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Rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping)

Rhinoplasty

As the centre of the face, the nose can easily become an eye-catcher. A nose that is too large or severely curved cannot simply be concealed, as is possible with disturbing features on the body. For many of those affected, the condition, which is seen as a blemish, becomes a real psychological burden. If, on the other hand, they decide to have a nose operation, they can literally breathe a sigh of relief.

In addition to the aesthetic blemish, there is often also a medical problem (e.g. obstruction of nasal breathing due to a curvature of the nasal septum). This can be corrected in the same operation.

Common nose operations include septorhinoplasty, rhinoplasty, nasal hump surgery, nasal tip correction and nasal reconstruction.

 

Nose surgery: before and after

Nose surgery

On the day of your rhinoplasty, you will arrive at our practice one and a half to two hours before the procedure. You will be prepared for the upcoming procedure by the nursing staff and your doctors and informed about the planned type of anaesthesia.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately two hours. It can be performed on an outpatient basis in the day clinic or as an inpatient procedure, i.e. with an overnight stay at the Privatklinik Bethanien.

Nose surgery is performed with a small scar on the bridge of the nose or closed, i.e. without visible scars, inside the nose. The profile and size of the nose are adjusted by removing and shaping the bone and cartilage of the nasal skeleton and nasal septum from the inside. The inside of the nose is then stuffed with gauze strips (tamponade) and stabilised on the outside with a plaster cast.

Aftercare following a nose operation

The tamponade is removed after two to five days, the plaster cast after one week. The new nasal profile is then already clearly visible, although the swelling caused by the operation has not yet completely subsided at this point. The swelling will gradually subside over the following weeks, meaning that the final result of the rhinoplasty can only be conclusively assessed after several months. It is also normal for the contour of an operated nose to change again slightly within the first year. In rare cases, this may necessitate a minor follow-up correction.

Sports and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four weeks.

 

Facts and figures about rhinoplasty

Operation

1 to 2 hours, under general anaesthetic

Aftercare

Outpatient procedure, optionally 1 night in hospital, removal of the tamponade 2 to 5 days after the operation, plaster removal after 1 week

Sport

After 4 to 6 weeks

Sociability

Unable to work for approx. 2 weeks

Costs

From CHF 12,000

Restoration of the nose

Reconstructive surgery also recognises corrections to the nose that become necessary due to an accident or congenital deformity, for example. Complex reconstructive techniques are used in particular for open nasal injuries where the skin has been destroyed in an accident and the underlying cartilage and bone material has been exposed. These techniques are also used in the case of malformations such as cleft nose, cleft lip, jaw and palate and the associated typical nasal deformity.

Find out more about facial reconstructions

We are happy to advise you personally

Dr Cédric A. George, founder and senior consultant

Frequently asked questions about nose surgery

Can I choose my own nose shape?

The correction of the nose profile is carefully planned and discussed with you on the basis of photographs. Your wishes regarding shape and size will of course be taken into account, if technically feasible. However, it is important to ensure that the chosen nose shape really suits your face and harmonises with the rest of your facial features.

Do I have to tell them if I am taking medication?

In any case, it is extremely important that you inform the doctor treating you about any illnesses and medication you are taking. Medication containing aspirin (e.g. Aspirin, Aspégic etc.) must not be taken for a fortnight before the operation. Such medication can lead to increased bleeding during the operation and delay the subsequent healing process. The doctor may decide not to perform a planned nose operation at any time if the risk of surgery is increased as a result of prior medication.

What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?

In principle, every operation harbours certain risks (e.g. drug intolerance, haematoma, wound healing disorders, inflammation, scarring problems or sensitivity disorders). They also depend on the individual's state of health. The doctor will inform you and discuss possible risks with you during the consultation and preparatory discussion.

Nose surgery can lead to swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks. These will disappear again within five to ten days. In rare cases, visible irregularities occur on the bridge of the nose or a renewed deterioration in breathing, combined with a new curvature of the septum. In these situations, a follow-up operation is required.

When will I be able to "socialise" again?

This depends on the individual healing process and your own requirements. The plaster cast is removed after one week. In most cases, you will then be able to go out and about again. The swelling caused by the operation is barely visible, but can be felt, and it can take up to six months, rarely even longer, to heal completely. The discolouration that is still visible in the first few weeks disappears again after a short time.

Does health insurance pay for a nose operation?

The costs of purely aesthetic rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery) are not covered by health insurance. In the case of medically necessary nose operations (e.g. if nasal breathing is impaired due to a curvature of the nasal septum), the costs are covered in part or in full by health insurance. If the nose operation is the result of an accident, accident insurance may be considered as a cost bearer. However, cost sharing or even full coverage by health or accident insurance requires comprehensive medical clarification.

Podcast on the topic of nose surgery

In the podcast series with Radio 1, our doctor, Dr Georg Noever, answers questions about rhinoplasty
Listen to podcast

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