Rhinoplasty

The term "rhinoplasty" refers to the modification of the morphology of the nose, with the aim of improving aesthetics and sometimes functionality (correction of possible nasal breathing problems).
The goal is to obtain a nose with a natural appearance that harmonizes with other facial features, is appropriate to the patient's psychology and personality, and meets the patient's needs.
The procedure, performed in both women and men, can be performed as soon as growth is complete, i.e. from about 16 years of age.

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Before the intervention:
The patient's motivations and requests will have been analysed. A careful study of the nasal pyramid and its relationship with the rest of the face will have been done as well as an endo-nasal examination.
The aim is to define the "ideal" result adapted to the rest of the face, wishes and personality of the patient.
The surgeon, having understood the patient's request, becomes his or her guide in choosing the future result and the technique to be used.
He/she may sometimes advise against the intervention.
The expected result can be simulated by retouching photographs or computer morphing. The virtual image thus obtained is only a project that can help in understanding patients' expectations. However, there can be no commitment that the result achieved will be superimposed on it at all points.
A regular preoperative check-up is carried out in accordance with the prescriptions.

The intervention:
Each surgeon adopts procedures that are specific to him/her and that he/she adapts to each case to electively correct the defects present and obtain the best results. This makes it difficult to systematize the intervention. However, common basic principles can be drawn from them:
Incisions:
They are hidden, most often inside the nostrils or under the upper lip, so there are no visible scars on the outside.
Sometimes, however, external incisions may be required: they are across the columella (pillar separating the two nostrils) to perform an "open" rhinoplasty or hidden at the base of the nose wings if the size of the nostrils is to be reduced.
Rectifications:
The osteocartilaginous infrastructure can then be reshaped according to the established program. This fundamental step can implement an infinite number of procedures, the choice of which will depend on the anomalies to be corrected and the surgeon's technical preferences. This will allow us to narrow a nose that is too wide, remove a hump, correct a deviation, refine a tip, shorten a nose that is too long, straighten a partition. Sometimes, cartilage or bone grafts will be used to fill a depression, support a portion of the nose or improve the shape of the tip.
Types d’anesthésie et modalités d’hospitalisation :
MEDICAIM provides for a consultation at the latest 48 hours before the intervention. It is essential to remain fasting (do not eat or drink anything) 6 hours before the operation.
Type of anesthesia:
Usually the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, a local anaesthesia with tranquilizers administered intravenously ("vigilant" anaesthesia) may be sufficient.
The choice between these different techniques will be the result of a discussion between you, the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Hospitalization conditions:
The procedure can be performed on an "outpatient" basis, i.e. with a same-day discharge after a few hours of supervision. However, depending on the case, a short hospital stay may be preferable. The entry is then made in the morning (or sometimes the day before) and the exit is authorized the next day or the day after.
Sutures: The incisions are closed with small sutures, most often resorbable.
Bandages and splints: Nasal cavities can be mixed with different absorbent materials. A shaping bandage is often applied to the surface of the nose using small adhesive strips. Finally, a support and protection splint, made of plaster or plastic or metal, is moulded and fixed on the nose, sometimes going up to the forehead.
Depending on the surgeon, the extent of the improvements to be made, and the possible need for additional procedures, the procedure can last from 45 minutes to two hours.

After the intervention:
The consequences are rarely painful and it is rather the impossibility of breathing through the nose (due to the presence of the wicks) that constitutes the main inconvenience of the first few days.
Oedema (swelling) and sometimes bruises are observed, especially on the eyelids, and the extent and duration of these bruises vary greatly from one individual to another.
It is recommended to rest and make no effort on the days following the procedure.
The wicks are removed between the 1st and 5th day post-operatively. The splint is removed between the 5th and 8th day, where it will sometimes be replaced by a new smaller splint for a few more days.
The nose will then still appear quite massive due to the oedema and respiratory discomfort will still be present, due to the swelling of the mucous membrane and the possible formation of scabs in the nasal cavities.
MEDICAIM is looking for the best specialists for you and we will offer you several renowned doctors.
MEDICAIM organizes your entire stay for you: post-operative nursing care, biological follow-up, therapeutic, nutritional and psychological support.
Any additional questions? Ask your MEDICAIM doctor about it: careteam@medicaim.com

About Rhinoplasty

The stigmas of the intervention will gradually fade, allowing a return to normal socio-professional life after a few days (10 to 20 days depending on the case).
It is advisable to protect yourself from the sun for the first few weeks, especially as long as bruises persist.
Sports and violent activities should be avoided for the first 3 months.