Something Nosy about Rhinoplasty

There is really something nosy about this article. We may admit it or not, but we all want a “perfect” nose. Deciding on a nose job or rhinoplasty is somewhat a major decision in one's life, especially among us Filipinos, as we consider this a life changing decision. Should we get under the knife? Is it really safe? Are there side effects? These are just some of the common questions we are going to shed light on as we continue this piece.

Why are we having Rhinoplasty?

We get a nose job simply because we want to look good . For some it is to raise self-esteem, while others just want their nose to function better. But what we caution is the decision , and it must not be based on one's person's perceived image disorder. It is not a defect, we just want to improve … and we want to look better.

THE PROCEDURE

After the procedure you will experience the following symptoms:

-Mild Bruising and Swelling on cheeks and eye areas - Contour irregularities

-Sensitivity -Pain and discomfort (just 3 days to a week of post surgery)

-Change in smile, stiffness in smile (this again is natural within 2 to 3 days post surgery)

When these things happen, don't be afraid to open up with your surgeon your concerns and dissatisfaction you may be feeling or experiencing. But please bear in mind that you are in the process of healing, and the final outcome of the job can only be judge after a few months. Here at Beaufaces, final result can be seen up to 2 months post surgery.

Be patient

As this is a long process, there will be bruising and swelling as well as a stuffed up feeling, but you should not be alarmed because this is normal, so don't be afraid. The bruises increase or darken as they heal just like any bruise. The swelling may be relieved by icing or cold compress. We will teach you the proper way to ice the swelling. You may ingest a bit of blood during the procedure, but this is completely normal. Some patient report minor nausea or may show signs of breathing through the mouth and feeling “stuffed up”. This may be frustrating to some, but please remember that more than anything else, it is just psychological or it is just all in your mind . Healing period of the wound takes only 7 to 14 days but the total recovery is ranging from as fast as two months to as long as six months. But there are lucky individuals who recover in a matter of two weeks to one month.

Sleeping position

When sleeping, keep your body sideways in a 30-degree-angle. Try stuffing two fluffy pillows in your head. This helps keep the swelling and bruising to a minimum.

After the removal of your cast, be very careful with your nose. Use a very mild cleanser. Do not use anything that may inflame the healing tissues. Be careful also not to use hot water, as it may numb your nose and possibly damage your healing tissues.

The skin will peel

After a week or two, your nasal skin and surrounding areas may peel due to the swelling that may have stretched your skin. Your skin may also feel sunburned from the swelling and nerve injury. While this may not happen to everyone, be emotionally prepared if it does happen to you.

Continuous healing

Although the swelling may be for several months, a large part of the swelling will dissipate within the first 2 weeks to 4 months. Most people will not notice the swelling after a month but you may notice it especially in photos.

After surgery

BEFORE SURGERY		AFTER SURGERY

If you are not satisfied with the results and would like to have revisions, most surgeons will prescribe that you wait at least 9 months before any alteration. But have realistic expectations when you have revision. Don't get depressed as someone else's nose may look good on them but not on your face. Consider this when bringing a photo of a specific nose you may want.

And lastly, you can have the best surgeon but your cartilage may heal completely different than the next patient. Rhinoplasty is very rewarding and even the slightest change can make the difference…in any aspects of your life!

Testimonial:

ONE YEAR	AFTER

Imelda Villanda, 39, Nurse, Las Vegas, USA

I have nothing to say but praise for Beaufaces especially to it surgeon, Dr. Benjie Alonzo, clinic manager Susan, and their staff.

 I've been working so hard for years here in the US, and I thought it was about time that I should reward myself with a special gift, something that I really wanted a long time ago, that is to enhance my nose. Though I'm a confident person, I was quite unhappy about how it looked back then.

 So last December 2004, I went back to the Philippines for a vacation and consulted Dr. Benjie Alonzo. He also did my brother's nose years ago, and honestly, I am very much impressed with the result. I told myself back then that if I'll have my nose done, he's the best surgeon to go to and I'm sure he really knows what I like.

 After my surgery, Doc has even surpassed my expectations! My new nose has made me not only more confident in dealing with people, but also determined to make everyday of my life a happy and meaningful one.

 Thanks Doc! Thanks Beaufaces!

 (Cathy Padol)

2006

 

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DR. BENJAMIN TAN ALONZO: THE AESTHETIC VIRTUOSO

He was the only doctor in the family. He was the favorite son, being the youngest. But he did not get what he wanted in a silver platter. He strived to become a good aesthetic surgeon. Meet Dr. Benjamin Tan Alonzo , the doctor born and raised in Mayon, Quezon City, and now conquering the whole country with his aesthetic virtuoso.

