This is the Ideal You Medical Dictionary. Please click on the letter below to search by alphabet or use the search function to lookup terms.

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Rhinoplasty/Nose surgery - What is a Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the size and shape of the nose, either by increasing or decreasing the bridge, changing the angle, narrowing the nostrils or reshaping the tip. Although many seek a rhinoplasty simply to change the shape of their nose, others may choose nose surgery after a facial injury or to help relieve nasal obstructions. When having surgery to correct such a functional problem, medical insurance may cover a part or all of the surgical costs. Are You a Good Candidate? A rhinoplasty can help change unwanted characteristics of your nose, such as a bump, but it is important to remember that improvement, not perfection, is the goal. The best candidates are healthy individuals with realistic expectations. Although there is no upper age limit for nose reshaping and nasal reconstruction, most surgeons prefer to not operate on younger patients until they have completed their growth spurts  usually in the mid teens for girls and the mid to late teens for boys. A persons social and emotional adjustment is also taken into consideration. This is especially true for teens There are Risks in all Cosmetic Procedures Rhinoplasty is usually a safe procedure with infrequent complications. When performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, this popular procedure can help you achieve your desired new profile. To ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the cosmetic surgeon should be well trained in rhinoplasty techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctors instructions and advice. While complications are unusual, you should discuss the risks and the possible side effects with your doctor. Your surgeon will also discuss the technique he or she intends to use. In a few cases, a second minor corrective surgery may need to be performed to achieve the optimal look. You should have realistic expectations and realize that while most of the change will be apparent within three weeks, the finer refinements may take up to a year. Discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon given your particular circumstances. Before Surgery It is very important to have good communication with your surgeon. During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss what you hope to change about your nose and how you would like your nose to look. Your surgeon will thoroughly assess your nose and facial structure and discuss your options, given the description of your desired nose. Your general health and medical history may also be reviewed. Your surgeon can discuss the expected outcome, as well as timing and type of anesthesia recommended. You will also talk about where the procedure will be performed; the risks and costs involved and answer any questions you may have. Some insurance companies will pay for a rhinoplasty if it is done to correct a nasal obstruction. Check with your insurance company to determine their coverage. Your surgeon will also discuss factors that can influence your surgery and results such as what medication, if any, you should avoid. You may also be asked to stop smoking at least one to two weeks before and after any procedure. Be sure to express any concerns or ask any questions you may have. Although you will be mobile immediately following your rhinoplasty, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help around the house for a day or two. How is it Done? Most rhinoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis and usually take an hour or two depending on the extent of the correction. The procedure is commonly performed under a local or general anesthetic, depending on the patient and surgeon preferences. Different surgeons prefer different surgical techniques. Some surgeons will use a closed technique, where the incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. Others make their incision across the base of the nostrils and nose (the open technique). This technique may be used in more complicated cases, because the surgeon can more easily see the surgical area. In either case, the soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures allowing access to the cartilage and bone. The cartilage and bone are then altered and sculpted into shape. At the same time, internal problems, such as breathing obstructions can be improved by removing the obstruction or changing the shape of the obstructing matter. Also, if the nostrils are too wide, the surgeon can remove a small wedge of skin from the base for a more harmonized look. After Surgery A lightweight splint may be placed on the nose for several days after to help maintain its new shape and for protection. Your surgeon may also use nasal picks inside the nose to stabilize the septum  the dividing wall between the air passages. These will be removed in about two days. After surgery, youre likely to have swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. This will peak and begin to subside after the second or third day. Using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated will help reduce this swelling and it should almost be unnoticeable after two weeks or so. A little bleeding is also common during the first few days. Any bruising will fade after a week or so and discoloration will usually disappear in two or three weeks. Camouflage cosmetics can be used to cover the discoloration after the first day or two. All splints, packing and stitches  if theyre not dissolved  will be removed usually by the end of one week, but they can be removed in up to three weeks, depending on your condition. It is common to experience some nasal stuffiness, particularly if youve had surgery on the septum. It may be a week or two before your surgeon will allow you to gently blow your nose. Youll need to be careful not to hit or jar your nose, or allow it to sunburn for at least eight weeks while your nose continues to heal. Although for two to three weeks you should avoid any strenuous activity that raises your blood pressure, your surgeon will determine when you can resume this type of activity given your particular case. Youll also need to avoid wearing glasses for a few weeks until your nose is completely healed. In your follow-up visits over the months following your rhinoplasty, your surgeon will check your healing process. The New You Even though your new nose may be hidden under some bruises and swelling at first, youll soon see your terrific new profile. Remember, healing is a gradual process. Most of the swelling will subside after the first week or two, although it may take up to a year to see the final results. Be sure to protect your nose and enjoy your new look for the years to come. And always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and keep a youthful look.

Resin-bonded Bridge - A thin metal or glass fiber-reinforced bridge which requires slight or no reduction of anchor teeth.

Root Canals - There are tiny canals within your tooth that may become infected. This leads to the pulp inside your tooth also becoming infected as well. Either your dentist or an endodontist to remove any infection performs the root canal procedure. The canals are cleaned and then filled and the tooth receives either a filling or a crown.

Rubber Dam - A thin rubber sheet applied to teeth to control moisture during dental procedures.

