Rhinoplasty aims to correct both the aesthetic appearance and the function of the nose. It is performed either closed or open, depending on the problem that needs to be addressed.
At a glance
Rhinoplasty aims to improve both the aesthetic appearance and the function of the nose. It can be performed either closed or open, depending on the issue that needs to be corrected.
Severity
Medium
Type of Anaesthetic
General
Clinic Stay
Same day discharge
Suture removal
-
Treatment
6-10 weeks
Rhinoplasty Cost
If you would like to inquire about rhinoplasty prices in Thessaloniki, you can fill out the contact form below, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Rhinoplasty is the most common procedure in cosmetic surgery for Facial Procedures. The expertise and experience we possess allow us to address the nose both aesthetically and functionally. Therefore, whether you want a nose that satisfies you visually and aesthetically, need to correct functional issues, or both, we have the knowledge and means to provide it.
It should be noted that in most cases with aesthetic issues, there is also a deviation of the nasal septum, as well as hypertrophic turbinates. These should be corrected in the same procedure to prevent and resolve problems with nasal support and breathing.
Rhinoplasty is now painless. With a natural result, it is the best way to achieve the nose you have always wanted!
The ideal nose shape for every face
There are some basic principles that define the aesthetics and harmony of a nose, and these principles always take into account the overall proportions of the face. However, there is no specific “template,” and the nose in a rhinoplasty is shaped according to the available proportions, the facial features, and the individual preferences. My usual recommendation is to achieve a nose with a natural and timeless result, with a straight dorsum that leads to a slightly elevated tip, without giving the impression of an “upturned” nose.
The nose should be in proportion with the chin and the eyes, and its size is usually determined by the dimensions of the face. An excessively small nose may get lost on a relatively large face, while a very large nose may dominate the features compared to the eyes, cheekbones, lips, etc.
The goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual face, starting from its existing features, in order to create a beautiful and natural result.
Show your confidence.
Rhinoplasty can give you the confidence you desire, with safety and a natural result.
Imagine the nose that suits you – now you can see it.
How can we be sure about the ideal choice before rhinoplasty?
Beyond recommendations and ideal proportions, the most important factor is the personal desire of each individual and how they envision their nose. It is neither correct nor always feasible to match another person’s nose, with different features and proportions, to someone else’s face, but we can follow certain general standards or beauty ideals.
Sometimes it helps to do a computer simulation to better visualize the changes we wish to achieve, although one cannot fully rely on digital tools. Through discussion and the experience of the plastic surgeon it becomes fully clear what exactly we want to achieve with rhinoplasty, and the procedure can be adjusted to achieve precisely that.
Rhinoplasty Techniques
There are 4 main rhinoplasty techniques:
- Closed open roof rhinoplasty
- Closed preservation rhinoplasty
- Open preservation rhinoplasty
- Open structural rhinoplasty
Each of these techniques has its advantages and is more suitable for specific cases. For example, with a closed rhinoplasty, whether open roof or preservation, the possibilities for changing the tip are more limited than with an open rhinoplasty.
Also, the preservation rhinoplasty technique is preferable when the height of the dorsum is relatively low, or when there is functional and anatomical instability in the middle third of the nose.
Regardless of the rhinoplasty technique chosen, the correction always includes the functional aspect of nasal breathing. This means addressing any dysfunction present, whether due to septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, or other functional issues of the internal or external nasal valve.
When there is significant snoring, it may be caused by uvula hypertrophy, as well as nasal congestion due to septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy. In these cases, the uvula is reduced, in addition to correcting nasal breathing.
Closed Rhinoplasty
In closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nostrils, meaning it is a procedure that leaves no visible scars. The cartilaginous and bony framework is released, and all anatomical elements of the skeleton are modified step by step. The goal is, after correcting the individual problematic parts of the nose, to restore the proportions of the nasal pyramid and adjust the upper lateral cartilages and tip cartilages to the pyramid.
A major advancement in rhinoplasty in recent years is the use of autologous cartilage grafts for additional support and reinforcement of the nose, which firstly gives us greater control over the result and also protects the nose from sagging, especially of the tip, which can occur after many years.
Open Structural Rhinoplasty
The open structural rhinoplasty is the procedure of choice when we want to intervene more extensively in the tip of the nose. The term structural indicates a complete reconstruction and support of the tip cartilages with cartilage grafts. The grafts are preferably taken from the nasal septum, but if the septum is not available, they can be taken from the ribs, without causing any functional or aesthetic alteration.
In open structural rhinoplasty, cartilage grafts are of critical importance as they form the foundation for proper support and shaping of the tip. This technique is essentially the modern evolution of rhinoplasty, based on the tripod theory of the tip, which involves reinforcing the alar cartilages of the tip with a third leg, either a septal extension graft or a columella strut graft.
Additionally, further grafts can be used, such as spread grafts or spreader flaps, to correct or reinforce the middle third of the nose and to functionally address the internal valve mechanism, or more specialized grafts for the tip or the alar cartilages.
