Nose surgery/Rhinoplasty
The nose significantly defines the facial appearance. A disproportionate, hooked, wide, bulbous, crooked, bumpy, asymmetrical, or irregularly shaped nose can often lead to dissatisfaction and low self-confidence. Even minor adjustments to the nose can bring harmony and a more refined look to the face. There are three types of nose surgeries: tip rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and rhinoseptoplasty, depending on whether the procedure involves correcting the tip of the nose, shortening the nose length, narrowing the nostrils, or removing a nasal hump.
Why is nose correction performed?
Rhinoplasty, or nose correction, is performed to address nasal injuries, resolve breathing problems caused by a deviated septum, and for aesthetic reasons. When the reasons are purely aesthetic, it is recommended to wait until the nasal bones have finished growing. This typically occurs around the age of 15 for girls and 18 for boys.
What preparation is needed for nose correction surgery?
Comprehensive preoperative preparation is conducted at our clinic and is included in the price. This includes:
- Laboratory tests: complete blood count, basic biochemistry with coagulation factors, blood group, and Rh factor.
- Internal medicine and cardiology evaluation with ECG.
- Clinical evaluation by an anesthesiologist.
If you are a smoker, it is essential to stop smoking several weeks before and after the surgery, as smoking negatively affects circulation and the wound-healing process, thereby prolonging recovery time. If you are taking aspirin, vitamin C, or other supplements, you should discontinue their use seven days before the procedure. At the same time, you will need to start taking anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
It is important to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 6–8 hours before the scheduled surgery. You must remove any regular or gel nail polish from your fingernails, as well as all makeup, piercings, and jewelry. Avoid applying cream to your face for 4–6 hours prior to the operation.
You should bring personal hygiene items, a photo ID (such as an ID card or passport), complete medical documentation, and any medications that are part of your chronic therapy.
How is nose correction performed?
The most critical part of the nose correction process is the consultation, during which the patient explains the specific issues they wish to address through surgery. During this session, preoperative markings are also made. It is essential for the surgeon to understand whether there are functional problems, such as difficulty breathing caused by allergies or nasal deviation, or if the patient seeks a purely aesthetic intervention. If you desire a more proportionate nose that complements your facial features, a detailed discussion with the doctor will outline what can be achieved using appropriate surgical techniques for your case. Photographs of the nose are taken from multiple angles to compare the surgical results with the preoperative condition.
Nose correction surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Tip refinement surgery
Tip refinement surgery involves modifying the nasal cartilage to simultaneously enhance both the function and appearance of the nose. This procedure can adjust the tip by shortening or elongating it, correcting a “hooked” nose, straightening a tip that deviates to one side, or narrowing a bulbous nose. Two surgical techniques can be applied:
- Closed technique: Incisions are made on the inside of the nasal mucosa.
- Open technique: An incision is made along the columella, the small area under the nasal tip that connects the nostrils.
Depending on the desired outcome, cartilage in this part of the nose can be removed, shortened, or reshaped, along with adjustments to the overlying skin. The procedure concludes with immobilizing the nasal bone and cartilage using specialized tampons and suturing.
Patients with thick, oily skin on the nasal tip often achieve less dramatic results compared to those with thin, dry skin, which typically yields more pronounced aesthetic outcomes.
The surgery takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on its complexity. Patients are usually discharged home after one day in the hospital. Sutures and the protective nasal splint are removed seven days after the operation.
Septoplasty
The primary goal of septoplasty is to correct the septum, or nasal partition, when it is deformed. Such deformities can lead to changes in the nasal mucosa, increased secretion, and nasal obstruction, often causing the patient to rely on mouth breathing.
Common reasons for septoplasty include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Headaches caused by sinus inflammation
- Snoring and sleep apnea
Septoplasty involves shortening and repositioning the nasal septum by adjusting the cartilage and nasal bone to achieve a central alignment. The incision is usually made inside the nose, although in some cases, it may also be made between the nostrils. The nasal structure is then stabilized using specialized tampons. Externally, a splint and adhesive strips are applied to maintain the nose’s position.