Just like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, Doc Benz (his nickname) lived an exhilarating life, free from grown-up rules. As a young boy, he was very athletic, with dirty feet and hands, black tousled hair, and he has that mischievous yet melting smile that makes little girls giggle. Like any typical male kid, Doc Benz was fond of playing toy cars, toy guns and making paper boats. “Well during my time there were no electronic gadgets, computers, those stuffs…but I am lucky because my hobbies then played a big role towards my interest in science specifically Biological Science. My childhood years were spent on playing spider web games, catching and chasing tadpoles and frogs and playing in the rain.”

Doc Benz added that his interest in the field of science became more evident in his elementary to secondary years. “I was very enthusiastic about conducting experiments. I remember one time I thought of coming out with a chemical that can make insects bigger…so, I mixed left-over shampoos, soaps, detergents and other household cleaners. Funny it didn't work, but the end-product was a very effective insect repellent, though. I was so happy; at least my experiment was useful. Dissecting frogs and insects was also fun, and I received very good grades in it.” 

In fact, Dr. Benz said, one of his teachers acknowledged his effort and told him he would become a successful doctor in the future. Taking this wholeheartedly, he took Medical Technology as a Pre-Med Course in FEU and pursued his postgraduate studies in Medicine at BICOL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE in Ago, Legaspi City. Though the road towards the fulfillment of his dreams was rocky, Dr. Benz avers that all the sacrifices, the time, knowledge and effort he devoted in his studies and up to being a budding doctor, looking back, his heart feels only but contentment. “All paid off in the end. “  

 

Realizing his knack and keen interest in the field of cosmetic surgery, he trained under the supervision of Dra. Corazon Collantes Jose at the De los Santos Hospital in Quezon City, Philippines, and eventually furthered his training at the Jujin Hospital and Inaba Specialist clinic, both in Tokyo, Japan. He also attended and participated in numerous conventions, scientific meetings and post-graduate seminars both in local and international settings.

Dr. Alonzo was the president of Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS) for the year 2004 and 2005, a prestigious and civic-oriented cosmetic surgery group in the country, for which he is also an active faculty member. Likewise, he is the auditor of the Philippine Society of Liposuction Surgery Inc . Moreover, Dr. Alonzo is also a member of various international aesthetic surgery associations' namely American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Asian Pacific Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Japan Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery.

As PAAS President, he improved the reputation of his organization and the impression of cosmetic surgery as a safe and practical way of being beautiful inside and out. He also increased the membership base and improved the competencies of his members by exposing them to different seminars spearheaded by foreign lecturers in cosmetic surgery. He also involved the society in various international conventions to gain worldwide exposure for continuing education and to keep abreast on the latest technologies and techniques in various cosmetic surgery procedures.

 Dr. Alonzo said joining Rotary is also his other way of bringing back his blessings in the medical profession. "I have been an active Rotarian for 15 years. I have so much to thank for to our Lord, this profession has been very good to me and to my family. I believe there is much more than being a cosmetic surgeon. I realized that a lot of our less fortunate countrymen needs more than superficial beauty. And yes, beauty comes form within. When you see a child who once had a harelip, now can already smile after a free surgery, or a beggar who can't chew because he needs a set of denture and now has one; or a poor woman with glaucoma given a free eye check up and reading eyeglass. That's real beauty because you have helped transformed lives of the seemingly helpless. Our club conducts a monthly medical and dental mission. Our recent trips were in Palawan, Marinduque, Sual- Pangasinan and Pampanga."

"We are beautiful, no matter what they say," is certainly not one of Dr. Alonzo's tenets because he espouses the scientific way to becoming beautiful. "I only hope that people (especially here in our country were most are conservative), will be more confident in undergoing cosmetic surgery. I want them to instill in their minds that it's safe and effective."

He added that in the bigger perspective, it could be said that cosmetic surgery helps the economy in general. "There are a lot of balikbayans from various countries and foreigners as well who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures. One of the reasons maybe that cosmetic surgery services is cheaper here. In the same manner, cosmetic surgery helps promote our tourism industry.

  Like any other practice, every cosmetic surgery procedure involves risk. No doctor would want his patient to suffer any infection. There were circumstances that the patient was exposed to dust and dirt after the operation, and someone acquired infection at the hospital, the patient suffered from minor complications. But with Doc Benz' proper management and good relationship with the patient, the problem was remedied and the discomfort that the patient felt disappeared. Moreover, he followed up the patient to be sure that there would be no recurrence or further difficulty.

Since Doc Benz has the professionalism and the patience to explain the intricate details and even the risks involved in every cosmetic procedure, he has already satisfied a thousand of patients. Aside from the financial stability that he gets because of this profession, he also gets his contentment from the friends he has gained in the practice. Moreover, sharing what he earned through active involvement in Rotary Club International, a socio-civic organization, is his way of showing that God blesses you more when you are a blessing to others.

