Rhinoplastie

A nose correction is a surgical procedure that will change the shape of your nose. That means not only reducing the size of the nose, but also perhaps increasing the size of the nose, or changing the tip of the nose. The angle of the nose is also often changed and imperfections such as bumps, abnormalities and dents are corrected.

Rhinoplasties are not only undergone from a cosmetic point of view. This is because the procedure is also regularly used to resolve headache complaints or breathing difficulties. In such cases, there is often a medical indication and reimbursement of the costs is often possible. The medical necessity is offset by nose corrections that are performed because someone is disturbed by the size, shape or appearance of the nose.

You may consider a nose correction surgery if you are dissatisfied with your nose. This dissatisfaction can be about the innate shape of your nose or the way your nose is forming due to ageing. The expectation of the intervention plays a major role. A nose correction gives your face the appearance that you have in mind. To be eligible for the procedure, you must be in good health.

Nose correction surgery takes place under general anaesthesia and takes about two to three hours. Depending on the type of correction, the procedure is generally performed through the nostrils. Incisions are usually made on the inside of your nose. Occasionally a small incision is made between the nostrils, so a small scar is left behind. During the consultation prior to surgery, the plastic surgeon discusses how the correction will be made. You will need to stay overnight night in the hospital.

So-called nasal tampons are fitted inside the nose and, if necessary, a reinforcing splint on the outside. The nasal tampons are removed during the follow-up check. The dressing that has been applied will be removed approximately one week after the procedure. Breathing through the nose can be difficult in the first few weeks due to the swelling and scabs. In some cases, the eyes will be swollen shut due to the nose correction. Swelling will increase in the first weeks instead of decreasing. Once the swelling and bruises decrease, you will then be able to see the results.

Always follow the advice of the plastic surgeon carefully and do not over-extend yourself. The first few days require complete rest and you must ensure that your face remains dry. After that, a normal shower will be possible again, as long as the water is not too hot, since this may result in extra swelling. Your nose needs recover from the procedure and sneezing, coughing and laughing do not help in this. What you can do is sleep with an extra pillow to limit the swelling. The surgeon will give you additional tips and advice when you leave the clinic.

Immediately after the nose correction surgery, the treatment areas are swollen and red. It takes several weeks for these symptoms to subside. Scars need more than a year to fully fade and heal. The scar tissue takes on the colour of the surrounding skin and is hardly visible due to its small size. You can use a scar cream once the scars are healed.

A nose correction surgery is a relatively safe procedure. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss both the course of the procedure and the possible complications and risks. Complications that may occur include post-bleeding, haemorrhages under the eyes, infections, poor wound healing and allergic reactions. In some cases, the nose may be asymmetrical after correction, changes in sensation of the nose may occur and/or the result may be disappointing.

Sleep the first nights with an extra pillow. Your head is then elevated, which reduces pressure on the face. Optionally, you can also set the head end of the bed higher than usual. In addition, try to sleep more on your back, and less on your side.

No, this takes time. After the procedure, your nose and eyes will be slightly swollen and discoloured blue. The recovery is usually steady and is partly determined by the structure of your skin tissue, the cartilage and the quality of the bone. When the worst of the swelling has decreased, you will then see improvements. In most cases, the final end result is only assessed after one year.

If your nose bridge is corrected, it is not possible to wear (sun) glasses during the first six weeks. Are you dependent on your glasses? Then a patch can be applied to the forehead, on which the glasses can rest.

Immediately after the operation, your face is swollen and bruises are visible. In the week that follows, both symptoms decrease in intensity. When any stitches that have been applied have been removed, it is permitted to perform light work. After six weeks, you can also pick up heavier activities. With a view to recovery and the result, it is advised not to over-do anything.

When the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the results are permanent. However, you must take into account the natural ageing process, which unfortunately can’t be stopped with a nose correction surgery. This process may further affect the shape and size of your nose.

With a medical indication, the costs are usually reimbursed by your health insurer. If you have the procedure because you are dissatisfied with the shape, position or size of your nose, compensation will most often not be paid.