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Rhinoplasty

Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty for a Natural Appearance

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Profil einer jungen Frau mit geschlossenen Augen

Nose Correction

The Perfect Nose

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is performed to improve both the aesthetic shape and the functional performance of the nose. Aesthetic rhinoplasty focuses on achieving a harmonious, natural appearance that complements the facial features, while functional rhinoplasty corrects issues such as impaired nasal breathing caused by a deviated nasal septum.

Nose correction surgery can be performed for aesthetic or medical reasons. In most cases, patients should be at least 18 years old, as nasal growth should be complete. In exceptional cases, rhinoplasty may be performed earlier if medically necessary, for example to treat severe breathing difficulties.

Costs
from € 9,500
Procedure Duration
approx. 2 – 3 hours
Anesthesia
general anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
inpatient, 1-night stay
Aftercare
removal of nasal splint 10 – 14 days after surgery
Work Incapacity
1 – 2 weeks
Sports Abstinence
6 weeks

Types of Nasal Corrections

As part of rhinoplasty (nose surgery), both aesthetic and functional changes can be performed. These may include the following procedures:

  • Reduction or reshaping of the nose

  • Straightening of a nasal hump

  • Correction of a crooked nose

  • Adjustment of the nasal tip (e.g. lifting, narrowing, or better definition)

  • Narrowing of the nasal bridge or nostrils

  • Correction of a deviated nasal septum (septoplasty)

  • Improvement of nasal breathing

  • Reconstructive corrections after injuries or previous surgeries

The goal of every rhinoplasty procedure is to achieve a harmonious, natural-looking result that fits optimally with the facial proportions and, where necessary, improves nasal function.

When to Consider Rhinoplastic Surgery

The desire for a more harmonious appearance and improved nasal function is often the main motivation for rhinoplasty.

The most common reasons for nose surgery include:

  • Aesthetic dissatisfaction with the shape of the nose

  • A nasal hump or an uneven nasal bridge

  • A crooked or asymmetrical nose

  • A disproportionate or drooping nasal tip

  • Overly wide or prominent nostrils

  • Impaired nasal breathing due to a deviated nasal septum

  • Consequences of injuries or accidents

  • Corrections following previous nose surgeries (revision rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty aims to create a harmonious balance between aesthetics and function while sustainably improving overall well-being.

Preparations Before Rhinoplasty

Before undergoing rhinoplasty (nose surgery), several important preparatory steps should be followed to ensure a safe procedure and optimal healing.

  • Medical check-up: A thorough examination by your primary care physician or an internal medicine specialist is recommended prior to surgery.

  • Medication management: Blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin®, Thrombo ASS®, or Thomapyrin® should be discontinued one week before and one week after surgery—always under the guidance of your doctor.

  • Lifestyle considerations: It is also advised to avoid nicotine and alcohol around the time of surgery, as this supports wound healing and contributes to a better surgical outcome.

Following these steps helps ensure both the safety of the procedure and the best possible results.

2 Profile einer Frau, einmal mit leichtem Nasenhöcker, einmal ohne

Rhinoplasty at Privatklinik Hochrum is generally performed under general anesthesia. For this reason, we recommend an overnight hospital stay to ensure optimal postoperative care.

The duration of a nose correction procedure typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours.

Depending on the individual nasal structure, rhinoplasty may involve:

  • Removal of excess bone and cartilage (e.g., for a nasal hump)

  • Straightening of curved nasal structures (e.g., for a crooked nose)

  • Refinement of the nasal shape, such as narrowing a broad or bulbous nasal tip

At the end of the procedure, stabilizing tape and usually a nasal splint are applied to secure the new shape of the nose and support the healing process.

2 Profile einer Frau, einmal mit leichtem Nasenhöcker, einmal ohne

Postoperative Care After Rhinoplasty

Careful postoperative management after rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is essential for a complication-free recovery and optimal aesthetic results.

Key recommendations include:

  • Rest and limited activity: Avoid physical exertion during the first days after surgery.

  • Cold compresses: Apply to the cheeks and eye area to reduce swelling and bruising.

  • Elevate the head: Keep your head elevated while sleeping to help reduce swelling.

  • Avoid sports and heavy physical activity: For at least 6 weeks after surgery.

  • Do not blow your nose: To protect the healing structures.

  • Avoid nicotine and alcohol: Both can negatively affect wound healing.

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications: Such as Aspirin® unless approved by your doctor.

  • Leave tape and nasal splints in place: Only remove them when instructed by your surgeon.

  • Attend follow-up appointments regularly: Ensures proper monitoring of healing.

  • Suture removal: Usually performed 10–14 days after surgery.

  • Nasal splint removal: Typically after 10–14 days.

In the first weeks after surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, or a feeling of tension. These reactions gradually subside as the healing process progresses.

Even with modern surgical techniques and high safety standards, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) carries potential risks and side effects, as with any surgical procedure.

Common, temporary side effects may include:

  • Swelling around the nose, eyes, and cheeks

  • Bruising, especially under the eyes

  • Mild pain, tension, or pressure in the nasal area

  • Temporarily reduced nasal breathing due to swelling of the mucosa

  • Numbness or a foreign-body sensation at the nasal tip or bridge

  • Temporary reduction in smell or taste

  • Crust formation or discharge inside the nose

  • Dryness of the nasal mucosa

  • Palpable bone edges

These side effects are generally harmless and temporary, gradually resolving during the healing process. Scars do occur after rhinoplasty but are usually only noticeable for a short period.

Rare risks or complications can include:

  • Infection at the surgical site

  • Severe or persistent bleeding

  • Wound healing problems or delayed recovery

  • Re-bleeding or extensive bruising

  • Persistent swelling

  • Scar-related issues

  • Ongoing swelling or sensory disturbances

  • Impaired nasal breathing

  • Changes in smell or taste

  • Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic results

Careful surgical planning, experienced execution, and strict adherence to postoperative care instructions can significantly minimize these risks.

Does health insurance cover the cost of rhinoplasty?

Depending on the individual case, partial reimbursement by health insurance may be possible, for example if the nasal deformity was caused by an accident or if there is a medically documented impairment of nasal breathing.

At what age can rhinoplasty be performed?

The general prerequisite for rhinoplasty is reaching the age of 18. In exceptional cases, surgery may be performed earlier if it is medically necessary.

How long is the recovery period after rhinoplasty?

The recovery period is typically about 10 to 14 days. During this time, swelling and bruising may still be visible. Most patients are able to return to social and professional activities after approximately two weeks. Physical exertion and sports should only be resumed after approval from the surgeon.

When can I resume sports after rhinoplasty?

Contact sports, intense training, and activities with a risk of injury to the nose should generally be avoided for about 6 weeks to protect the healing process and surgical outcome. The exact timing will be determined individually during follow-up appointments.

When are tape and nasal splints removed?

Tape and nasal splints are usually removed after 10 to 14 days. The exact timing depends on the individual healing process.

How long does the healing process take?

  • Initial visible results appear after about 2–4 weeks

  • Significant reduction of swelling occurs within 3–6 months

  • Final results are usually visible after 9–12 months (up to 18 months in patients with thicker skin)

  • The nasal tip often requires additional time to achieve its final shape

When might a revision rhinoplasty be necessary?

In rare cases, a secondary or revision rhinoplasty may be required due to unpredictable scar formation, asymmetries, functional impairments, or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result.