Rhinoplasty – Nose surgery

In principle, rhinoplasty takes place under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, local anesthesia under sedation may be sufficient. The choice of the technique will be made between you, your anesthesiologist and your surgeon.

A consultation with your anesthesiologist will take place a few days before your procedure.

Your surgeon will adapt his technique accordingly to the needed corrections.

The incisions are most often made inside the nostrils or under the upper lip to keep the scars invisible. When an external incision is required, for example if one needs to reduce the size of the nostrils, it can be made through the columella (pillar separating the two nostrils) or at the base of the nose.

The osteo-cartilaginous infrastructure can be shaped according to the desired goal: narrow a too wide nose, remove a bump or a deviation, refine the tip of the nose or shorten it if it is too long. Sometimes cartilage or bone grafts will be used to fill a depression, support a portion of the nose or improve the shape of the tip.

The incisions are then closed with small absorbable sutures. The nasal cavities are filled with different absorbent materials. A shaping bandage is attached to the surface of the nose and reinforced with a molded splint for support and protection.

Depending on the surgeon and the extent of the improvements to be made, the operation can last from 45 minutes to two hours, or even more exceptionally.

The aftermath of rhinoplasty is generally painless. The inability to breathe because of the dressings is the main discomfort during the first postoperative days.

An edema (swelling) , sometimes accompanied by ecchymoses (bruises) will appear. Its importance and duration vary from one individual to another. It is recommended to rest and avoid any physical effort the days following the procedure.

Nasal obstructions are removed between the 1st and 5th postoperative day. The splint is removed between the 5th and 8th day, replaced by smaller and more comfortable one for a few more days.

The nose will still be swollen due to the edema and respiratory discomfort will remain. The situation will gradually improve, allowing the return to a normal socio-professional life after about 10 to 20 days. Sports and intense physical activities should be avoided during the first 3 months.

The result is appreciable after a period of two to three months. However, the final state will only be achieved after six months to a year of a slow and subtle evolution.

The intervention generally brings a significant morphological and aesthetic improvement as well as a significant psychological benefit.

The goal of this surgery is to bring an improvement and not to achieve perfection. If your wishes are realistic, the result should give you great satisfaction.