Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty is the operation that simultaneously combines the promise of a) better quality of breath-life and b) permanent improvement of the appearance of the face in the best possible way – as the nose occupies an important place in the center of the face.

This is why Rhinoplasty is attracting more and more interest from both sexes worldwide. In particular, it now holds the first place in demand among facial plastic surgeries.

There is great interest in Functional Rhinoplasty as well as many questions before taking the big decision to proceed with it.

1) How does surgery correct breathing?

In most cases, the correction of the scoliosis of the nasal septum with or without the reduction of the size of the inferior nasal cavities is sufficient. In some cases where there may be other reasons for bad breath or loss of smell/taste, e.g. nasal polyps, their treatment is performed during the same surgery.

2) What is the most appropriate age and season for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty should be performed after the age of 16, when the face, especially the nose, is fully developed. Therefore, the appropriate age is 16 years for girls and 18 for boys. From these ages onwards, there is no other age limit. We would say that the ideal age depends on when the person feels more confident about moving forward with the surgery and come to a decision sooner. Finding the best plastic surgeon is an important decision for a patient. There is no upper age limit for the operation, as long as the general physical condition of the patient does not prohibit it. The operation can be performed at any time of the year without restrictions as it does not play any role in the result and is chosen by the patient himself.

3) What type of Rhinoplasty is the best, the Open or the Closed one?

There are two surgical techniques, closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty. Each technique has its own indications, advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, the surgeon should be very familiar with both techniques and use on a case-by-case the one he believes will provide his patient with the optimal result he/she is looking for.

The technique does not perform the ‘miracle’ by itself, but is simply the tool in the hands of the experienced surgeon.

4) Can I choose the nose I want to have from a computer program?

The truth is that no computer can predict all the very small details that play an important role during surgery. So it is not completely honest to tell the patient ‘This is how your nose will look like’ through a computer. With the interview before the surgery and the photos taken, the doctor should explain to his patient what he expects to see postoperatively based on the patient’s desires and the doctor’s personal aesthetics.

5) After how long does the patient return to work and when the final result is visible?

The external splint is removed from the nose 7-10 days after surgery. Then, the patient can return to work without appearing to have been operated on or even earlier if he/she doesn’t worry about working with the splint.

The shape of the nose is immediately visible with the removal of the splint simply, at a faster rate in the first days and more gradually after the first months; the nose becomes more elegant as the swellings completely subside.

The aim of rhinoplasty is not a certain type of nose for everyone, but a nose that breathes and is ‘special’ for each person – just like his/her personality -, in achieving a harmonious balance amongst all facial features.