Nose for Rhinoplasty

The nose is the focal point of the face. It's among the first features people see, and a major factor in our overall attractiveness. That's why at The Kahn Center for Cosmetic Surgery, rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is among the most important procedures offered. An expert in the field, Dr. David Kahn has been studying, researching and perfecting his rhinoplasty technique since the late 70s and has performed more than 2,000 procedures over the past 20 years. He also offers the lift for flat noses, most commonly seen among Asian patients.

Both medically complex and aesthetically demanding, rhinoplasty is among cosmetic surgery's most challenging procedures. Medically, plastic surgeons should have a thorough understanding of the internal workings of the nose and respiratory systems. He or she should also be a good "face artist" who can create a new nose to fit the patient's vision. Fortunately, Dr. Kahn excels in both areas. A former otolaryngolist (ear, nose and throat doctor), Dr. Kahn is not only medically astute but also artistically inclined. A quick glance at his portfolio reveals a stunning array of photographs of men and women who underwent remarkable physical transformations simply by improving their noses.

And the transformations don't stop there, Dr. Kahn points out. Just last week he had a former rhinoplasty patient tell him that the procedure had changed her life. Not only did she feel more attractive and lovable but also more self-assured and self-confident. Her only regret was not having the procedure performed sooner! Says one of his patients in testimonial, "Not only is Dr. Kahn skilled but talented as well. His work has become an art form; the results of my rhinoplasty exemplify his artistic ability."

Fortunately for Dr. Kahn's patients, rhinoplasty is even easier. After performing more than 2,000 operations, Dr. Kahn has streamlined the procedure to reduce the operation's duration from three hours down to one and all but eliminate any post-operative pain. (In fact, most of his patients aren't prescribed pain medication, treating any discomfort with Tylenol alone.) This is due to Dr. Kahn's evolved technique of operating through a patient's nostrils rather than conducting what is known as "open rhinoplasty." He also uses dissolvable stitches and avoids the painful practice of packing the nose with gauze after the procedure. Though not all nose imperfections can be corrected by using this technique (i.e. nose lifts), Dr. Kahn's simple approach can be used to straighten the nose's bridge, reduce length and/or width and remove bumps.

Founded more than 20 years ago, The Kahn Center for Cosmetic Surgery is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area with offices in San Francisco and Milpitas. The state-of-the-art center offers its own operating room and is fully accredited by the Institute for Medical Quality. In addition to rhinoplasty, it offers the full spectrum of cosmetic services including liposuction, breast augmentation, fat transfers, eyelid surgery, ear pinning, facelifts, chin and cheek implants, laser skin resurfacing and "injectibles" such as Botox® Cosmetic, Restalyane and collagen.

But perhaps one of the center's most popular procedures, outside of rhinoplasty, is neck microsuction. Also known as the Weekend Face Lift due to its relatively short recovery time-a three-day weekend-the procedure is a less invasive alternative to traditional facelifts to reduce jowls and tighten skin beneath the chin. The procedure can also be performed in less than an hour under local anesthesia. Unlike traditional facelifts that require two incisions on either side of the ear, the Weekend Face Lift requires only one-a small incision underneath the chin. Through it, he inserts a thin instrument called a micro cannula. This allows him to perform microliposuction to remove any excess fat. He then uses a special tool called a "scratcher" to scratch the underside of the skin causing it to contract and tighten.

Finally, through this same incision, the hammock-like muscle beneath the chin is tightened resulting in a more defined neckline. In some cases, chin implants can be added to further define the jaw line. While in other cases where the patient's skin is exceptionally loose, a full facelift may be needed to get the desired affect.

The Kahn Center also offers liposuction for men and women struggling with fat bulges, immune to diet and exercise. Typically, women will have their stomach area, hips and thighs done while men will get it to reduce breast size. The surgery generally takes one to two hours and is conducted under general anesthesia.

A native of Michigan, Dr. Kahn received his bachelor's and medical degrees from the University of Michigan prior to coming to California for his internship and residency. In 1978, he founded The Kahn Center for Cosmetic Surgery and, to date, has performed more than 5,000 cosmetic surgery procedures. In addition to being licensed as a cosmetic surgeon, he's board-certified in head and neck surgery, is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and is on the staff of St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco.

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