What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic surgical procedure that reshapes the nose and its parts — the bridge, the tip, the nostrils and the angle between the nose and the upper lip. It can remove a hump, narrow a wide nose, lift a drooping tip or balance a nose that looks too large or out of proportion with the rest of the face.
Besides its aesthetic role, rhinoplasty can also have a functional one. When breathing is impaired along with the shape, the procedure is often combined with correction of the nasal septum, so that both the appearance and the function of the nose are improved at the same time.
Because of its position, the nose is one of the most demanding parts of the face to operate on, as changes are visible and require precision and a sense of harmony. That is why the plan is made individually, taking into account the features of the whole face, not just the nose viewed in isolation.
At Medical Time, a detailed consultation is carried out before surgery, at which the surgeon assesses the structure of the nose and skin, listens to the patient's wishes and explains what can realistically be achieved. The goal is a natural result that fits the face, not a nose that gives away that it has been operated on.
Who is nose surgery for — indications
The reasons for rhinoplasty are aesthetic, functional or both. Some patients wish to balance the nose with the rest of the face, while others come because of difficulty breathing or the consequences of an earlier injury. What they have in common is that the shape or function of the nose troubles them in everyday life.
Rhinoplasty is considered in the following situations:
- a hump on the nose or an uneven bridge that one wishes to smooth
- a wide, long or disproportionate nose in relation to the rest of the face
- a drooping, rounded or overly wide nasal tip
- a crooked nose, often as a result of an earlier injury
- asymmetry of the nose and an uneven appearance of the nostrils
- difficulty breathing through the nose accompanying a change in shape (with septal correction)
- a wish to improve facial harmony and increase confidence
How nose surgery is performed — techniques
Rhinoplasty is performed in two basic ways: the closed and the open technique. In the closed technique all incisions are inside the nostrils, so there is no visible external scar. In the open technique, a small incision is also made on the strip of skin between the nostrils (the columella), which gives the surgeon a better view and greater precision in more complex reshaping.
During the procedure the surgeon shapes the bony and cartilaginous parts of the nose — removing or adding tissue, narrowing or lifting the tip, smoothing the bridge and, if needed, correcting the nostrils. With a pronounced hump or a wide nose, the position of the nasal bones is sometimes carefully corrected as well.
When there is also difficulty breathing, correction of the nasal septum and the turbinates is often performed in the same procedure, improving airflow. At the end of the operation an external splint (immobilisation) is placed to protect the nose and help it hold its new shape, and soft supports or packing are sometimes placed in the nostrils.
The choice of technique depends on what is being changed and how complex the procedure is. At Medical Time the decision is made together with the patient, with a clear explanation of why a particular approach is recommended and what result to expect.
Preparing for nose surgery
Preparation begins with a consultation and an examination of the nose, outside and inside, with an assessment of breathing and skin quality. The surgeon agrees on the plan with the patient and explains the expected result. Because the procedure is most often performed under general anaesthesia, standard pre-operative preparation is also needed.
The following is usually requested before surgery, with the exact scope tailored to your condition:
Honest disclosure of health details and habits affects both safety and the quality of healing.
- laboratory blood tests, including clotting parameters
- an ECG and, if needed, an examination by an internist or anaesthesiologist
- assessment of breathing and the condition of the nasal septum if there are complaints
- a list of medications you take, especially blood thinners
- stopping smoking before and after surgery, as it slows healing
- information about chronic conditions, allergies and previous nasal injuries
- arranged escort on the day of surgery and rest at home during the first days
The procedure, anaesthesia and duration
Nose surgery is most often performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and feels nothing during the procedure. For minor corrections, local anaesthesia with sedation is sometimes possible, at the discretion of the surgeon and anaesthesiologist.
After induction of anaesthesia the surgeon makes the incisions according to the chosen technique and carefully shapes the bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose, balancing the tip, bridge and nostrils. If needed, the nasal septum is corrected at the same time. The incisions inside the nose are sutured, and a protective splint is placed on the outside.
Rhinoplasty usually takes from one to several hours, depending on complexity and on whether breathing is corrected as well. After surgery the patient wakes in the recovery room, with monitoring of vital functions.
Throughout the operation the anaesthesiologist monitors pulse, breathing, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. The hospital stay is most often one day, and the return home is with an escort and clear instructions for the first days of recovery.
