An otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor or an ENT, is a type of physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases of the ears, nose, throat, voice box (larynx), and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologists are also known as head and neck surgeons or craniofacial surgeons. Depending on their area of focus, they may be called anything from facial plastic surgeons to rhinologists. Regardless of what you call them, these doctors can help you get those perfect cheekbones and luscious lips that you’ve always wanted. So instead of looking like Beauty and the Beast once again this Halloween season, how about being a beautiful beast instead? Here’s how…
Know the difference between plastic surgery and rhinoplasty
First off, let’s clear up the difference between plastic surgery and rhinoplasty. Plastic surgery is an umbrella term for many different types of surgeries — rhinoplasty being one of them. There are many types of plastic surgeries that can be performed on the face, including rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, brow lift, cheek lift, and forehead lift. There are many other parts of the body that also can be altered through plastic surgery, including the breasts, body, hands/wrists, and more.
A plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed at least eight years of medical training, including four years of undergraduate study, two years of medical school, one or two years of residency training, and two to five years of additional training in a sub-specialty. Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a cosmetic surgery performed on the nose, but it is done by an ENT doctor, not a plastic surgeon.
Types of Otolaryngology Procedures
There are many types of procedures an otolaryngologist can perform. Some of the most common are listed below.
- Rhinoplasty (nose job) – A cosmetic surgery that is intended to change the shape of the nose by reducing its size, changing the shape (e.g. from a bulbous to a thinner nose), or refining the bump at the top of the nose (called the “nostrils”). Rhinoplasty can be performed using either the open method or the closed method. Open rhinoplasty may also be referred to as “open reduction rhinoplasty,” “v-shaped rhinoplasty,” “septal reduction rhinoplasty,” or “hybrid rhinoplasty.”
- Liposuction – Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fatty deposits from various parts of the body, including the face. This surgery is typically performed via a small incision below the chin or by placing a small tube inside the body and sucking out the fat with suction.
- Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid surgery, also called oculoplastic surgery, is designed to correct the shape and position of the eyelid, or remove excess skin and fat.
- Otoplasty, or ear surgery – This procedure is intended to correct the shape and position of the ear in order to make the ears look more proportionate to the head.
Before You Go Under the Knife
Before you go under the knife, you should make sure that this is really what you want. You should understand the risks associated with surgery and be prepared for potential complications. You should also do your research and find a surgeon who you trust and who you feel will help you achieve the results that you want. Be sure to talk to your surgeon about what to expect both during and after the surgery. You should also be prepared to take care of yourself after the surgery by following all post-operative instructions. Finally, you should be prepared to invest some money in this procedure. For example, you should consider the cost of travel to and from the hospital, insurance co-pays, surgery costs, follow-up appointments, and the cost of medication.
Rhinoplasty (nose job)
As mentioned above, rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by an otolaryngologist. This procedure is often used to correct the shape and size of the nose, but it can also be used to repair damage caused by injuries. Surgery involves removing cartilage from the nose and repositioning it. The procedure typically lasts between one and two hours. Rhinoplasty in North Texas is usually performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia is sometimes used.
- Nasal packing – This procedure involves packing the nose with gauze or other materials in order to control bleeding after rhinoplasty and help the nose heal properly. This procedure is typically performed on the first day after rhinoplasty.
- Septoplasty – This procedure is intended to correct the shape and position of the nasal septum, which is the cartilage dividing the nose into two nostrils.
Facial plastic surgeries
As mentioned earlier, there are many types of surgeries an otolaryngologist can perform, and some of them can be used to alter the face. Some of the most common include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, and cheek lift.
- Blepharoplasty – This procedure involves removing excess skin from the eyelids and repositioning the muscles. This surgery is typically performed on both upper and lower eyelids and is intended to make the eyes appear more youthful by reducing saggy skin and increasing the curvature of the eyelid.
- Brow lift – This surgery is intended to lift the eyebrows and the midline of the forehead. It involves repositioning the muscles responsible for these actions and is typically performed on people with drooping eyebrows and foreheads due to aging.
- Cheek lift – This procedure is intended to lift the cheeks by repositioning the muscles responsible for lifting the cheeks.
Conclusion
Otolaryngologists are trained to perform many facial surgeries, including rhinoplasty, brow lifts, and cheek lifts. These surgeries can be used to enhance one’s facial features, such as lifting sagging eyebrows or cheekbones or changing the shape of the nose. These surgeries can be used to correct the effects of aging, such as drooping skin around the eyes, or to correct the effects of trauma, such as a broken nose.
