Areas of Expertise

Surgeries and Procedures

Dr. Fernando Krebs

OTOLARYNGOLOGIST (ENT)

A specialty that traditionally deals with diseases of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). It encompasses other areas such as sleep medicine and cervicofacial surgery.

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

The field of practice for Otorhinolaryngologists trained in facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty, otoplasty, application of botulinum toxin, among others.

CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

A medical subspecialty that includes the treatment of congenital or acquired deformities of the face, facial traumas, temporomandibular joint disorders, and also skeletal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

FUNCTIONAL NOSE SURGERY

Nasal obstruction is a very common complaint in the general population. With a detailed assessment by an Otorhinolaryngologist, it is possible to detect the cause of the problem, which includes deviated nasal septum, hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates (“spongy tissue”), weakness in the supporting cartilage of the nasal pyramid, enlargement of the adenoids, chronic sinusitis with or without polyps, and even some tumors. Thus, every chronic nasal obstruction symptom should be investigated and treated, either through clinical or surgical means. Additionally, when the culprit is a deviated nasal septum, deviations of the external nose (“crooked nose”) may occur, and in these cases, treatment may be recommended to improve both nasal obstruction and the shape of the nose.

OTOPLASTY

Otoplasty is the plastic surgery of the ears, which includes the correction of the well-known “bat ears” but also addresses the treatment of other congenital or acquired deformities in the ears, such as the “torn earlobe,” for example. It can be performed on children from the age of 6 and on adults, with the difference that in the latter, the procedure can be done solely with local anesthesia, with or without sedation, while in the pediatric age group, general anesthesia is generally required. Discharge is on the same day, and an elastic bandage should be worn to protect and maintain the ears in position.

BOTULINUM TOXIN

The use of botulinum toxin in medical practice is extensive, with applications in the fields of aesthetic medicine, neurological disorders, and chronic pain. The aesthetic benefit of using the toxin stems from its ability to relax muscles, as excessive and prolonged contraction of certain muscles leads to changes such as forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes. When using botulinum toxin for the control of chronic facial pains such as migraines, tension headaches, and temporomandibular dysfunction, in addition to its myorelaxant mechanism, studies show the toxin’s role in inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters related to pain and pro-inflammatory agents in nerve terminals. Therefore, when correctly applied to key “trigger points,” it can reduce the intensity of pain crises and attenuate the severity of painful episodes. Whether for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes in pain management, the effect of botulinum toxin can last for about 6 months, with a reassessment and potential reapplication needed.

RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and challenging surgeries. Being located in the center of the face, the nose draws attention and is often a source of dissatisfaction for individuals. Therefore, every precaution must be taken to ensure that the surgical outcome is harmonious and suitable for each person, considering the aesthetic analysis of their face. It is a highly detailed procedure in which the postoperative results cannot be accurately predicted, meaning that outcomes may be limited, taking into account factors such as the patient’s ethnicity, skin type, proper postoperative care, and the healing process of each individual. Hence, it is essential to align expectations between what the surgeon believes is achievable and what the patient envisions as an ideal satisfactory result. All of this can and should be discussed during preoperative consultations. Another noteworthy aspect is nasal breathing: during the procedure, the surgeon plays a role in correcting any pre-existing nasal obstruction or preventing obstruction as a consequence of the surgical act. Entrust your rhinoplasty to a physician who values both the form and function of the nose!

SLEEP APNEA

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has been the subject of many studies in recent years. It is linked to other health conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Its primary clinical manifestation is snoring, but it can also present with excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, headaches, and fatigue upon waking, among other symptoms. Thus, with the correct diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to alleviate or resolve its symptoms and often have a beneficial impact on associated conditions, including high blood pressure, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke. There are various treatment modalities, depending on the patient’s profile, the severity of obstructive events (detected by polysomnography), and existing comorbidities.

MENTOPLASTY - CHIN IMPLANT

In cases where patients have normal dental occlusion but exhibit a suboptimal relationship between the chin and the rest of the face, a surgical procedure on the chin may be recommended to make changes in the anteroposterior or vertical direction or to correct lateral asymmetries. The standard procedure is mentoplasty, which involves repositioning the chin bone (the most anterior and inferior part of the mandible) and securing it with a small titanium plate. Another alternative is the placement of a synthetic material prosthesis in the chin region, a less invasive procedure that can also yield very satisfactory results. Both procedures are performed through an incision inside the mouth, leaving no external scars. Additionally, they can be done with local anesthesia combined with sedation, and discharge is on the same day as the procedure.