit, there are a lot of different and creative ways to cut back in order to save money for your procedure.

Here are some ways to cut back

Don’t spend any money for a week. Every time you’re tempted to spend frivolously, count how much you would have spent. Then save it and add up the total. Chances are, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve saved for your procedure.
Perhaps you go out to eat a few times during the week? Maybe it’s a $3 or $4 a day coffee habit? Make the decision to take a long-term look your spending and saving habits, and start putting that money away for your surgery.
Watch a movie on Netflix instead of going to the theater. Savings from a few movies a month adds up!
Cook at home. It’s healthier, cheaper, and more fun.
Allocate 5 to 10 percent of each paycheck and have it automatically sent to a flexible savings account for your surgery.
When grocery shopping, replace name brand items with in-house or store brands. It’s possible to save hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year with this approach.
Use coupon sites to save money on every day items such as food and hygiene products.

Following these tips can save you thousands of dollars a year! Think of it as re-allocating your money and spending smartly. This is a great way to not be overwhelmed by paying for your breast lift surgery.

San Diego Breast Lift Costs

Contact Marin Aesthetics in San Diego to schedule a breast lift consultation in which you can learn more about costs and financing options.

High vs. Moderate vs. Low Profile Breast Implants

admin — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:00:49 +0000

Deciding to get breast implants is just the first step in the decision-making process for breast augmentation surgery. When it comes to the right type of breast implants, there are a few different options to consider. For example, patients can choose silicone gel or saline breast implants. Patients also can chose different sizes, shapes, and textures, depending on the look that they want to achieve. Finally, patients have the option of high, moderate, and low profile breast implants. At Marin Aesthetics in San Diego, we want to make sure patients are equipped with information about the differences among each type of breast implant so they can make the best and most informed decisions. Here is information on breast implant profile types.

Why Does Profile Selection Matter?

The type of profile that patients select – low, medium, or high – will play an important role in the way that the breast implants look. Basically, the profile type will determine how far the implant sticks out from the chest wall. The implants are made to project forward by a predetermined amount based on the size and profile of the implant. This enables surgeons to tailor the surgery to the patient’s needs by placing an implant that contains the ideal amount of filler material and offers the appropriate degree of forward projection.

Patients will want to make sure to choose the correct profile type to make sure the new breasts match their body type. Dr. Vincent Marin will review options and evaluate the patient’s body type to help them decide which profile type is best suited to their needs.

Low Profile Breast Implants

Low profile implants project the least from the chest wall. This type of breast implant is usually recommended for women with wider frames or a broad chest who do not want a lot of projection. Low profile implants are the least commonly used profile type.

Moderate Profile Implants

Moderate profile implants are considered the standard profile, and are quite common in breast augmentation patients. They offer a natural look and are often implanted in women with a medium-sized frame.

High Profile Implants

High profile implants are recommended for women with narrower frames. They protrude the most out of all three types of profiles. This type of implant is also less prone to rippling.

Choosing Profile Type

Choosing between these options is not actually as hard of a decision as it may seem. Dr. Marin will recommend the most appropriate profile type after a personal, in-office consultation with patients. Dr. Marin has years of experience choosing the projection profile and size that is best suited to a patient’s anatomy and desires. During this consultation, patients should be ready to explain the look they wish to achieve. Dr. Marin will keep the patient’s goals in mind when evaluating the body and recommending a treatment plan.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation in San Diego where you can learn more about breast implant profiles types, contact Marin Aesthetics.

Breast Implant Sizes: Before and After Photos

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:23 +0000

Undoubtedly, breast implant size is a popular topic among women who are about to undergo breast augmentation. When the appropriately sized implant is chosen, the patient is far more likely to be satisfied with the results of surgery. If patients feel that the implants are too small or too large after they have been placed, revision surgery would be required to change the size of the implant. To provide San Diego patients with a clearer idea of how various implant sizes may look after surgery, Dr. Vincent Marin has compiled before and after photos of patients that have had smaller, medium, and larger-sized breast implants placed.

Smaller Breast Implant Sizes

At Dr. Marin’s practice, smaller breast implants range in size from 250 to 325 cc in volume. Here, we feature before and after photo and surgical plan details for patients that have had smaller implant sizes placed.

286 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Manufacturer: Allergan
Incision Type: Areolar
Placement: Under the Muscle
Patient Age: 34

300 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Profile: Moderate Plus
Shape and Texture: Smooth Round
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Patient Age: 27

300 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Profile: Moderate Plus
Shape and Texture: Smooth Round
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Patient Age: 38

325 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Profile: Moderate Plus
Shape and Texture: Smooth Round
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Patient Age: 20

Medium Breast Implant Sizes

Medium sized breast implants range from 325 to 400 cc in volume.

