Rhinoplasty

The purpose of rhinoplasty:

• to improve the character of the nose;
• to completely or partially reshape the nasal pyramid;
• if necessary, to correct breathing problems of the nose
• with the assistance of an ENT specialist.

The problem to be treated may be congenital or the result of an accident, surgery or ageing. The procedure can be performed from the age of 18, when growth has stopped.

Consultation

During a personal consultation with our plastic surgeon, your ideas will be discussed in detail:

• our specialist will explain the possibilities;
• It will be clarified whether you want an aesthetic change or whether your health condition (e.g. breathing through your nose, snoring, frequent headaches, etc.) requires an intervention;
• Our plastic surgeon will also ask you if you have had surgery or inflammation of the sinuses in the past;
• An ear, nose and throat examination is always required before rhinoplasty.

The surgery

Rhinoplasty can create the right facial harmony by changing the shape and size of the nose. Due to individual circumstances, our plastic surgeon will perform the desired procedure using a variety of techniques.

The surgery is performed under surgical conditions, under general anaesthesia. In the case of minor anomalies, intravenous sedation (general anaesthesia) with local anaesthesia is also possible. The type of anaesthesia is discussed with our plastic surgeon, anaesthesiologist and you.

• Depending on its complexity, the operation can last from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
• During a rhinoplasty, our specialist will make tiny incisions in the nostrils at the attachment of the nasal flaps or above the upper lip (visible scars will remain small).
• Through these incisions, he transforms the bony cartilaginous structure that defines the unique shape of the nose.
• The surgery can involve a number of changes: it is possible to reduce the size of the nose, straighten it, remove bumps, reshape the nasal tip, remove nasal septal deviation or reduce the nasal concha.
• After the nose has been corrected, our plastic surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and plugs the nostrils with a tampon. Then, an external bandage is applied and a plaster/plastic/metal splint is moulded (aligned) to your nose, which you will need to wear for the length of time you specify.
• The nature of the surgery usually requires close hospital attention and you may return home the next day.

The tampon is usually removed 1 day after the procedure. You will not be able to breathe through your nose for the first few days.

The overall recovery varies from person to person, as your general condition and activity level before the operation will have a big influence on the speed of recovery. The splint is removed on the 7th day after surgery. With a balanced lifestyle and careful, gradual movement, you should be able to return to your normal routine and work in 10 to 20 days.

To ensure a speedy recovery, please note the following:

• for the first few months, lie on your back and lift your pillow;
• for the first week, we recommend a light (pulpy), non-bloating diet;
• During the first weeks, drink only non-carbonated fluids;
• avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, saunas for 4-6 weeks;
• gentle, gradual exercise is possible from 3 months after surgery.

During this time it is perfectly natural to experience the following:

• a feeling of tightness around the nose;
• nasal congestion;
• swelling around the nose and eyes;
• bruising around the eyes.

Possible complications

Post-operative complications are very rare, but it is worth being aware of the following possible complications:

• bleeding: may occur in the first hours after surgery but is usually mild. If bleeding still persists, additional cotton wool may be used, but
• you may also need to return to the operating theatre;
• haematomas: if they are too painful or too large, they may need to be removed;
• infection: although the presence of bacteria in the nostril is natural, it is very rare;
• abnormal scarring: this may only apply to external scars (if any) and is rarely a problem that requires a second procedure;
• scarring: rarely occurs on the skin and may be caused by the splint. Minor wounds heal spontaneously without trace, but very rare skin necrosis leaves a scar;
• nasal mucous membrane damage may occur rarely;
• asymmetry, unevenness.

The final shape will be fully visible 1 year after the procedure. The often shamed shape of the nose or the elimination of breathing difficulties takes a huge burden – cosmetic and health – off our patients’ shoulders. Through surgery:

• Improved well-being and self-confidence;
• their nose becomes more aesthetically pleasing;
• breathe more easily (especially in the case of nasal septum scarring);
• scars are hardly visible.