Followed by your eyes, your nose is the most prominent element of your face. Its proportion, form and appearance can be the features which ultimately define your face.

Thousand of patients per year improve the form and functionality of their noses by means of a procedure called rhinoplasty. Many people resort to this procedure in order to correct the shape and proportion of the nose, so as to enhance facial aesthetics and harmony.

Others, in order to repair damages caused by traumatism or accident or to improve impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities.

Indications

- Change the size of the nose.
- Modify the nasal tip and/or bridge.
- Reduce the size of the nostrils.
- Correct the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
- Repair congenital defects or nasal lesions.
- Improve respiratory problems.

Procedure

The surgery consists of remodeling the nose by acting on the skin, the cartilage and nasal bones. The procedure is performed in an operating room.

The anaesthesia can be local with sedation or general. In the majority of the techniques, all the incisions are “closed incisions” which means that they are hidden inside the nose and thus scars are practically invisible.

In some special cases another type of incision may be required, in which case you will be advised and given a detailed explanation by the surgeon.

How will my recovery be?

Most of the patients are active within two or three days. On the first day after the operation, you should rest in a semi-reclined position with your head raised.

You will have a plaster of Paris mold on your nose for approximately one or two weeks. In most cases the cast, dressings, bandages and stitches are removed on day fourteen, after which you can return to your normal activities.

Contact sports, heavy work or impacts against the nose must be avoided for a few weeks.

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative indications

The indications below are orientative, since they usually vary from one patient to the other.

Pre-Operative:
- Analysis and tests.
- Fasting - minimum 8 hours.
- If you are taking medication, consulte your surgeon.
- Suspend all Aspirin consumption 10 days prior to the procedure and cigarette smoking at least 48 hours before the surgery.
- Have someone accompany you at your discharge session.

Post-Operative:
- Analgesic and antibiotic medication.
- Bed Rest for at least 24 hours with leg exercises.
- Balanced diet in order to avoid abdominal distension, nausea and/or constipation.
- Sleep in a half-seated position with pillows under your shoulders.
- The return to your normal activities after approximately seven days.