Rhinoplasty

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a procedure aimed at both the aesthetic and functional restoration of the nose. It essentially involves a triple procedure: plastic surgery on the nasal septum, reduction of the lower nasal turbinates, and aesthetic correction of the nose as a whole. These interventions are designed not only to improve the appearance of the nose but also to facilitate breathing, which is immediately noticeable after the surgery.

The nose is a central aesthetic feature of our face. Positioned in the center, small changes in its shape, size, and orientation can significantly affect our overall appearance. Additionally, the nose has a crucial functional role, as it filters the inhaled air, removing micro-particles and dust, and regulates temperature and humidity. It is therefore both for aesthetic and functional reasons that approximately 500,000 people annually undergo rhinoplasty.

What issues can rhinoplasty correct?

Rhinoplasty is performed to address issues with the size, thickness, or width of the nose, as well as the size, shape, and position of the nostrils. The tip of the nose (whether large, raised, or drooping) can also be altered. From an aesthetic perspective, these are some of the key problems rhinoplasty can correct.

Rhinoplasty is also performed following injuries or previous rhinoplasty procedures that may have caused deformities in the nose. A deviated nasal septum (crooked nose) is another common reason for seeking rhinoplasty. Other significant medical reasons can also lead a patient to undergo rhinoplasty, such as hypertrophy of the lower nasal turbinates, or a hump or indentation seen on the profile of the nose, which, apart from the aesthetic aspect, often causes breathing difficulties. What must be emphasized is that rhinoplasty corrects the nose not only aesthetically but also functionally.

 The rhinoplasty procedure

The procedure does not require external incisions and is performed almost entirely through the nostrils, always under general anesthesia. External incisions are not made unless opting for open rhinoplasty (a choice made by the surgeon), and even then, no visible scars remain, as the only external incision is at the columella (the area between the nostrils).

During rhinoplasty, the osteocartilaginous framework is reshaped, and the septum (which is often crooked) is corrected, while aesthetic deformities are addressed to achieve a harmonious and fully functional nose. Often, cartilage grafts are required, taken from the nasal septum, ear, or rib cartilage.

It is a quick procedure, with hospitalization lasting less than 24 hours.

After the procedure In most cases, patients return home the day after the rhinoplasty. During the first 48 hours, the patient is required to wear gauze and a small splint. The bruising and swelling caused by the procedure are minimal, if at all present, and subside within 7-10 days, revealing the immediate result of the rhinoplasty. The surgeon, depending on the needs arising from the surgery, will inform the patient about postoperative care and any medications required.

Dr. Boukouvalas is knowledgeable about all rhinoplasty techniques and applies each one to the appropriate case. Just as a key doesn’t fit every lock, not every technique suits every patient. Expertise in the field of rhinoplasty always comes with experience in applying the right technique to the right case.

Modern rhinoplasty emphasizes a natural result.

The nose should blend harmoniously with the other facial features, without dominating the overall appearance, but rather enhancing the other traits. Before every surgery, we assess the shape and uniqueness of the face, leading to the most natural correction for the area.