Tampons are typically removed within 3–5 days, while the compressive splint and adhesive strips are removed after 7 days.
The operation takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Patients are monitored for several hours post-surgery and are usually discharged the same day.
Rhinoseptoplasty
Rhinoseptoplasty combines two surgical interventions in one procedure—aesthetic surgery to enhance the nose’s shape and appearance, and septoplasty to address physiological issues caused by a deviated nasal septum.
The reasons for rhinoseptoplasty are the same as those for septoplasty, with the added purpose of aesthetic correction. The aesthetic aspect of rhinoseptoplasty can address:
- Humped nose (rhinokyphosis)
- Crooked nose (rhinoscoliosis)
- Overly long nose (macrorhinia)
- Wide nose (pachyrhinia)
- Concave or saddle nose (rhinolordosis)
Two techniques can be used:
- Closed technique: Incisions are made inside the nose along the mucosa.
- Open technique: An incision is made along the columella, beneath the nasal tip, connecting the nostrils.
In addition to repositioning the nasal septum and aligning the cartilage and bone to a central position, the nose is reshaped to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. Incisions are usually made inside the nose, though occasionally between the nostrils. The structure is stabilized with specialized tampons, and externally, a splint and adhesive strips are applied.
- Tampons: Removed within 3–5 days.
- Splint and adhesive strips: Removed after 7 days.
The operation lasts 2–3 hours. Patients are monitored for a few hours post-surgery and are typically discharged on the same day.
Recovery after nose correction surgery
Immediately after surgery, patients are typically given pain medication in the form of pills or injections. A blood-tinged nasal discharge may occur during the first few days. Swelling and bruising around the eyelids and face are most pronounced in the first 2–4 days but usually subside completely within 10–14 days. The application of cold compresses is recommended. During the first two weeks, patients should breathe through their mouth and sleep with their head elevated on a high pillow for at least one month.
For the first 7 days, patients should avoid showering with hot water to prevent steam from causing the displacement of tampons or the compression mask, as this must be avoided at this stage.
In the first month:
- Do not blow your nose. Using nasal sprays can help clear the nasal passages of clots and scabs, easing breathing.
- Avoid intense physical activity.
- Refrain from wearing clothing that must be pulled over the head.
- Do not wear glasses.
- Eat soft, pureed, or mashed foods, and be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with a disinfectant solution after every meal.
Risks after nose surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding and infection. However, these risks are minimized when the procedure is performed in a completely sterile operating room by an experienced surgeon adhering to strict protocols.
Before and After
FAQ
When can I expect to see the final results of the surgery?
The final results of rhinoplasty become visible once the swelling fully subsides, typically after several months.
Is the surgery painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, which can be easily managed with prescribed pain medication
How long does recovery take?
Recovery typically takes from 10 to 14 days, after which patients can resume most of their normal activities.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic and functional surgical procedure that corrects the size, shape, or position of the nose, often addressing issues like a deviated septum or difficulty breathing.
Who can be a candidate for rhinoplasty?
Candidates are individuals over the age of 18, when nasal development is complete. Rhinoplasty is performed for aesthetic or medical reasons, such as a deviated septum, nasal asymmetry, or wide nostrils.
How is nose surgery performed?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon may use an open or closed technique depending on the goals of the procedure. It typically lasts 2–3 hours.
What issues can rhinoplasty address?
- A large or crooked nose
- A nasal hump
- Wide nostrils
- A deviated septum
- Nose reconstruction after injuries
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Yes, combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty (rhinoseptoplasty) is often performed to improve nasal function in cases of breathing difficulties.
Are scars visible after nose surgery?
With closed rhinoplasty, scars are internal and invisible. In the open technique, the scar at the nasal base is minimal and becomes almost imperceptible over time.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
No, it is not recommended to combine rhinoplasty with other procedures until the patient has fully recovered from the surgery.
Is there a non-surgical nose correction?
Yes, non-surgical nose correction uses dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, to make minor changes to the nose shape without surgery.
