Rhinoplasty

As the focal point of the face, the nose prominently displays itself and characterizes the physiognomy of each individual. The nasal pyramid is undoubtedly the most distinctive structure of the face. Its shape can vary greatly, often exhibiting various asymmetries, even minor ones, that collectively make each nose unique. Thus, it is not always the case that a nose with a dorsal defect is unsuitable for one's face; on the contrary, it can sometimes be more harmonious and balanced than a nose without a hump. In essence, the ideal nose does not exist; it varies from person to person. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that corrects defects of the nose related to its shape, volume, and size. It is undoubtedly one of the most requested procedures and also allows for the treatment of functional breathing problems caused by septal deviations or hypertrophy of the turbinates.

Procedures aimed at reconstructing tissue loss due to trauma or tumor-related conditions were described long ago. The surgical technique has naturally evolved over time, leading to procedures that allow for extremely precise reshaping. Achieving this precision in the outcome requires a thorough study not only of the aesthetic and functional parameters but also of the patient's psychological aspect.

Rhinoplasty leaves little to no room for errors and therefore must be prepared following precise rules.

Surgical Technique:

The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. There are essentially two main approaches to the surgery:

• The classic closed technique, in which incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no visible scars.
• The so-called "open" technique, in which the skin of the nose is completely lifted through a small incision on the columella, allowing the surgeon to fully assess the situation and perform all necessary maneuvers with visual control. This small incision will leave a barely visible scar after a few months.

In either case, after dissecting the mucosa and skin, the correction of bony and/or cartilaginous defects of the nasal pyramid is performed. The tip can be corrected if it appears wide, deviated, or drooping. The nose can also be shortened or its projection increased using cartilage grafts usually taken from the nasal septum or the ear. When necessary, the hump is also removed, and the width of the dorsum is reduced by performing nasal bone sectioning (osteotomy). The healing process allows the skin to adapt to the new morphology of the underlying osteocartilaginous structures, and to achieve stable results, it is necessary to wait for a few months. Any corrective procedures should be performed after one year. In order to achieve balance and better harmony of the profile, additional procedures such as chin and cheek corrections using specific implants (profiloplasty) may be considered for some patients.

Additional Information:

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, but in special cases, it may require one day of hospitalization. The duration is usually less than 2 hours. At the end of the surgery, tampons will be placed inside the nostrils, and if necessary, a plastic or plaster protection will be applied to the dorsum of the nose. Nasal breathing will be impossible for a couple of days. Swelling and bruising in the periorbital area are normal and will resolve spontaneously after a few days.