Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty

The nose characterizes the face and is unique and individual. Only the nose makes a face expressive. However, culturally or distinctive noses are perceived as disturbing. If the external shape of the nose does not fit the inner self-image of a person, modern nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) can allow for an aesthetic correction that is both harmonious and individual. Rhinoplasty is recommended especially if there are functional limitations. Such a medically indicated nose operation is advisable if the patient is permanently unable to breathe through the nose and feels impaired by this nasal obstruction. To achieve an optimally natural result, Dr. Winterholer combines a profound sense of aesthetics with excellent surgical expertise.

Common questions

• What is a nasal surgery?
• Is a nasal surgery right for me?
• What are the treatment options and follow up?

What is a nasal surgery?

Small corrections can be achieved by injections with autologous fat or hyaluronic acid. Major changes require surgery. Rhinoplasty includes an operation on the nose to change or improve its shape or function. This involves either restructuring the bone, cartilage, and/or skin on the nose. Rhinoplasty can help both with improving facial aesthetics, as well as medical functionality such as for breathing issues, imbalances from an injury, issues from birth, or facial issues due to an illness such as cancer. According to the patient’s needs and wishes, Dr Winterholer will give a precise recommendation and will work out a detailed treatment plan to achieve the patient’s desired outcome.

Is a nasal surgery right for me?

The various causes of an aesthetically and functionally disruptive nose can be treated with a wide variety of corrective operations. If you find yourself in the list below, nose surgery can be a good solution

These include:

• Correction of the nasal septum.
• The reduction in size of turbinates.
• The correction of a narrowed nasal valve.
• Reshaping, raising or lowering the tip of the nose.
• Correction of the nostrils.
• Correction of the profile of the bridge of the nose, for example by removing a nasal hump or compensating for the defect in a saddle nose.
• The straightening of the nasal axis in the case of inclination.
• The narrowing of the bony nasal pyramid.
• The reduction of a nose that is too big.
• The structure of a nose that is too small.
• Shortening a nose that is too long.
• Profile plastic of the face (structure of the upper jaw region, change of chin shape).

What are the treatment options and follow up?

Removal of a nasal hump

After the removal of a “classic” nasal hump, the nasal bones must also be detached from the bony area and mobilized in order to close the “roof” of the nose again. The bony nose pyramid is reshaped. This explains why the nose is immobilized with a cast after the operation so that the nose does not become unfavorably deformed after the operation. After removing the hump, however, the nose appears elongated, so that the tip of the nose also has to be relocated in order to achieve a harmonious result. It may be necessary to cover the edges of bones and small irregularities, especially with thin skin. Muscle skin (the body’s own connective tissue or, alternatively, tissue from the tissue bank) is used for this.

Compensation of the bridge of the nose defect in a saddle nose

To compensate for the defect in the case of a sunken bridge of the nose, cartilage is usually used, which is obtained from the nasal septum, the ear or the rib.

Straightening a crooked nose

To straighten a crooked nose, the septum and cartelage nasal framework is completely detached from the bony environment and mobilized and straightened. In order to protect the nose and to minimize the facial muscles, the patient is immobilized with a nasal cast for a period of up to 14 days. Nevertheless, a certain new misalignment can occur in the further course, which can be caused by the pulling of the soft tissues.

Narrowing of the nose

Even with the narrowing of a wide nose, the bony nasal framework must be detached from the base and reshaped with immobilization in a plaster cast for 10-14 days. However, the narrowing of the nose should never be at the expense of nasal function. The functional and aesthetic result also depends on the strength of the nasal bones, the thickness of the skin and the proportions of the face.

Profile plastic of the face

In order to achieve a harmonious result (aesthetically pleasing facial profile), it can make sense to combine the nose correction, for example, with building up the upper jaw region or a chin correction. We will be happy to advise you on the options.

Secondary nose surgery / rhinoplasty correction /revision rhinoplasty

According to worldwide specialist literature, after a rhinoplasty, even with very experienced nasal surgeons, 5 – 8 percent of patients require a second operation, albeit a mostly smaller one. If you decide to have a surgical rhinoplasty, you have to be aware, that a second operation might be necessary. The reason for this does not have to be an inadequate surgical technique, rather the tissue (skin texture, cartilage, bones, etc.), that is, the “natural” requirements that the patient brings along.

Usually neither the patient nor the surgeon can influence this in advance. This includes bleeding tendency, the swelling during and after the operation as well as the individual healing. In addition to the experience and surgical skills of the surgeon, scarring of the patient is important. However, the patient’s behavior before and after the operation can have a positive effect on the healing process.

Minimally invasive rhinoplasty

With a conservative nose correction under local anesthesia with filler without surgery, the result is visible immediately after the operation.

Do you want to find out more?

If you are interested in a rhinoplasty, I am at your side as an objective advisor. It is important to me to give you a comprehensive picture of the procedure. In a non-binding consultation I will talk to you about the possibilities and risks. This conversation offers you a serious basis to be able to decide for or against an intervention.