If you are not satisfied with the shape or size of your nose, an aesthetic rhinoplasty can be performed. This month we made an appeal on social media to our followers to ask us their questions about rhinoplasty. ENT doctors Prof. dr. dr. Gijs Nolst Trenité and dr. Lenka Vermeeren answers the most frequently asked questions in this article.
What is the difference between an aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty?
dr. Vermeeren: 'We perform an aesthetic rhinoplasty when someone is not satisfied with the shape of his or her nose. For example, the nose may be very large, crooked or deformed by a fall or blow to the nose. We perform a functional rhinoplasty when people have difficulty breathing through the nose. This can be caused, for example, by a deviation in the nasal septum or when the nose is so crooked that it is closed. An aesthetic rhinoplasty is not reimbursed by the health insurer, but a functional rhinoplasty is in some cases.'
How does the operation go?
Prof. dr. dr. Nolst Trenité: 'No rhinoplasty is the same. Sometimes a simple procedure is enough to remove the hump or narrow the nostrils. More complicated surgeries are often required on the bridge of the nose or the entire nose. The duration of the operation depends on the extent of the operation. In general, a rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The rhinoplasty is performed open or closed, we will discuss this during the first consultation. With an open rhinoplasty, small incisions are made that are hardly noticeable afterwards, and with a closed operation you don't get any scars on the outside of the nose.'
How long does the recovery take?
dr. Vermeeren: 'After the correction, we place a plaster bandage and aluminum nose cap on the nose that must be worn for about six to ten days. In most cases we also place nasal tampons, which are removed by the assistant after 1 or 2 days in our clinic. The area around the nose and under the eyes is swollen after the procedure and there may be a blue discoloration under the eyes. After 10 to 15 days, these bruising and swelling are usually gone. It is also often possible to resume daily activities. We recommend that you do not perform physically demanding work again until after 4 weeks. Some swelling of the nose itself and especially a dull and stiff feeling at the tip of the nose can remain for a long time (weeks to several months).'
When will the end result be visible?
Prof. dr. dr. Nolst Trenité: 'The final result after a rhinoplasty is only visible after about a year. Of course you can immediately see that the nose has changed, but the bone, cartilage and skin tissue need time to recover.'
Is your question not listed? Or would you like to discuss the options in a no-obligation consultation? Feel free to send us a message via ec@jvg.nl or call 020 – 3055 84
