What does rhinoplasty consist of, doctor?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical operation by means of which we can change the appearance, structure and deformities of the nose. It’s possible to reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip, narrow the width of the wings or modify the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In addition, we can improve the breathing in cases where there is a deviation of the nasal septum or prevent the tip of the nose from bending downwards when the person laughs or gesticulates. Often rhinoplasty achieves a nose that is totally harmonious with the patient’s face, but this requires a previous study before operating in order to assess the balance and harmony of the dimensions of the face. We also have to take into account that approximately 70% of patients opt for rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons and only 30% use it to correct some malformation that hampers breathing through the nose.

What techniques does this type of operation require?
This operation consists basically in modifying the bone and cartilage structures of the nose to achieve a new shape that improves the facial harmony. This is done by means of two types of technique, open and closed. In the closed technique, the incisions are made through the nasal orifices, while in the open technique (which is performed especially in more complex cases of nasal asymmetry) a small incision is made in the outer part of the base of the nose (in the columella).

What does reduction rhinoplasty and augmentation rhinoplasty with grafting consist of?
The reason most patients give for the operation is having a nose that’s too big or has an excessively long bridge (‘parrot nose’). With these patients, what we do is a nose reduction. The opposite case would be that of patients who, due to their own characteristics or a previous operation, have a nose that’s too small in proportion with the face, and in this case we do a nose augmentation.

At what age is it appropriate to perform this operation?
It’s recommended to perform it after the age of eighteen.

Does it require hospitalisation?
Yes. Generally it’s performed with general anaesthesia, and therefore it requires a short admission into the clinic; only in certain special cases, like the remodelling of the cartilaginous tip of the nose, can it be carried out without hospitalisation.Are the scars visible?No, because in general the incisions are internal, through the nasal orifices.

When can the patient go back to normal life?
In this operation we insert nose plugs for twelve or twenty-four hours and apply a plaster splint for seven to nine days. The haematoma disappears between seven and ten days, and the patient can go back to his or her normal life eight to ten days after the operation.

Does this operation cause excessive discomfort?
No. Contrary to what we might think, it doesn’t produce pain or excessive discomfort. During the first twenty-four hours after the operation, the patient may feel a swelling of the face, discomfort in the nose and headaches, which are reduced with medication. Applying cold compresses will bring down the swelling. It’s also normal to have slight nosebleeds during the first few days. The patient has to avoid blowing his or her nose strongly for a week, until the tissues heal. He or she must also avoid doing any sports like swimming, jogging or gymnastics for two or three weeks, and avoid receiving knocks to the nose and sunbathing for at least eight weeks.

When can the final results be seen?
Several months later; sometimes up to a year. The improvement is progressive and gradual, and at fifteen days, when the inflammation has gone down, the first results are appreciated, but a minimal swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can last for several months.What risks does this operation involve?In very few cases there can be an alteration in the results, such as a lateral deviation of the nose or a growth of the bridge, generally of a cicatrising type. Sometimes surgical retouching is required, generally with local anaesthesia, but never before eight months after the rhinoplasty.