Aesthetic nose operation

Aesthetic nasal corrections, also known as rhinoplasty, can be performed due to the patients’ wishes for a more pleasant shape of the nose. Whether a nose is seen as distinctively nice or displeasant and unattractive mainly depends from the personal perception of every individual.

Especially, aesthtetic rhinoplasties require an exquisite knowledge and experience of the surgeon in the field of nasal surgery under consideration of the risks and technical feasibility of the desired result. This is analyzed and discussed with the patient during several consultations previous to the operation. According to the proportions of the facial structures and the anatomical conditions of the nose (nasal shape, thickness of nasal skin, ethnic origin) whether a nasal reduction or augmentation (for example in previously operated noses, asian noses) has to be performed. Beside the aesthetic improvement of the shape the breathing function of the nose should always be respected and addressed. Consequently, in every nasal surgery both form and function should be included in the operative plan. We therefore prefer calling these procedures aeshtetic funtional nasal surgeries.

During the consultation we discuss your wishes and the feasibility of the operative goal. Therefore, we whether use drawings or computerized simulations that enable and allow you to see in advance how any new shape or adjustment will suit your face.

Medical Term: Rhinoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, Rhinoseptoplasty, Septoplasty, Nose Surgery

Type of Anesthesia: General Anesthesia

Surgery time: 1 to 3 hours

Length of hospital stay: outpatient or 1 overnight stay

Aftercare: Splints and cast for 1-2 weeks, if necessary tamponades for 1-2 days

Back to public: 1-2 weeks

Back to work: 1-2 weeks

Time of recovery: 6-8 weeks

Fees: starting at 12.000 CHF

In case of the combination of aesthetic and functional nasal correction we talk about the so called aesthetic and functional nose job (septorhinoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty). Frequently, an improvement of shape done by a specialist can also induce an improvement of function. However, for example a reduction rhinoplasty (downsizing of the nose) without consideration or simultaneous correction of a deviated septum may cause an impairment of breathing. An incorrectly performed narrowing of the nasal dorsum may lead to a constriction of the inner nasal valves and additionally deteriorate respiration. Consequently, surgery of the nose can only be performed in regard of shape and function, because changing one of these components must include the other one, in order to achieve an ideal result.

The charecteristics of the face mainly depend from the appearance of the nose. In this regard, shape and size of the nasal tip play a crucial role. In most cases surgical correction of the nasal tip represents a part of a total aesthetic rhinoplasty. In general, during rhinoplasty the different zones of the nose (nasal tip, nasal dorsum (bridge), nostrils and so forth) have to be changed in respect of the facial proportions in order to be in line to each other. In rare cases, where nasal bridge (dorsum) and nasal septum already show an ideal shape an exclusive change of the nasal tip may lead to a significant cosmetic improvement.

The correction of the nasal tip requires upmost precision, because inaccuracies in millimeters already may lead to an undesirable appearance. In the clinic utoquai we give best attention to the nasal tip (mostly the last step of a nose job procedure) and offer the entire spectrum of aesthetic and functional nasal surgery. Following changes of the nasal tip are mostly considered as unfitting or disturbing: hanging nasal tip (droopy tip), wide nasal tip (boxy tip), short nose deformity (mostly after botched operations), parrot nose (polly beak deformity, mostly after botched operations). Through surgical correction of the lower lateral cartilages and lower part of the nasal septum we can not only improve the aesthetics of the nasal tip but also achieve a long lasting stability.

For many years, the Caucasian nose was seen as the “ideal nose” shape to be achieved by a surgical rhinoplasty procedure. However, nowadays this cookie cutter approach, where the shape preferred by the surgeon is placed into every face, is not used anymore in modern rhinosurgery. Even more, in ethnic rhinoplasty every detail of the face is included in the operative planning. The aim here is, whilst keeping the natural appearance, to achieve an optimal aesthetic result, which suits the remaining aesthetic subuntis of the face. Depending on culture and origin of the patient, there exist differing beauty features, which have to be respected. In the clinic utoquai we offer following rhinoplasty procedures in respect of the ethnical origin:

• Caucasian Rhinoplasty
• Asian Rhinoplasty
• Middle Eastern / Mediterranean Rhinoplasty
• Latino / Hispanic Rhinoplasty
• African Rhinoplasty
• Indian / Pakistani Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is considered as a rather painless procedure and is generally performed on an outpatient basis under anaesthesia. Smaller corrections of the nasal tip can occasionally be performed under local anesthesia.

Generally, two small incisions to the inside and one at the outer columella of the nose are made in order to provide perfect access to the cartilage, bone or tissue that will reshaped. Complex corrective surgery (for example after previously failed operations) may on occasion require a second operation or additional cartilage tissue from somewhere else (ear, rib).

Incidents and complications are extremely rare in rhinoplasty procedures.The tissue around the cheeks and eyelids will be initially swell and appear swollen as a result of the procedure. Initial swelling as well as usage of tamponades or silicone splints may impede nasal breathing slightly and cause slight discomfort. However, this sensation will quickly subside. Since we mainly operate using the hydrodissection technique side effects, such as, nosebleeds, are extremely rare. Although prominent swelling will have receded and in general appear diminished within 14 days post procedure, tissue and cartilage in the nose, once reshaped, can often take up to 6  or 12 months to fully heal and reveal the permanent, new shape of your nose.

A light plastic splint or cast in combination with a special taping technique is used to protect and support the nose for the first 1-2 weeks following the procedure to maintain shape and form. Simple nasal tip surgery mostly only requires taping, thus a cast can be avoided. Return to job takes generally one to two weeks, sports, sauna and spa should be avoided for about 6 to 8 weeks. Wearing glasses should be avoided for about 2-3 months.

As with any cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty surgery costs can vary widely dependent upon the patient, condition of the skin, tissue, cartilage and so forth.

Our fee is based on your individual doctor’s experience, the type and extent of the surgical procedure performed and if done under general- or local anaesthesia.

Naturally, all surgical fees are discussed, agreed and paid in advance and include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses, so that there will be no unexpecetd costs.

In general, most health insurances do not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery as the procedure is viewed as aesthetic. However, in instances where nose surgery is required to correct a respiratory defect and breathing is severely impaired (Improvement of nasal breathing, correction after traumatic injury or of a crooked septum), health insurance may cover to some extend certain treatment costs.

Price for aesthetic nose operation: from 12.000 CHF