Rhytidectomy/Facelift - The term rhytidectomy is derived from the Latin word rhytid, which means wrinkle, and ectomy, which means removal of; thus, rytidectomy-commonly known as facelift surgery-is the removal of lax skin. These wrinkles can be related to age, hereditary or environmental factors. Not everyone ages at the same rate. A great deal of the aging process relates to your tissues and what you do to care for them. There is no magical age to make the decision to have a facelift. The appropriate time to have a consultation is when you no longer like what the mirror tells you. This may be in your 30s or your 80s. A facelift is considered to be a major operative procedure. Like any extensive surgical procedure, operative incisions and complicated surgical stitching is required. Contrary to popular belief and despite some newspaper and magazine articles, this is not as simple as having your hair set or a facial. Also, contrary to some non-medical reports, it is not possible to remove all the folds and eliminate all the wrinkles of the face, regardless of the treatment applied. You must accept your cosmetic surgeon's judgment and realize that he will only remove the skin of the face that can be done safely and suitable for you particular facial contour. The facelift procedure can improve wrinkled skin, but skin type and patient age are important factors in the final result. ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? The facelift can do more than improve the appearance of facial skin. It can also be a tremendous boost to a person's self-esteem. While there is no "right" age to undergo rhytidectomy, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the condition of your skin and may discuss alternate or additional treatments with you. In combination with a facelift, other procedures may be performed including: eyelid surgery; forehead lift; facial implants; partial chemical peel; laser resurfacing; Botox; lip enhancement; chin augmentation; nose reshaping or liposuction. It is important for all patients considering a facelift to have realistic expectations. People commonly ask, "How long will it last?" This is impossible to state, as there are many factors involved-the amount of skin removed; age and condition of the patient; skin type, as well as its condition and texture; amount of previous sun and wind exposure as well as healing ability. Skin aging continues after this operation, even though the excess skin and wrinkles have been removed. On rare occasions, a minor secondary procedure may be advisable. The operation does not stop the aging process. THERE ARE RISKS IN ALL SURGICAL PROCEDURES There are risks in every surgical procedure and these will be thoroughly discussed with you prior to surgery. This procedure will result in some scarring. The experienced cosmetic surgeon will make every reasonable effort to make these scars as inconspicuous as possible. Some blood may accumulate under the skin. Your doctor can remove this. A minor crust may appear on the incisions; however, this is a temporary problem. Slight numbness may be noted around the ears, cheeks and incision areas. This, also, should be temporary. Infection and areas of skin or hair loss are possible, but uncommon. Nerve damage is a rare occurrence. Today, there are new innovations and techniques that help to make the final results safer, longer lasting and appear more natural. BEFORE SURGERY Patients are instructed not to smoke for two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery. Smoking can delay healing and cause complications. Prior to the operation, the patient is instructed to shampoo with surgical soap. This is done at home the night before and, again, at the surgical site on the morning of surgery. You may be requested to take some medicines before your surgery. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing compounds for two weeks before or two weeks after your surgery. At the first sign of hives or rash, discontinue all medication and call your physician immediately. A facelift may be performed in an outpatient facility or in a hospital setting, under general or local anesthesia. In some cases, the operation may be performed on an outpatient basis and the patient returns home following the procedure. Other physicians may hospitalize the patient for one to two nights. Rhytidectomy may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility. Within the first week you may experience minimal discomfort, but most patients can and should resume normal activities. Be sure to follow your cosmetic surgeon's advice to ensure a satisfactory outcome. AFTER YOUR SURGERY Immediately after surgery, bandages are placed about the head and face for 24 hours. A scarf may be worn to cover stitches until they are removed. Keep bandages and incisions dry until sutures are removed. Ask your physician when you can bathe or shower. Patients can expect some swelling of the face and eyelids and some discoloration is common with any type of facial surgery. This is most notable on the second and third days and diminishes in approximately 12 days. This also depends on your type of skin, age and healing ability. Your physician will prescribe pain medication. Take all medication exactly as ordered. The patient is encouraged to report to the surgeon any significant pain not readily relieved with pain pills or if minor bleeding, redness or other drainage is noted around the incisions. It is not uncommon to feel some postoperative depression after major surgery. Make-up may be applied over the skin of the face up to the edge of the surgical scars approximately seven to 14 days following surgery. No hair coloring or stripping should be performed until your cosmetic surgeon gives permission. Other coiffure procedures may be carried out approximately two weeks following surgery. Do not allow anyone to pull on your hair or roughly massage the scalp. A hair dryer, if used, should be set at medium to cool heat. This is important if any numbness, especially around the ears or temples, is noted. Do not wear earrings until sensation has returned to your earlobes. Social activities may be temporarily limited. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Your physician may ask you to remain within traveling distance of the doctor's office for approximately two weeks. Post-surgical questions should be directed to your cosmetic surgeon. It is unwise for you to accept advice from individuals unfamiliar with your specific operation. Call your surgeon if any medical problems arise. THE NEW YOU Remember that healing is a gradual process and it may be several weeks before you will begin to see the new you. After the healing period is complete, a facelift can make you look younger, and improve your self-confidence.

Rhytid - A skin wrinkle. From the Greek rhytis, meaning wrinkle.