Rhinoplasty (aka nose job): purpose, procedure, risks, recovery - Plastic Surgery Munich (2024)

At what age can I have aesthetic rhinoplasty done?

Aesthetic rhinoplasty is performed in nearly all age groups.

In young patients, the nose should have largely stopped growing, which is usually the case after 15 or 16 years of age. There is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty, provided that there are no health concerns.

Will I need to stay at the hospital?

How long does the procedure take and what costs can be expected?

Please understand that we are unable to provide any financing ourselves.However, MEDIPAY has been our reliable partner on this matter for many years now.You can find all the relevant information on our information page or by visiting www.medipay.de.

Where will the incisions be made?

In general, there are two ways of approaching the framework of the nose:
One way is to make all incisions inside the nostrils without lifting off the layer of skin that covers the nose; this is referred to as “closed rhinoplasty”..

By contrast, in “open rhinoplasty”, a small additional incision is made at the bridge between the nostrils (columella), providing the advantage of being able to lift off the layer of skin that covers the nose. This makes the procedure much easier for the surgeon by allowing a direct view of the framework of the nose while shaping it. The small incision at the bridge between the nostrils usually heals without being noticeable.

To reduce the size of the nostrils or to narrow the base of the nose, an incision at the alar base may be necessary.

What type of anaesthesia is used?

The choice of anaesthesia depends on the scope and expected length of the surgery as well as the overall state of health and personal preference of the patient.

The procedure is rarely performed under local anaesthesia since the injection of the anaesthetic alone is very painful. We usually perform rhinoplasty under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia.

What risks are associated with the procedure?

Fortunately, serious complications are very rare in rhinoplasty.

After rhinoplasty, varying degrees of swelling and bruising are to be always expected, but usually subside after a few days. Postoperative bleeding may occur, but rarely requires surgical intervention. Injuries to important anatomical structures (e.g. tear duct, olfactory nerve, sensory nerves) are also extremely rare.

How certain is a successful outcome?

What applies to all plastic surgery in general applies to rhinoplasty in particular: The successful outcome of an aesthetic, i.e. shape-enhancing, rhinoplasty depends on many factors, with the skill and experience of the surgeon and the expectations of the patient being most important.

Prior to a procedure, it is imperative to carefully assess whether the patient’s expectations of the surgical outcome are realistic. Only when the expectations of the procedure are in line with the technical possibilities can there be a high probability of the surgery being a success for both the patient and the surgeon.

How long will the result last?

How will I look and how will I feel after the surgery?

• Intense pain after rhinoplasty is relatively rare. More commonly, there may be a feeling of pressure in the centre of the face and on the upper lip.
• The nose will be visibly swollen for about two to three weeks after surgery, during which time most of the swelling will subside. The remaining swelling will take longer to disappear, which is why the final shape of the nose will not be apparent until six months or, in some cases, even one year after surgery. This means you will need to be patient before you can look at the final result in the mirror, but you will already be able to see and enjoy the new shape of your nose just a few days after surgery.
• Swelling inside the nose may impede nasal breathing, but this usually subsides without any problems and can easily be treated with nasal sprays or drops.
• During the first few weeks after surgery, your nose will feel fuzzy and be sensitive to the touch. This sensation usually disappears gradually within three to six months.
• Bruising after rhinoplasty is concentrated around the eyes and cheeks, but is usually only visible for a few days.

What do I need to remember after the surgery?

• Lie and sleep on your back with your chest in elevated position and cool your nose and eyes.
• Do not adjust the cast, dressing or tamponade yourself.
• Avoid any physical effort. Do not touch your nose, speak as little as possible, brush your teeth carefully and avoid exaggerated facial expressions.
• Eat liquid or soft foods
• Do not blow your nose under any circumstances, not even after the tamponade has been removed. Just let any nasal secretions run into a tissue. If you have to sneeze, make sure to open your mouth wide so that the air pressure is released through the mouth instead of the nose.
• Avoid direct sunlight and sun beds for at least 3 months.
• Take at least 10 days before returning to work.
• Avoid any sporting activities, sauna and strenuous activities for 8 weeks after the surgery.

What preparations are necessary?

• Avoid medications that increase the tendency to bleed (e.g. medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid, such as aspirin or ASS) 15 days prior to the surgery.
• Stop smoking 2 weeks prior to the surgery! Smoking contributes to circulatory disorders and poor wound healing!
• If the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, arrange for someone to pick you up at the hospital or practice after the surgery and to stay with you at home.
• Get a cooling mask or cold packs for use after the surgery.