Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure that harmonizes the nose with the other features of the face.

Nasal Plastic Surgery — Rhinoplasty — is a procedure aimed at improving the shape of the nose. There are two types of “crooked” noses: those caused by trauma and those that developed that way naturally. From the perspective of a nasal surgeon, the term harmonious is preferred (a more crooked nose is simply less harmonious).

The aesthetics of the nose are inseparable from the face it belongs to, so the goal of this surgery is to achieve a nose that is in harmony with the rest of the facial features.

Rhinoplasty requires a well-informed patient. It is a procedure with certain limitations and clearly defined goals, so candidates must have a precise understanding of what they want and what can realistically be achieved.

All possibilities for nasal aesthetic improvement should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon.

Rhinoplasty is a complex surgery that requires in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the nose, as well as a long learning process. The nose is a pyramid-shaped structure with an extremely important function. It is composed of cartilage, bone, mucosa, muscles, fat, and skin.

Normally, the surgery is performed entirely from inside the nose, leaving no visible scars.
However, in some cases, a small incision is made at the base of the nose (columella) to “open” the nose and allow better access to all structures. This scar is virtually unnoticeable.

Before / After

The post-operative period following rhinoplasty involves moderate discomfort, which is easily managed with medication.

In the days after surgery, patients should avoid physical exercise and overly warm environments.
Pain control is typically achieved with paracetamol — the recovery period is generally not painful but rather uncomfortable.

Patients can usually breathe through the nose immediately after surgery, as long as they follow the prescribed instructions. Many patients still experience unnecessary discomfort due to outdated techniques that are no longer recommended.

To learn more about recovery, follow the post-operative care guidelines below:

The normal course of post-operative healing depends on three factors:
the surgeon, the patient, and the patient’s healing capacity.

Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of surgical revisions. General revision rates range from 10% to 20%. Some revisions are minor and can be performed under local anesthesia. Ideally, a revision should be done at least one year after the initial surgery—unless healing conditions allow for an earlier intervention.

The main reasons for revision include: surgical planning or execution errors, abnormal healing, poor post-operative care, or age-related changes that affect the nose over time. In some cases, multiple factors may contribute to the need for revision.

It is essential to fully understand what occurred, assess whether the patient’s expectations are realistic, and evaluate the degree of fibrosis (poor scarring) before proceeding.