What is rhinoplasty?
The aim is to specifically correct existing disfigurements, whether congenital, the result of trauma, or due to the aging process: erase a hump, refine a nose that's too wide or too large, or an unsightly tip.
The aim is to achieve a natural-looking nose that harmonizes with the rest of the face, suits the patient's psychology and personality, and responds to the patient's requests.
Rhinoplasty: objectives
The aim of the procedure is to modify the morphology of the nasal pyramid (either partially or as a whole), and sometimes to correct nasal breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty can be performed on its own or, if necessary, in conjunction with other complementary procedures on the face, in particular genioplasty (chin modification, sometimes performed at the same time to improve the overall profile).
The aim is to achieve a natural-looking nose that harmonizes with the rest of the face, suits the patient's psychology and personality, and meets the patient's requirements.
Using incisions concealed in the nostrils, the principle is to reshape the bone and cartilage that form the solid infrastructure of the nose and give it its distinctive shape. The skin covering the nose will have to readapt and re-drape itself thanks to its elasticity on this modified osteo-cartilaginous framework. This last point underlines the importance of skin quality in achieving the final result. As a result, rhinoplasty does not usually leave a visible scar on the skin.
If nasal obstruction is present, it will be treated during the same operation, whether due to a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates (bony formations in the nasal cavity).
The procedure, which can be performed on both men and women, can be carried out from the end of growth, i.e. from the age of around 16. It may be covered by health insurance under certain conditions.
Operation phases
Rhinoplasty: before the procedure
- The patient's motivations and requests will have been analyzed. A careful study of the nasal pyramid and its relationship with the rest of the face will have been carried out, as well as an endonasal examination. The usual pre-operative check-up is carried out as prescribed.
- The anaesthetist will be consulted no later than 48 hours before the operation.
- No aspirin-containing medication should be taken for 10 days prior to surgery.
- Smoking cessation is strongly recommended before surgery.
- It is essential to fast (eat and drink nothing) for 6 hours before the operation.
Type of anesthesia and hospitalization arrangements
Type of anesthesia
The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic. In some cases, however, a thorough local anesthetic using intravenous tranquilizers ("vigile" anesthesia) may suffice.
The choice between these different techniques will be the fruit of a discussion between you, the surgeon and the anaesthetist.
Hospitalization arrangements
The procedure is performed on an "outpatient" basis, i.e. as a day hospitalization, with discharge the same day after a few hours of monitoring. However, depending on the case, a shorter hospital stay may be preferable.
Our before and after
