Nose surgery, rhinoplasty

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is used to correct the nasal passages and shape of the nose or to restore the correct proportions and aesthetic appearance of the nose. Minor nose surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia.

To whom is nose surgery suitable for?

Typical reasons for seeking nose surgery include abnormal appearance, either congenital or caused by injury or illness. Abnormal nose structure can cause a mechanical obstruction to airflow.

Humans normally breathe through their nose. The nose moistens and cleans the air that enters the lungs and prevents respiratory tract infections. Narrow nasal passages increase susceptibility to infections, impair physical performance and sleep quality, and may be one of the causes of sleep apnea.

When breathing, air enters through the front of the nose. Therefore, narrowing caused by structural abnormalities in the angle between the nasal septum and the side wall is one of the most significant causes of nasal congestion. Unfortunately, even today, the treatment often offered to patients is septoplasty, which does not correct the front of the nose. Rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, on the other hand, corrects the front of the nose, the septum, and the turbinates.

People who seek surgery for cosmetic reasons usually want to change the shape and proportions of their nose, which they consider abnormal, to a more conventional and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The most common requests are straightening, removal of a hump, narrowing of the tip and base of the nose, and reduction of the nostrils. Procedures that enlarge the nose include raising the bridge of a saddle nose and correcting a parrot-like nose tip by lengthening and tapering it.

Planning for nose surgery begins at the surgeon's office. Based on the patient's wishes, the doctor draws up a preliminary surgical plan, which explains what changes need to be made to achieve the desired result and what is possible. The final surgical plan is reviewed with the help of images before the procedure begins. Corrections often involve changing the proportions of the nose or face. The nose may appear large if the lower jaw is small. In such cases, the correct correction may be to enlarge the tip of the lower jaw, for example with an implant. Therefore, the nose and face should be viewed as a whole during the planning stage, and in most cases it is advisable to perform all necessary corrections in the same operation.

How is nose surgery performed?

Minor nose surgeries can be performed under local anaesthesia, but more extensive procedures usually require general anesthesia. The surgical incision is made between the nostrils on the inside, making it very inconspicuous.

Surgery is used to modify the existing cartilage and bone structures of the nose according to a pre-determined plan. The modified structures are supported by cartilage grafts, which are usually taken from the nasal septum. The shape of the cartilage at the tip of the nose can be changed by suturing.

How should I prepare for the surgery and follow-up care?

You can usually go home on the day of the surgery or the following day at the latest. The length of the sick leave depends on the extent of the surgery. The splint and tape on the nose will be removed one week after the surgery. The normal recovery time is about three weeks, during which swelling and bruising may occur. The nose may also be congested for a few weeks, in which case you can use moisturizing sprays. The appearance of the final result often changes over the course of a year as the scar softens. The hardness and roundness gradually decrease, sensation returns, the tip of the nose descends, and the nasal bone settles into place.

The results of nose surgery are very long-lasting. Changes that occur over the years are usually minor and related to normal aging.

Possible but rare problems that can be corrected later include scarring or slight unevenness of the nose. However, patient satisfaction is high, especially if expectations of the surgical outcome are realistic.

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The price of the procedure includes two follow-up visits to the doctor and any necessary stitch removal/wound care visits.