Nose – Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to reshape or modify the shape of the nose to improve appearance or breathing function, using several techniques: hyaluronic acid injections or surgery for permanent results.

In some cases, rhinoplasty is considered reconstructive plastic surgery. This occurs when the procedure is primarily aimed at correcting functional problems of the nose, such as severe nasal obstructions due to deviations of the nasal septum or congenital malformations. In such cases, rhinoplasty is performed to restore the patient’s normal respiratory function, and therefore falls within the scope of reconstructive plastic surgery.

Motivations for rhinoplasty can vary, but common reasons include improving aesthetic appearance (hump, deviations, unsightly tip, etc.), correcting functional problems of the nose, or a combination of both.

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are generally healthy adults who have realistic expectations of the results of the procedure. An evaluation by a cosmetic surgeon is necessary to determine eligibility.

Preservation rhinoplasty, also known as tissue-preserving rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic nose surgery technique that aims to preserve as much of the nose’s natural anatomical structure as possible. Unlike other types of rhinoplasties, which sometimes involve the extensive removal of cartilage or bone tissue, preservation rhinoplasty focuses on subtly modifying and preserving the existing structure of the nose to achieve aesthetic results while retaining functionality and with superior stability of outcome. It is often used for adjustments such as the correction of bumps or irregularities, while avoiding significant alteration of the structure of the nose. This can lead to faster recovery and more natural results. However, the feasibility of this approach depends on the initial structure of each nose and the objectives of the surgery. 

Post-operative pain is generally well manageable with medication. Most patients experience discomfort and pressure rather than intense pain.

Yes, most of the time we use nasal swabs that allow you to breathe through your nose after the procedure.

After rhinoplasty, it’s important to follow the plastic surgeon’s instructions to ensure optimal healing. The aftermath of rhinoplasty can vary from person to person, but here’s generally what you can expect:

• Pain and Swelling: you may experience pain, swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes for the first few days. This will gradually diminish. Bruising usually disappears completely after 2 weeks.
• Plasters and casts: a cast or nasal plaster is placed to maintain the shape of the nose during healing. It is removed after about a week.
• Sutures: Internal sutures fall out spontaneously after a few days. External sutures are removed after a week.
• Respiratory discomfort: Despite the silicone pads that let you breathe, you may have some difficulty breathing through your nose for a while due to the internal swelling. This will gradually improve over the weeks.

The final results of rhinoplasty can take several months, even up to a year, as the nose needs to stabilize and the swelling gradually disappear.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is an advanced surgical technique that uses an ultrasonic device (piezotome) to sculpt and reshape the nasal bones very precisely, while preserving the surrounding soft tissue. Although considered a gentler surgical technique, it requires more tissue detachment and a slightly longer operating time.

We usually make a 3D simulation of your new nose. It’s a communication tool that helps us understand your expectations and explain the various modifications to be made. This is not a promise of results, as they depend on a number of factors. We can also show you before-and-after photos of previous patients to give you a realistic idea of possible results. A photo gallery is also available on our website.

Cosmetic surgery involves surgical intervention to alter the structure of the nose, while aesthetic medicine offers non-surgical solutions, such as filler injections, for less invasive corrections.