Cosmetic nose surgery - Rhinoplasty

The shape and size of the nose is probably one of the most common aesthetic dysmorphoses, giving rise to many complexes and dissatisfaction.

This can become a source of complexes and discomfort, which explains why rhinoplasty is one of the most popular facial surgery procedures.

Technically, rhinoplasty can be either an augmentation to restore volume, or a reduction rhinoplasty to remove volume.

Each of these techniques calls on different solutions (hard tissue, soft tissue, grafts, etc.), which explains why each rhinoplasty remains a tailor-made solution.

This nose operation requires technical knowledge, adaptability, experience and a deep artistic eye.

Dr Christelle Santini offers Paris rhinoplasty for two main indications:

• functional rhinoplasty, when the aim is to restore impaired permeability of the upper airways (e.g. septal deviation);
• Aesthetic rhinoplasty, when the sole aim is to achieve a more harmonious nose and a more balanced face.

There is no hierarchy between the two. This distinction is primarily linked to the reimbursement terms for nose surgery.

Social security coverage for rhinoplasty is only available for objectively functional rhinoplasty, after prior agreement has been obtained. If the rhinoplasty is purely cosmetic, you will not be entitled to sick leave: it is therefore important to allow for a period of 10 to 20 days' absence from work and social life after the operation.

The first consultation with Dr. Santini is essential to fully understand your expectations, possibilities and goals.
Dr. Christelle Santini performs a frontal and profile analysis, on a face at rest and in movement.
She will then explain the possible solutions to meet the patient's needs.
Reduction rhinoplasty requires surgery, whereas augmentation rhinoplasty can sometimes be performed without surgery, using hyaluronic acid injections: this is known as medical rhinoplasty.
Dr. Santini will take medical photographs to simulate the final result and give you a customized estimate.
In most cases, she will prescribe an X-ray of the nose and a CT scan to help you choose the best surgical technique, particularly for functional rhinoplasty.
A pre-operative check-up will also be prescribed, with a compulsory consultation with the anaesthetist: this must take place no later than 48 hours before the operation, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out additional tests if necessary.
Dr Christelle Santini will explain the main precautions to be taken before nose surgery.
Any medication containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to the operation.
You are strongly advised to stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after the operation, to minimize the risk of post-operative infection.
You will also be asked to wash your body and hair with Betadine the day before and the morning of the operation.
You must not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before the operation.

Rhinoplasty requires a 24-hour hospital stay. (1 postoperative night in the clinic, with discharge scheduled for the following morning after agreement with the surgeon), on an empty stomach and under general anesthesia.

Dr. Santini begins by identifying the contours of the nose, according to a pre-established drawing made during pre-operative consultations. This determines the surgical procedures to be carried out according to your wishes: refining the base and/or tip of the nose, removing an unsightly bump... or correcting the deviation of the nasal septum.

Rhinoplasty scars are usually hidden inside the nose.

However, in certain cases, Dr. Santini can make external incisions at the base of the nose (in the case of nostril reduction) or across the columella (in the case of major deformities).

Augmentation rhinoplasty is often combined with additional volume grafting, either autograft (e.g. cartilage) or implants.

A reduction rhinoplasty will mainly involve resection of the hard tissues (bone and cartilage, for example, in the case of an osteo-cartilaginous bump) and/or resection of the soft tissues (skin and mucosa, for example, in the case of oversized nostrils).

Dr. Christelle Santini places wicks in each nostril, which are usually removed the day after surgery, before you are discharged. As a result, you will have to breathe by mouth for one day.

A plaster cast or thermo-malleable splint covering the back of the nose and extending up to the forehead will be applied and secured with a bandage. The splint will be removed at Dr. Christelle Santini's office 7 to 10 days after surgery.

In the first few days after surgery, swelling and serosities lead to frequent nasal obstruction. To avoid crusting of the nose, it is essential to wash the nasal cavities frequently with saline solution.

Pain, although moderate, is always managed by Dr Santini with at least simple analgesics.

You can resume sporting activities three months after the operation.

After 3 months, you'll have a good idea of the result, but it'll be a year before the final result is obtained, once deep healing has taken place.

• Discharged the day after surgery.
• 7 to 10 days of professional downtime.
• Customized nose surgery.
• Final rhinoplasty result at 1 year.

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is used to correct aesthetic or functional imperfections. Although the first results are quickly visible, the final result takes 6 to 12 months to stabilize.

The results are permanent, offering a lasting improvement in facial harmony. Browse the before-and-after results to see the effects of this surgery on your appearance.

What to do before rhinoplasty?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including medical photography and rendering simulation.
• An X-ray/scan of the nose.
• A consultation with the anaesthetist and a blood test.
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, with a legal 15-day waiting period between the first consultation and the nasal surgery.

How does a rhinoplasty procedure work?

• General anesthesia for rhinoplasty surgery.
• Hidden incision, usually in the nose.
• 1h30 to 2h30 of intervention.
• Back home the next day after nose surgery.

What are the post-operative consequences of nose surgery?

• Removal of strands 24 hours after surgery or maximum 7 days after surgery if associated septoplasty.
• Removal of splint or plaster with dressing between days 7 and 10.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 10 days before surgery.
• Sutures are removed between days 7 and 10.
• Allow 7 to 10 days off work after rhinoplasty surgery
• Stopping sport after nose surgery for 3 months.
• Intermediate result after 3 months, final result after 6 to 12 months.