330 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Texture and Shape: Round Smooth
Profile: Moderate Plus
Incision Type: Areolar
Placement: Under the Muscle

339 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Model: Style 15
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Patient Age: 20s

350 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Texture and Shape: Smooth Round
Profile: Moderate Plus
Incision Type: Areolar
Placement: Under the Muscle
Age: 28

371 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Texture and Shape: Smooth Round
Profile: Moderate
Model: Natrelle Style 15
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Age: 24

400 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Texture and Shape: Smooth Round
Profile: Moderate Plus
Incision Type: Areolar
Placement: Under the Muscle
Age: 28

Larger Breast Implant Sizes

Larger sized breast implants exceed 400 cc in volume.

425 cc Implants

Model: Style 20
Profile: High
Incision Type: Areolar
Age: 21

450 cc Implants

Filler Type: Silicone Gel
Texture and Shape: Smooth Round
Profile: High
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Age: 26

500 cc Implants

Filler Type: Saline
Texture and Shape: Smooth Round
Profile: Moderate Plus
Incision Type: Inframammary
Placement: Under the Muscle
Age: 36

When to Wear Glasses after Rhinoplasty

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:04:37 +0000

Did you just go through a rhinoplasty surgery and wondering when you can start wearing your glasses again? Giving without your glasses may be inconvenient for some patients, but it’s important to make sure your nose has enough time to heal properly. Here are a few tips from Dr. Vincent Marin regarding glasses and rhinoplasty.

Take Some Time Off to Recover

Planning for a rhinoplasty surgery should include more than the time required for the consultation and the actual surgical appointment. You will need to set aside time after your surgery to fully recover. One of the best ways to recover is to simply take some time off from your busy life and let your body heal. If you take time off, you won’t have to worry about wearing your glasses to accomplish important tasks. Do yourself a favor and let yourself heal fully before jumping back into your normal routine.

Invest in Contacts

If you plan on engaging in activities that require clear vision, then think of investing in some disposable contact lenses. Contacts can take a while to get used to, so make sure to try them out a few weeks before your surgery. The last thing you want to be dealing with, on top of recovering, is adjusting to contacts. If you feel that your eyes are too dry for contacts, consider lubricating eye drops.

Get Some Bridgeless Glasses

The reason you should not wear glasses while recovering from your rhinoplasty surgery is because they put pressure on the bridge of your nose – precisely the part of the nose that is going through a critical healing period. You may consider investing in a pair of glasses that don’t put any pressure on the nasal dorsum for about four weeks after surgery. If you can’t afford bridgeless glasses, you can use tape to secure your regular glasses to your forehead; this will help keep pressure off of the bridge of the nose.

Wearing Glasses Over Your Splint

If you have an external splint, feel free to wear your glasses over the splint. The splint is heavily padded and the glasses will not interfere with your recovery. Once the splint comes off, however, the glasses should come off too. During your post-operative appointment, Dr. Marin will advise you as to when you can start wearing glasses again.

What about Sunglasses?

The same rules apply to sunglasses as regular glasses. However, keep in mind that it is important to stay out of the sun, until your incisions have healed completely. If you expose yourself to the sun prematurely, you run the risk of your incisions turning into dark scars. It’s best to avoid the sun. If you are out in the sun, keep the incisions covered by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

When to Finally Start Wearing Glasses Again

Usually it takes about four weeks for the nasal dorsum to be able to fully support glasses without any damage to the nose. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to contact Dr. Marin for advice.

How to Prevent Hematoma after Breast Augmentation

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:35:28 +0000

The results of breast augmentation surgery make the journey well worth it, but it’s important to take good care of your body during recovery to avoid any complications. There are a few potential risks with every surgery, including breast augmentation, and it’s important to plan and prepare for them. One risk associated with breast augmentation surgery is a hematoma, or a collection of blood inside the body. Dr. Vincent Marin can identify a hematoma, help patients understand the causes of a hematoma, and advise patients on the precautions they can take to avoid getting a hematoma.

How Do I Know if I Have a Hematoma?

A hematoma is a collection of blood around the breast implant after surgery. You can identify a hematoma by the discoloration around the skin from the blood leaking from the artery or vein into the nearby skin tissue. You may experience this anywhere from one day to three weeks after surgery, so it’s important to be careful throughout the whole recovery process.

What Causes a Hematoma?

There are various factors that may increase the chance of getting a hematoma. Patients who have taken blood thinners such as aspirin have a much higher risk of getting a hematoma. Because of this, you should avoid any blood thinners before and after your surgery. Consuming alcohol before surgery can also have a similar effect, so make sure to eliminate the consumption of alcohol before surgery. Also, patients with either coagulant disorders or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing a hematoma after surgery.

What Precautions Can I take to Avoid a Hematoma?

