Rhinoplasty

The principle of a rhinoplasty is that the underlying skeletal structure of the nose is reshaped, after which the overlying skin will adapt to the new form. The nasal framework consists of a bony, rigid upper part and a cartilaginous, flexible lower part. The procedure focuses on both structures: the bone and cartilage are sculpted, and the skin then naturally conforms to the new shape.

There are several surgical techniques to modify the nasal framework:

Closed technique – This approach involves making small incisions inside the nostrils to access the space between the skin and the nasal skeleton.

Open technique – This involves connecting the two incisions inside the nostrils with a small incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils). The skin can then be lifted, giving the surgeon optimal visibility and precision. This is particularly important when small cartilage grafts need to be added and positioned with great accuracy.

In a classic procedure, the bony hump on the nasal bridge is often removed with a rasp, the cartilage of the nasal tip is refined, and the nose is narrowed. Narrowing is achieved by carefully fracturing the nasal bones with a fine chisel. Although this may sound drastic, it is performed with the utmost precision. Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are sutured and a nasal splint is applied, nasal packing is rarely required today.

A technique that has regained popularity in recent years is the preservation technique, in which the skin over the nasal bridge remains attached while the shape is altered by working on the septum and the sidewalls of the nasal bones.

Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, and suitability varies from case to case. Ultimately, the chosen method is less important than the surgeon’s experience and skill. Even a flawless technique, when performed by an average surgeon, is unlikely to yield a perfect result. As is often said: if the same patient were operated on by five different surgeons, there would be five different outcomes.

A rhinoplasty, together with a facelift, is considered one of the most complex and artistic procedures in plastic surgery.

After a nose correction, the aftercare is generally minimal. After spending a few hours in the recovery room, you can usually go home. Pain is rarely experienced. If the nose has been narrowed, some swelling and bruising may occur around the lower eyelids during the first 24 hours.

The main discomfort in the first few days is a blocked nose due to internal swelling, causing you to breathe through your mouth automatically. Six days after the procedure, the stitches and nasal splint are removed. The new shape is already visible by then, but the nose still needs to reduce swelling by about 1 to 2 millimeters. Usually, you can return to social activities about ten days after surgery without anyone noticing that you have undergone an operation.

With an open rhinoplasty, the tip of the nose is often temporarily numb because small nerve branches are cut when the skin is lifted. Sensation returns gradually and can take four to six months to fully recover.

A well-executed nose correction leaves no visible signs of surgery. This means that someone who doesn’t know you will not notice you have had a procedure. Often, people are surprised by how few others notice, even when before-and-after photos clearly show a significant difference.

Besides the extremely rare complications that can occur with any surgical procedure, such as bleeding or infection, serious problems after a nose correction are very uncommon. The most important complication is dissatisfaction with the final result. Therefore, it is crucial that during the preoperative simulation there is a clear discussion about what is and isn’t possible.

In about 3% of cases, a minor imperfection may become visible over time, often only several months after the surgery. This usually involves a slight irregularity on the nasal bridge or tip. In many cases, this can be easily corrected with a small revision procedure under local anesthesia.

Surgical fee starting from €4500

Price excludes VAT, anesthesia, operating room fees, materials, staff, and hospital stay