Rhinoplasty in Cologne – beautiful Nose with a Nose Job
Some people are unhappy with their nose for a long time: perhaps the nose does not match the rest of the face in their own assessment, perhaps the nose is particularly large, particularly small, particularly slanted or has humps. In all these cases, many people feel uncomfortable. This can often affect self-confidence, which is why many people want to have their nose adjusted. It is not only the appearance that tempts people to have a nose correction.
A nose job or rhinoplasty can also be used if the nose needs to be reconstructed due to a previous injury or if nasal breathing is impaired. This can be corrected by rhinoplasty. Surgical correction of the inner nose is called septoplasty and is performed in the case of functional restrictions of the nasal septum. The optical surgical correction of the outer nose is called rhinoplasty. The combination of both methods is called septo-rhinoplasty in nasal surgery.
At our PALMKLINIK in Cologne, we can help you regain a better self-image with rhinoplasty. You can find initial information on this page. You will receive detailed and personal advice in a non-binding consultation.
At a Glance: Rhinoplasty
| Surgery duration | 1.5-3 hours |
| Hospitalization | 1-2 days |
| Aftercare | Rest, cooling, check-up |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Socially presentable | After 2-3 weeks |
| Sport | After 6 weeks |
Rhinoplasty: the Operation
There are various ways in which your nose can be surgically altered. The surgical method we choose depends on your physical condition, skin thickness, facial structure and your wishes.
Common rhinoplasty procedures include, among others
- Reduction of the bridge of the nose
- Removal of a nasal hump
- Smoothing the bridge of the nose
- Reduction or narrowing of the tip of the nose
- Reshaping the tip of the nose
- Reduction or refinement of the nostrils
- Straightening of the nasal septum
Once your nose has been examined in detail and all questions have been answered, the rhinoplasty can begin. A rhinoplasty usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity.
Various techniques can be used for a surgical nose correction: In classic surgery, bone, cartilage and tissue are removed using precise instruments. The aforementioned precise mini instruments (hammer, chisel, scalpel) can then be used to remove the excess bone and cartilage and narrow the nose in the case of a humped nose, for example.
A long nose can be shortened and the tip of the nose reshaped. Noses that are crooked are almost always accompanied by a crooked nasal septum, which can also impair breathing. In these cases, it is therefore necessary to first straighten the nasal septum so that the outer nose can also be straightened. In the case of saddle noses, when the bridge of the nose is depressed in the middle, it is necessary to build up the bridge of the nose, which should be done using the body’s own material if possible.
Nose surgery can be performed using an open or closed approach. In the open approach, a small incision is made on the bridge of the nose between the nostrils. This technique is particularly preferred for more complicated operations. With the closed approach, an incision is made inside the nose, which is not visible from the outside. The nasal septum and the bridge of the nose are easily accessible through the incision.
After shaping the cartilage, everything is sutured back together with fine, self-dissolving stitches.
Tip: We also carry out other corrections such as otoplasty.
Gentle Nose Correction with Preservation Rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern and particularly gentle surgical method of rhinoplasty. Here, the so-called push-down/let-down techniques are used, with which the bridge of the nose no longer has to be removed and then restored with cartilage grafts.
Tissue-sparing preservation rhinoplasty preserves the natural bridge of the nose. We achieve this by lowering the entire nasal roof downwards. The push-down technique is used for smaller nasal humps and the let-down technique for larger nasal humps.
In these techniques, strips of bony cartilage are precisely removed from the nasal septum using an ultrasonic scalpel. This allows the bridge of the nose to be mobilized and moved into the desired position with light pressure. The resulting gap is naturally filled with muscle and fatty tissue at the root of the nose.
The result is a natural and smooth nasal bridge as well as an aesthetic and symmetrical nasal tip.
What are the advantages of Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Tissue-preserving preservation rhinoplasty is a rhinoplasty using a closed technique (scarless rhinoplasty) because, unlike traditional hump removal, no incision is required on the bridge of the nose. This gentle method has many advantages for you:
- Vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves and soft tissue (ligaments) are spared
- Less swelling
- Less frequent occurrence of sensory disturbances
- No or barely visible scars
- Natural result, as the nasal hump is preserved
- No reconstruction of the nasal hump necessary
Healing and Results: what happens after Rhinoplasty?
Immediately after rhinoplasty, you may experience pain in the wound area, headaches and clearly visible swelling and bruising in the surgical area and the cheeks or lower eyelids. The swelling will subside over the next few days and weeks.
The outer plastic nose splint is usually changed after around seven days, as the initial swelling of the nose is already significantly less at this point. Overall, the external nasal splint should be left in place for around 3 weeks and changed weekly. How long the nasal packing is required depends on the size of the procedure. You should expect to wear a bandage for three weeks and only be able to socialize to a limited extent.
You should not undertake any heavy physical exertion for the next 8-12 weeks and should therefore limit your sporting activities accordingly. This is particularly important for the swelling of the tissue to subside. Direct exposure to the sun, saunas and steam baths should also be avoided. If possible, you should switch to contact lenses and avoid wearing glasses for a few months, as this could affect the altered bone structures.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Every operation involves risks. Despite the greatest care and the best skills of the surgeons, complications can occasionally occur during or after the operation.
General risks:
- Bruising and bleeding
- Infections that can lead to wound healing disorders
- Blood clots that can lead to vascular occlusion (thrombosis) or enter the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Allergies and intolerances due to medication
- Numbness due to compressed nerves or other positioning damage after the operation
Particularly in the case of rhinoplasty, there is a risk that a follow-up operation may be necessary. This often depends on the individual anatomical conditions. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult aesthetic procedures on the face.
Common risks of rhinoplasty:
- Swelling
- Visual changes over weeks: the shape of the nose after surgery can usually only be assessed after around six to twelve months
- Sensitivity of the tip of the nose
Rare risks of rhinoplasty:
- Dryness of the nose
- A hole in the nasal septum or a renewed crooked position of the nose
- Minor irregularities, especially in the area of the bridge of the nose: these often only become apparent after a few months
Very rare risks:
Serious complications such as purulent infections, injuries to the tear duct or embolisms
Frequently asked Questions about Rhinoplasty
You probably have many questions about rhinoplasty. To make your decision easier, we will answer the most frequently asked ones below. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. You are welcome to arrange an initial, non-binding consultation at the PALMKLINIK.
What does Rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of a nose correction depends on the individual procedure for your nose. The costs can vary completely depending on the desired changes to the nose. However, the costs are generally up to €5,000.
How long does it take to heal after a Nose Correction?
It takes quite a long time for the nose to heal completely after a rhinoplasty. In most cases, you can expect 6-12 months to achieve complete healing. However, results can be seen much earlier.
When is Rhinoplasty covered by Health Insurance?
A nose correction is covered by health insurance if it is a functional and necessary procedure. Only procedures that are necessary to improve nasal breathing are covered by health insurance.