Patients can do the following to minimize the risk of hematoma after breast augmentation surgery:

Follow your doctor’s advice: Dr. Marin will give you a set of instructions to follow both in preparation for surgery and recovery from surgery. These instructions will include a list of certain medications, herbs, and vitamins to avoid before and after surgery, and strict instructions about how to conduct yourself after a surgery. Take these instructions seriously. Also, make sure to discuss your health history in detail with Dr. Marin. If you have a history of high blood pressure, coagulant disorders, or other blood problems, make sure to inform Dr. Marin in advance.
Avoid excessive heat after surgery: Being exposed to excessive heat after surgery can also be a trigger for hematomas. Stay out of the sun, hot tubs, and away from heating pads until Dr. Marin has had a chance to consult you about your progress.
Keep your heart rate down: Another great way to decrease your risk of getting a hematoma is to keep your heart rate down. You may be tempted to jump back into exercising as soon as you feel better, but your body still needs time to heal on the inside. Make sure to give yourself at least four weeks before returning to your full work-out schedule. Relaxing and taking it easy after surgery is a great way to make sure you fully recover and avoid any harmful side effects of surgery.
Compression bandages or garments: Compressing the skin on the treatment will minimize or prevent the bleeding that causes a hematoma.
Surgical drains: Surgical drains will draw out any fluid that has collected under the skin.

Contact our San Diego practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Costs and Financing

admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:39:29 +0000

It is often said that the eyes are the mirror to the soul. However, as we get older, we may not like some of the other things our eyes are telling people. Sagging eyelids, bags under the eyes, or even dark circles can all be remedied with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) surgery. This is usually a very simple, virtually painless outpatient procedure with a minimal recovery time of one to two weeks. This is very often one of the first signs of aging that leads people to consider cosmetic surgery.

When patients come in for a consultation visit with Dr. Vince Marin, they will often have many questions to ask. These may include questions about healing time, possible side effects, and costs. Cost is often one of the biggest concerns and deterrents to undergoing eyelid surgery.

Pricing for eyelid surgery ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the surgical procedure and if it is combined with another procedure, such as a browlift. Pricing may also vary depending on the extent and duration of the procedure and the anesthesia. Dr. Marin offers several ways to cover costs for surgery, in order to make it available to as many people as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind regarding eyelid surgery payment options.

Payment Methods: Dr. Marin’s office accepts checks, cash, and all major credit cards. Our office also works with several financing companies in order to give patients a variety of options for financing. CareCredit is one of the most popular of these financing companies. It has a long history working exclusively with health care providers, including cosmetic surgeons. Patients may qualify for no-interest or low-interest financing options ranging anywhere from six to 24 months. Approval is a very simple process and can be done during the initial consultation visit. The payment structure works similar to a regular credit card and allows for you to pay in installments over a set period of time.

Health Insurance Coverage: In general, cosmetic surgery is considered elective, so many procedures will not be covered by your health insurance plan. However, if the cosmetic surgery is to correct a medical condition (such as droopy eyelids that obscure vision), insurance companies may pick up the cost. Always check with your health insurance company, primary care physician, specialist, and plastic surgeon. If your upper eyelid surgery qualifies for insurance coverage, Dr. Marin’s staff will be more than happy to help you with organizing and filling out any necessary paperwork to submit your claim for payment.

You want to look your best, and this is why you have chosen to have Dr. Vince Marin perform your eyelid lift surgery. There’s no reason why the cost for the eyelid surgery procedure should stand in your way. For further information on plastic surgery cost and financing options, please talk to us about your needs when you come in for a consultation. Contact our San Diego practice today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Vince Marin.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants San Diego

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:20:06 +0000

After over 10 years of study on nearly 1000 patients, the FDA approved the new “gummy bear” breast implants from Allergan – known as the 410 implant. The implant is a more “cohesive” gel, which means its more like a gummy bear than a marshmallow or honey. As a result, the breast implant is better able to maintain its upright position and helps to reshape the breast, rather than the breast reshaping the implant.

The implant has been shown to have less complications than previous versions, significantly reduced rippling, less capsular contracture rates and almost no “gel bleed” where the internal gel migrates outside the shell. This implant has been on the market continuously in Europe for years and been remarkably reliable.

When considering a breast augmentation surgery, there are some unique aspects of the 410 implant to know. First of all, it is a bit firmer than previous implants,the shell is textured, it is shaped, and can be challenging in revision surgeries. The biggest issue with the implant is that if it twists or turns in the body, it can become locked in the wrong orientation. Only a revision surgery can fix this complication. The incisions for the implant are longer since the implant is firmer.

Understanding Your Options for Silicone Breast Implants – Gummy Bear Implants from Vincent Marin, MD on Vimeo.

This implant is likely to become the mainstream option for breast reconstruction surgery as it helps produce a more natural breast shape with less rippling or implant visibility in women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. This will help allow for an improved outcome in implant based reconstruction avoiding the overly “round” appearance that can result from lesser implants.

This is not an implant for all women, but definitely an option for many. The key to deciding whether the “gummy bear” breast implant is the right option for you is to discuss this with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. If you are in San Diego and considering a breast augmentation procedure, call our office at 858-638-9800 to schedule a complimentary in-person consultation with Dr. Marin. If you are out of town, we also offer a virtual consultation where Dr. Marin can review photos to help determine whether you are a good candidate for the new breast implants.