Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty

The term Rhinoplasty refers to cosmetic and plastic surgery of the nose. It is a cosmetic surgery operation that changes partially or completely the shape of the nasal pyramid and can also correct nasal breathing problems if necessary.

The procedure can be carried out alone or in association with other facial surgeries such as a genioplasty (surgery of the chin, which can be done at the same time to enhance facial appearance).

Before the procedure

Two cosmetic surgery consultations are mandatory before any cosmetic surgery operation.
 Medical photographs are taken and specific X-rays or a scanner can be carried out as prescribed. An anaesthesiologist will see you in consultation at the latest 48 hours before the operation. No aspirin-based medication should be taken during the 10 days preceding the operation. It is highly recommended to stop smoking before the operation.

The procedure

You are hospitalized the day of the operation. You must fast prior (neither eat, drink nor smoke). The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts between one and three hours.

The incisions are usually hidden inside the nostrils. It can however be necessary to use an external incision hidden at the base of the nose wings if reducing the nostrils, or across the columna (between the nostrils) when repairing serious deformations or for touch-up surgery. 

After the procedure

Wadding is placed inside the nostrils, which makes it impossible to breathe through the nose for at least 24 hours. It is removed the day after the operation. However, in some cases it may be kept for a few days. A plaster cast covers the back of the nose up to the forehead, where it is secured with a bandage. It will be removed in the surgery after 7 to 10 day.

Nasal obstruction is common the days after the operation and nasal cavities must be cleaned regularly to avoid crusting. You can return home in the evening or the day after the surgery, as appropriate. It is recommended that someone brings you back home. The sutures placed in the nose usually are dissolving ones. In some circumstances however some non-dissolving sutures can be used and these must be removed within 7 to 10 days.

The visible signs of the operation will disappear gradually and a return to normal social and professional life is possible after a few days (10 to 20, according to the extent of the follow-up). Sport and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 months.

2 to 3 months are necessary before the final result becomes appreciable, and it will only be after one year that the final aspect will become apparent, after a slow and subtle healing process.