These procedures provide absolute control over the outcome, while also minimizing unpredictable factors that can affect results during the first months of recovery. They also allow us to address complex nasal problems, such as significant asymmetry, anatomical or genetic anomalies like cleft lip and palate, as well as cases where a previous rhinoplasty has been performed.
Preservation Rhinoplasty
A newer technique is preservation rhinoplasty, which can be performed either openly or closed. The advantage of this technique is that the middle third of the nose remains intact and no osteotomies are performed on the nasal dorsum. It is mainly indicated for individuals with very thin nasal skin, where osteotomies might leave some visible imperfections, for those with a relatively low dorsum or asymmetry of the nasal bones, and finally for individuals with instability in the middle third of the nose.
There are two preservation techniques, the so-called push down and let down, where controlled peripheral osteotomies are performed along with removal of a portion of the septum beneath the dorsum, allowing the nasal bones to move inward as a single unit. This technique cannot be applied successfully in every rhinoplasty case, but when there is an appropriate indication, it appears to offer many advantages.
Revision Rhinoplasty
A special category is revision rhinoplasty, which refers to the correction performed following a previous nasal surgery. In these cases, a detailed analysis of the individual aesthetic and functional issues must be performed to determine which problems can be addressed, to what extent, and by what method.
These are usually more demanding procedures that require greater anatomical and technical knowledge and experience. Correction in revision rhinoplasty can be performed either openly or closed, but almost always requires the use of cartilage or other grafts to replace what was removed during the previous surgery. These grafts can be taken from the septum, if it was not altered in the previous procedure, or from the ribs. The surgery can be short or very long, depending on the corrections needed.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that, from a reconstructive perspective, we can restore the nose after partial or total loss, either due to trauma or following excision for tumor removal. Reconstruction is performed using grafts and flaps from the forehead or nasolabial folds, achieving highly satisfactory aesthetic and functional results.
After Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, although for limited corrections, such as in the tip area, it can even be done under local anesthesia. In any case, no overnight stay in the clinic is required, and patients can return home the same day as the procedure.
The splint remains in place for one week. There is no pain after the procedure. After the first week, the splint and the silicone sheets inside the nose are removed. Swelling of the nose gradually starts to subside after the second week and completely disappears after 8–10 weeks. The nose is sensitive during the first 4 weeks, so injuries should be avoided.
In general, individuals who have undergone the procedure return to work and their daily activities 10 days after surgery. Intense physical exercise is possible after the 4th week. After approximately 3 months, the nose takes on a natural appearance, and the final result settles after about 6 months, although full recovery may take 12–24 months.
Regarding bruising, modern rhinoplasty has significantly reduced the discoloration around the eyes. Practically, there is either no bruising at all, or minimal yellowing after the week when the splint is removed. This applies to both open and closed rhinoplasty. There is no pain with any rhinoplasty technique.
Rhinoplasty Results
The results, as mentioned above, are completely individualized. For some, success in rhinoplasty means that the face does not change at all, and they receive confirmation from friends who say “you’ve changed” or “you look more beautiful,” without being able to pinpoint exactly what has changed in the face. For others, success is achieving a radical change in the nose and the face, which is also perfectly valid. No matter the extent to which the nose is altered, if the basic principles of aesthetics are followed, the result will always be flawless and harmonize with the rest of the face.
Regarding functionality, nasal breathing is significantly improved, breathing becomes easier, and nasal congestion disappears. Individuals with severe nasal breathing difficulties experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life, including during sports, sleep, and overall ease of breathing. In cases where snoring was present, there is also significant improvement.
In rare cases, if a functional or aesthetic imperfection remains after recovery, it can usually be addressed very simply with a minor procedure under local anesthesia. Worldwide, the percentage of cases requiring a so-called “touch-up” rhinoplasty, i.e., a minor correction, is below 5%. With open structural rhinoplasty, these rates appear to be considerably lower, and with continuous advancements and improvements in technique, the success of rhinoplasty is guaranteed.
Rhinoplasty cost
The cost of “rhinoplasty” is a common question from our clients. To answer it, we must take into account many factors, such as the type of technique to be applied, the type of anesthesia, whether hospitalization is required, and other personal factors. Once a thorough examination and assessment of all factors have been completed, we can provide a final price for “rhinoplasty,” which is binding on our part, with no hidden costs or surprises.
I have a crooked nose and difficulty breathing. Should I see both a plastic surgeon and an ENT specialist to correct my problem?
What is the recovery like after rhinoplasty? When can I go out of the house?
I have had rhinoplasty in the past and am not satisfied with the result. Can a corrective procedure be performed, and if so, when?
Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou
He completed his specialty in plastic surgery in Germany, at Pirmasens Hospital, the Asklepios Wandsbek Hospitals in Hamburg, the University Hospital of Magdeburg, and the Braunschweig Clinic. He worked as a specialist deputy director at the Braunschweig Clinic, specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and aesthetic surgery. He also participated in scientific research and completed his doctoral dissertation (Dr. Med.) at the Magdeburg Clinic.