Recovery after nose surgery — realistic, phase by phase
Recovery is gradual. In the first days facial swelling, bruising around the eyes and a feeling of a blocked nose are expected; breathing through the nose is temporarily difficult because of swelling and any nostril supports. Pain is most often moderate and well controlled with medication.
The external splint is usually worn for about a week, and after it is removed the nose still looks swollen. Bruising around the eyes fades during the first to second week, so many patients return to social settings after roughly seven to ten days, while they refrain from exertion, bending over and sport for longer.
Swelling subsides gradually and in phases — most of it goes down within a few weeks, but the final, fine shape of the nose is seen only after several months to a year, as the swelling fully resolves. That is why rhinoplasty requires patience.
With the closed technique there is no visible external scar, while with the open technique a small scar remains on the columella that fades over time and is hard to notice. At Medical Time, follow-up appointments monitor recovery and provide care recommendations.
- first days: facial swelling, bruising around the eyes and a feeling of a blocked nose
- wearing the external splint for about a week
- returning to social settings most often after seven to ten days
- avoiding sport, bending over and exertion in the first weeks
- final nose shape only after several months to a year
Risks and possible side effects
Rhinoplasty is a demanding but routine aesthetic procedure with a high level of safety when performed by an experienced surgeon. Still, like any operation, it carries certain risks that should be discussed openly before deciding.
Possible side effects and risks include:
Following the instructions, stopping smoking and being patient while the swelling subsides reduce the risks and contribute to a nicer result. Everything is discussed openly before surgery.
- swelling, bruising and temporarily impaired breathing through the nose
- nosebleeds or infection, which occur rarely
- asymmetry or minor irregularities that may remain after healing
- prolonged swelling of the nasal tip, especially with thicker skin
- a small scar on the columella with the open technique
- the possibility that the result differs from what was expected and the need for correction
- general risks associated with anaesthesia, which are assessed before the procedure
Why have your nose surgery at Medical Time
Nose surgery requires precision, experience and a sense of facial harmony. At the Medical Time hospital in Belgrade, rhinoplasty is performed by an experienced team of plastic surgeons, with an individual plan and an honest conversation about what can be achieved for each patient.
From the consultation, through the assessment of breathing, to post-operative check-ups, everything is available in one place, with clear information and realistic expectations. The goal is a natural nose that fits the face and, when needed, better breathing.
- an experienced team of plastic surgeons and an individual surgical plan
- a choice of open or closed technique according to need
- the possibility of correcting shape and breathing at the same time
- modern equipment and high standards of safety
- constant supervision by the anaesthesiologist during the operation
- follow-up appointments and support throughout recovery
Cost
The cost of nose surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure, the chosen technique and on whether breathing is corrected at the same time, so it is set after a consultation; see the plastic surgery services in the price list.
- Aesthetic rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
- Rhinoplasty with the closed technique
- Rhinoplasty with the open technique
- Rhinoplasty with breathing correction
For an assessment and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about nose surgery
The surgery itself is performed under anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards a feeling of pressure, swelling and a blocked nose appear, and pain is most often moderate and well controlled with prescribed medication.
In the closed technique all incisions are inside the nostrils, so there is no external scar. In the open technique a small incision is also made on the columella, which gives the surgeon a better view in more complex reshaping. The choice depends on what is being changed.
Most of the swelling goes down during the first few weeks, but the final, fine shape of the nose is seen only after several months to a year, until the swelling fully resolves. That is why rhinoplasty requires patience.
Many patients return to sedentary work after roughly seven to ten days, once the splint is removed and the bruising fades. Sport, bending over and exertion are avoided for longer, as recommended by the surgeon.
With the closed technique there is no visible external scar. With the open technique a small scar remains on the columella, which fades over time and is hard to notice.
Yes. When breathing is impaired along with the shape, correction of the nasal septum and the turbinates is often done in the same procedure, so that both the appearance and the function of the nose are improved at once.
The goal of modern rhinoplasty is a natural nose that fits the features of the face, not a nose that gives away that it has been operated on. That is why the plan is made in relation to the whole face, not just the nose viewed in isolation.
The price depends on the complexity of the procedure, the technique and on whether breathing is also corrected, so it is set after a consultation and examination. For an assessment and an appointment, call 062-399-888.