Rhinoplasty

During your first consultation with one of our specialised doctors, we will analyse together the scope of your objectives and expectations. This will allow us to define the methods of intervention and/or treatments required to meet your needs.

We will also take care to inform you of the potential limitations and inconveniences that may arise depending on said treatments or operations. We will also discuss pre- and post-operative issues in order to give you our recommendations and inform you of the actions and reflexes to take in case of complications. All important information will be given to you verbally and in writing.

You will have the opportunity to clarify any unclear areas and have all the key information to make a decision.

At the end of our first meeting, we will be able to:

• plan treatments and/or procedures (including type of anaesthesia)
• set up your medical file
• prepare a complete quote

This appointment may be the occasion to set a date for the operation if you choose to do so, and to inform you of the modalities of anaesthesia according to the solutions required by your desires. Of course, some decisions require time and we will be there to answer your questions and clarify your doubts.

It is possible to pay for your treatment in several instalments.

Following surgery, it is normal for your body to react. Some symptoms are common and by no means alarming. Symptoms that could lead to more serious complications are rare, and if they occur, our team of caregivers will be available to take care of you.

If you observe these symptoms, there is no need to worry:

• after 48 hours, a slight increase in temperature
• after 72 hours, small amounts of blood in the dressings
• a slight increase in inflammation or swelling

However, if you observe the following symptoms, please contact us:

• more than 38.5° fever and chills – severe swelling, especially if it is located on one side
• pain and redness of the operated area Keep in mind that your recovery period will depend on the type of surgery and factors specific to you.

We are all unique, so the details of your recovery cannot be entirely predictable. You begin a physical, but also emotional, transformation process. Be patient and let your body do what it does best. If you have any doubts, we are here for you.

The anaesthesia is chosen in consultation with you and your surgeon. Sometimes a pre-anaesthetic visit is necessary. For all anaesthesia, it is recommended to fast, i.e. not to eat 6 hours before the operation. The anaesthesiologist may refuse a patient who has not followed this instruction. Communication and trust are key from the first contact with your surgeon because working together can neutralise the risks.

General anaesthesia

During a general anaesthesia, the person is completely asleep while the anaesthesiologist meticulously controls and monitors breathing. For long procedures, we favour this type of anaesthesia because it provides a higher level of comfort.

Local anaesthesia with sedation

Sedation is a deep anaesthesia through a vein, the person operated on can relax without worrying about feeling pain. This method avoids intubation and the side effects of general anaesthesia.

Loco-regional anaesthesia

The pain is interrupted locally or regionally through an anesthetic under the skin or directly on a nerve plexus. The injection at the beginning burns slightly locally to very quickly numb the area.

Communication and trust are key from the first contact with your surgeon because working together can neutralise the risks.

Contrary to popular belief, rhinoplasty is not very painful. The nose is protected during the healing period by a splint that avoids any external contact, and the pain treatments are very effective.

Open rhinoplasty is frequently proposed by the surgeon because it shapes the whole nose and especially the tip. A small zig-zag scar is made at the narrowest point of the columella of the nose. The sutures are extremely thin and will spontaneously dissolve one to two weeks after the procedure. In rare cases, on certain types of skin, a small mark will remain, but in the vast majority of cases, this open rhinoplasty scar is almost invisible and fades completely with time. Anti-sun healing cream will be prescribed after the procedure.

Breathable silicone wicks will only be needed for correction of the functional part of the nose.

Open rhinoplasty is the reference technique used worldwide since the 1990s. It requires a 3 mm micro-scar at the columella (the area of skin separating the two nostrils). It corrects difficult nasal tips or noses that have already been operated on.
Closed approach rhinoplasty has seen great improvements in recent years. This is the technique currently used if there are no major defects of the tip of the nose and if the width of the nasal bridge is satisfactory.

In order for the operation to be successful, it is very important that the surgeon knows exactly what the patient is looking for in a nose shape. Thanks to specific software, it is possible to perform a simulation with the patient to determine the desired size and shape. This simulation is accurate, but not totally perfect or contractual.