  "I want to be regarded as a cosmetic surgeon with heart and compassion to my colleagues and patients as well. Cosmetic surgery is more of ethics and winning the trust of our patients, that's why I always tell my fellow surgeons that in order to improve the industry we have to make sure that we gain the trust of our patients. I admit competition is very stiff in this profession, but it should be a healthy competition. We must not bicker at each other to preserve the quality and credibility of our profession." Says Dr. Alonzo. back to top

 

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ARCHITECT OF BEAUTY

Cosmetic surgeons can be considered as architects. Architects combine science and art to create a masterpiece in design both functionally and aesthetically. In the same manner, cosmetic surgeons fuse the wonders of medical science to come up with a work of art --- body and mind made beautiful.

In the Philippines, cosmetic surgery evolved and started way back in the 60s where it is only a fare for the rich and famous.

“At first, cosmetic surgery was only applied to the basics, to correct congenital defects like harelip and deformation due to vehicular accidents, “said Dr. Benjamin Tan Alonzo, owner of Beaufaces Cosmetic Surgery and Dermacure Center and president of Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS).

That science was specifically called plastic surgery, but in the 70s, the science evolved into more of enhancing the look of a normal person.

The 80s came and cosmetic surgery became an instant hit in the upper class of society. With at least 500 cosmetic surgeons in the country today, and the advance technology of this industry, it is now accepted not only in the upper class, but among the middle class as well. “We now have modern technologies like digital cameras where patients can foresee the outcome, and the laser equipments make our work easier and faster.”

Top Jobs for Women and Men

Undoubtedly, the top job for cosmetic surgeons is the R hinoplasty or N oselift . “Asian people like Malaysians and Filipinos usually have this done because they are naturally flat-nosed. About 60 to 70% of these patients undergo nasal augmentation by using cartilage or silicon implant. It costs about P20T- P30T per operation.

Blepharoplasty

The method corrects sagging eyelids where the surgeons correct the absence of an eye fold by removing excess fat skin. This is a popular procedure of removing eye bags. “Though this case is prevalent among old people, sagging eyelids is also due to genetics. If it's in your genes that you have it, there is nothing you can do about it not even those magic eye creams can solve it. For such case, we suggest lower blepharoplasty.” This job ranges from P20T-P30T. Slit-eye however, he said, corrects “chinky” eyes by creating a slit in the upper eyelid, thereby making the impression of rounder eyes. “That's why a lot of people undergoing this procedure are those with Chinese descents.” This job ranges also from P20T-P30T.

Facelift

 Facelift is one of the most popular, and is also in-demand among older people. This job involves the removal of excess skin to eliminate wrinkles and create a flawless, younger look. “About 20-40% of our patients avail of this service which costs from P60-P80T.”

Bustlift

One of the most popular among women is breast augmentation. This can be done in two ways either by saline or silicone implant. The first uses saline water while the other uses silicone oil. About 40% of our patients avail of this service which costs from P120-P150T (package cost).”

Penile Lengthening/Enlargement

In men, Dr. Alonzo said the hands-on choice is penile enlargement, undoubtedly due to ego and confidence boosting needs of a man. “Because size does matter,” says Dr. Alonzo, as he helps problematic males cope with effective sex performance through this procedure.

He added that this service is mostly popular among businessmen, but their identities are understandably confidential.

Social Benefits and Limitations

“People try cosmetic surgery due to a handful of reasons. It may be insecurity of not looking good or vanity, as they want to look good all the time, or maybe they need to improve their looks because their jobs require them too. Some people undergo one or two procedures, or even more. Such patient can never be contended with one procedure or even result because the main root of their insecurities is psychological nga baka naman ang kailangan niya ay psychiatrist ‘di kami (cosmetic surgeons). That's why we screen our patients first for psychological evaluation.”

He stressed that there are indeed limitations in cosmetic surgery, its procedures and treatments, so he always inform his patients that he only help improve their features, but it is only God who can totally change them and their outlook towards life. “Even if I am a cosmetic surgeon, I also believe that inner beauty is still very important.”

Ethics and Trust

But more than the economic benefits, Dr. Alonzo points out that cosmetic surgery is more of ethics and winning the trust of their patients. “To improve the industry, we make sure that we gain the trust of our customers. Fellow surgeons must not be bicker at each other, as they must preserve the quality and credibility of the profession.”

It should be healthy competition. It's clean competition as cosmetic surgeons see to out that they improve their craft and their knowledge about the industry without the backbiting.

“We must meet their expectations. Our clients expect us to be the best we can, because there is no take two in cosmetic surgery.”

Patients may complain of botched jobs like disfigurement but these cosmetic surgeons see to it that it is corrected right away.

In the bigger perspective, it can be said that cosmetic surgery helps the economy in general. “There are a lot of balikbayans from various countries, and foreigners as well who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures. One of the reasons maybe is that cosmetic surgery services are cheaper here. In the same manner, cosmetic surgery helps promote our tourism industry. Take for instance my foreigner clients before or after their surgery, they visit our tourist spots here like sa Baguio , Boracay. They pay in dollars by the way!”

Indeed, the field of cosmetic surgery is a growing field with lots of room for improvement and potential. It may not only serve as the architect of beauty, but also an ingredient to spearhead economic progress. back to top