MD News Articles

Rhinoplasty in Houston, Texas Discussed by Dr. Funk in MD News

Houston Nose Job, Nasal Surgery
Functional and Cosmetic Septorhinoplasty – Dr. Funk Nose

There has been a major shift over the last 30 years in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery. Despite today’s minimally invasive techniques, we are actually addressing the nose through a more open or external method. Rhinoplasty in the past was performed predominantly through an endonasal or closed approach. All incisions were on the inside of the nose. This allowed for minimal visualization, difficult graft placement, the possibility for long-term post operative structural instability (leading to nasal airway obstruction), and imprecise surgery.

Today, we are mainly employing an external or open technique for septorhinoplasty where a small incision is made in the mid-columella (the portion of the nose between the nasal tip and the lip), and the skin-soft tissue envelope is dissected free from the cartilaginous and bony framework. This allows for excellent exposure, precise graft placement, and allows the surgeon to make minor refinements otherwise impossible with the closed or endonasal technique. Ultimately, this leads to a more aesthetic result. The nose should easily blend into the face and actually not be noticed. The goal of cosmetic rhinoplasty is to shape and create a nose that blends easily into a patient’s face with a natural unoperated appearance.

This approach is not limited to cosmetic septorhinoplasty. Patients with functional nasal airway obstruction leading to poor breathing and even snoring benefit significantly from this technique. A common misconception is that nasal airway obstruction is due mainly to a deviated nasal septum or enlarged turbinates. In fact, the highest area of resistance is actually at the nasal valve. This can be improved with cartilage grafts from the septum (after it is repaired) that are placed and secured in positions to open this valve. Combined with septoplasty and turbinate reduction, functional rhinoplasty provides a vastly improved nasal airway for patients which can significantly improve their quality of life.

Facelift in Houston, Texas Discussed by Dr. Funk in MD News

Facelift in Houston, Texas with Natural Results

Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Patients interested in facial rejuvenation may have recently seen a photograph or looked in the mirror and realized that their outer appearance does not reflect their inner self. They still have this inner vitality, vigor, and energy, yet this feeling is not apparent externally.

Dr. Funk feels that the goal of surgical facial rejuvenation is to provide an unoperated, more rested, refreshed, and youthful appearance. This type of surgery should not change a person’s visage or identity, but simply and truly makes them appreciate their outer sense of self.

Over the years, much has been learned about the process of facial aging. Surgeons now understand that not every patient’s face ages similarly. Dr. Funk frequently discusses the 3 D’s in regards to facial aging. Descent, Deflation, and skin Deterioration. Surgery is designed to combat the effects of the first D - Descent. New surgical techniques are now employed to provide the greatest aesthetic improvement to each patient depending on their structural changes.

The vertical facelift is a new procedure utilized in those patients who have lost volume in the buccal region of the face and have moderate to severe jowling. The SMAS (Superfical Musculoaponeurotic System), the fascia extending from the facial muscles, is pulled and suspended superiorly from the excessive jowling region into the volume depleted buccal region. This allows a more aesthetically pleasing, rounder, and less pulled appearance to this particular type of patient.

The extended SMAS or deep plane facelift is a procedure used by Dr. Funk to undermine the SMAS significantly to provide for a tension free closure on the skin, enhanced lift, and long-term improvement to the face. This ultimately leads to little to no visible scarring, a desirable aesthetic outcome, and a very happy patient.

Recovery time after surgical facial rejuvenation is a major issue for many patients. With today’s new technology, Dr. Funk is able to minimize recovery time from what used to be 3-6 weeks after a facelift to 1-2 weeks. The use of Arnica Montana, an herbal remedy to reduce bruising, has allowed patients to return to their normal social activities more quickly. The AqueCool™ mask is another device that improves recovery. It is placed on the patient’s face immediately after surgery and passes cool water through the mask which improves post-operative pain control, minimizes bruising, and eliminates the need for those wet, messy, cold compresses.

These new techniques employed by Dr. Funk allow for an improved outcome with decreased downtime. This ultimately results in a happier and more satisfied patient.

Dysport, Botox, Fillers in Houston, TX - Dr. Funk Featured in MD News

Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation

Given the current economic climate and patient desire for little to no downtime, non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures are on the rise. Injectable treatments have become extremely popular for many patients interested in a more refreshed and less tired appearance. However, patients should be aware that these minimally invasive injections do not replace surgery and cannot provide a similar cosmetic result. They do however provide excellent results for those not quite ready for surgery or simply want to complement their surgery. When performed correctly, by a trained professional, these injections can lead to an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Dysport® is an injectable botulinum toxin that was released this year for cosmetic use to compete with Botox®. These injections reduce dynamic wrinkles that may occur between the eyebrows, the forehead, and crow’s feet. Thus far, Dr. Funk has noted similar results with Dysport® compared to Botox®. Many of his patients have been noticing slightly faster onset of action and slightly longer duration with Dysport®. However, Dr. Funk notes that results may vary from patient to patient.

Facial fillers are frequently used by Dr. Funk to combat the second of the three D’s – Deflation. As we age, we begin to lose collagen, elastin, and connective tissues which results in a deflated facial appearance. Dr. Funk frequently utilizes fillers to enhance the volume depleted cheeks or the prejowl region with deep injections. Instead of squirting, he is actually sculpting the face with these fillers as an artist would.

Radiesse® is a fairly new injectable filler that is composed of synthetically made calcium hydroxylapatite. Radiesse® was recently FDA approved to be combined with lidocaine for improved patient tolerability. This filler lasts a little longer than the well-know Restylane® and Juvederm® (Hyaluronic Acid fillers) and is known to stimulate a collagen response for long-term improvement in the region of injection. Dr. Funk prefers to use this filler for his deep sculpting injections and the Hyaluronic Acid fillers for prominent nasolabial folds and superficial passive wrinkles.

New technology continues to emerge at a rapid rate in the area of skin care. Dr. Funk’s last of the 3 D’s is skin Deterioration. This is the finish, the polish, or the paint job after the underlying structure has been enhanced. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Funk is essential to understand your skin care needs and what the best modality of treatment for your skin will be.