Rhinoplasty: what, for whom and how?

A nose that is too big, crooked or has a bump on the bridge of the nose inevitably catches the eye. After all, our nose is always at the center of our face. With nose surgery, however, we can correct the shape or size of your nose. Very often, this also gives your self-confidence a sudden boost.

When is rhinoplasty interesting?

Our nose is impossible to conjure away. After all, it is right there in the middle of our face. This means that many people will notice if your nose is not the desired shape or size. Some examples of things we can correct are:

• Your nose is too big, too wide, too small or not balanced with the rest of your face
• On the bridge of the nose there is a hump or thickening
• Your nose is not quite straight
• Your nostrils are too small or too large
• Your nose tip is too bulbous or sticking up (wiggly nose)
• You have breathing problems due to obstructions or irregularities in your nose

Rhinoplasty at Duinbergen Clinic

Our certified plastic surgeon has extensive experience treating patients who are unhappy with the size, shape or position of their nose. We have the knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to perform different types of rhinoplasty safely and responsibly. During a preliminary consultation, we always discuss whether a rhinoplasty is at all feasible and what results can be achieved. In doing so, we listen carefully to your specific needs and evaluate your medical history and health. We usually work together with an ORL doctor so that your breathing is optimized. The procedure takes place at AZ Zeno and you will stay in the hospital for 1 night.

How does nasal surgery work?

Rhinoplasty (or rhinoplasty) is an operation under (full or partial) anesthesia in which the shape of the external nose is changed. Through incisions at the base of the nose (between both nostrils), the plastic surgeon gains access to the cartilage and bone that supports the nose. To enlarge (or shrink) the nose, bone or cartilage is removed (or added) and the supporting portions on the inside of the nose are modified. At the end of the surgery, a wick is placed in the nose to keep its proper shape; it is removed the very next day.

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty, the procedure may vary:

• Nasal tip rhinoplasty (false nose or bulbous nasal tip): through an incision on the inside and outside of the nose, the nasal tip is moved to the desired shape (shorter or thinner) and position (higher or lower). Then the nasal tip is fixed and sutured from the inside to the outside.
• Nasal bridge correction (“bump” on the nose): the accumulated cartilage on the top of the nose is surgically removed.
• Nasal septum surgery (septoplasty): correction of the septum in the nose. Removal of nasal obstruction improves nasal passage and nasal breathing.
• Correction of olfactory system (concha correction) If breathing is obstructed, the ORL doctor can reduce it.
• Rhinoplasty: when the nostrils have a deviated shape, the nostrils are enlarged with a piece of cartilage (usually from the nasal septum). Conversely, nostrils can also be reduced in size with a rhinoplasty.

What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?

A first and not insignificant advantage of a rhinoplasty is of an aesthetic nature. Because the nose is given the desired – natural – appearance and the surgery leaves no visible scars over time, self-confidence increases anyway. A correction of the nasal septum also comes with improved breathing through the nose.

Is nasal surgery painful?

During rhinoplasty, the area around the nose is always numbed. Thus, the operation is not painful, and even in the weeks that follow, the symptoms remain limited. However, slight swelling, bruising or post-operative bleeding cannot be excluded. Driving a car is not allowed the first day after the operation and it is best to take it easy in the following days. Normally you will be able to return to work after a few days; intensive sports are possible after 6 weeks.