Rhinoplasty (Nose correction)

The nose is the most prominent feature of the face and represents a major factor in defining face balance and harmony.

Where the nose is disproportionate against the other face features, the general appearance could be compromised. In most of the cases nose features are the result of the heredity. Sometimes nose changes are the result of trauma occurred subsequently. If you are uncomfortable with the size or with the shape of your nose, cosmetic surgery could be the ideal solution. In general, rhinoplasty improves nose proportions by rebuilding face shapeliness and by restoring self confidence.

Total rhinoplasty means correction of all nose structure, including cartilaginous and bone structures.

Partial rhinoplasty means correction only of cartilaginous structures and assumes a shorter period of recovery than total rhinoplasty.

Per primam rhinoplasty is usually done through the closed practice, where all sections are inside the nostrils and there is no external scar.

In case repeated procedures at the nose level, corrections could be made either through another closed rhinoplasty but mostly though an opened rhinoplasty, the practice based on opened access through minimum and less visible section.

The opened technique is chosen also when is need it to have a very good and fine access to the top of the nose, where the work to modulated the cartilages has to be very subtle and correct.

Frequently asked questions

What does aesthetic surgery of the nose mean?

Aesthetic surgery of the nose or rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure that improves nose shape.
This practice is used to model:

nose size to match face equilibrium
nose width
nose profile, with cu dents or depressions of the nose pyramid
nose tip
nostrils size
nose asymmetry

These features are generally caused by the heredity or by various traumas occurred at this level. The other face structures and in particular a small chin, volume missing cheeks or lack of prominence of the inferior maxillary contribute also to the asymmetry of face proportions. In these cases nose surgery is practiced in combination with the face implant.

This procedure is also applied when airways are obstructed. It is required that the surgery time is chosen after the development process stopped.

The candidates for this procedure are:

persons with good health condition
non-smokers
persons with positive attitude and well informed about the possible results

What should I begin with?

The consultation with the plastic surgeon is the first step to get the expected information.
This consists of:

Discussions about the case and its evaluation
Types of procedures
Period of recovery and potential risks and complications
Surgeon recommendations in your case

What does the evaluation consist of?

The general health condition has an increased impact on rhinoplasty results. This will be carefully evaluated.

You will be asked about your medical history, about other procedures you have suffered, about allergies and drug treatments administered.

Which risks could occur?

The decision to consult a plastic surgeon and compliance with his/her instruction constitute a significant step in minimizing the risks of these procedures.

What does the actual procedure consist of?

Rhinoplasty is an individual procedure that considered features specific to each and every face.
Your surgeon will evaluate the case and will describe the potential surgical procedures.

These procedures could improve:

The alteration of the nose pyramidal shape
Reduction of nose size and thickness
Remodeling nose tip
Nostrils width and size reduction
Adjustment of the angle between the nose and the superior lip

If you wish to have a very symmetric nose you must consider that each face shows a certain asymmetry degree. This is the reason for which the nose that you have to wish for is to most suitable for your face.
The airway unblocking procedure is also very customized; it requires a careful evaluation of nose structure, airways and breathing.

What do the preparations for surgery consist of?

Your surgeon will explain you about what the recommended surgery procedure consists of.

You will also receive some pre-surgery guidelines that include:

Pre-surgery views, medication and clinical and paraclinical tests
Specific information about the anesthesia
Medication after the surgery

The risks associated to this procedure are contagious or bleeding at this level. Nose surgery is a procedure where the aesthetic appearance is not predictable and in some case a second procedure might be needed to obtain the expected result.

The surgery takes place in a surgery room under general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon and room nurses will offer you the comfort and the security you need throughout the procedure.

What does the period after the surgery consist of?

At the end of the procedure you will be applied on the nose a metallic, plastic or plaster splinter and a special dressing.

You will receive instructions that include:

The medication that will help healing and will reduce the potential infections
The next consultation with your surgeon

What does the healing process consist of?

Initial post surgery symptoms could be: edema, ecchymosis, headaches and discomfort, which could be controlled through specific medication and cold local applications.

Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head at a level higher than the rest of your body, during day and night, until local edema disappears. It is possible to resume normal easy activities as soon as you'll feel able to. Usually nose dressing and splints are removed in the first week, but sometimes the splints must be worn up to three weeks.

The use of make-up could hide ecchymosis and skin irritations at this level. The healing process continues for many weeks following the surgery. The UV protective creams are recommended.

A permanent protection is required against potential trauma that might occur at this level for a period of not less than 4 to 5 months.

When are the final results obtained?

It is considered that after approximately one year we will have the final result of the procedure.

In general, rhinoplasty results are permanent; however, nose cartilages, which are the basic support of the nose, are in a continuous process of remedy and this is the reason for which the result could change in time.

Although the treatment is very efficient, 1% of the patients do not obtain the results they want!

▼ Facial Surgery

Your face is the only part of your body you can't hide with clothes.