Rhinoplasty is an operation where nasal malformations such as a large hump, a droopy or wide tip, a deviation, wide nostrils or malformations after accidents are treated.

In case there are functional problems besides the aesthetic ones, functional rhinoplasty also restores proper breathing.

The well-trained, skilled rhinoplastic surgeon, who is familiar and respects the anatomy and function of the nose, is able to correct the aesthetic problem without affecting the breathing of the patient, if it is normal before the surgery.
In those cases where the patient does not breathe normally preoperatively, the experienced surgeon will correct, in the same operation, both the aesthetic and functional problems.

Rhinoplasty is a painless operation performed in well-organised healthcare units. Depending on the nature of the problem, an open or closed approach is used by the surgeon. The patient remains at the hospital for one night. On the 1st postoperative day, the patient returns home with a splint on the dorsum of the nose. This splint is removed after 5-6 days and the patient can return to his work.

Rhinoplasty is the most frequent aesthetic operation in the face, but it is also the hardest one. It should be noted that the duration of the surgery is never less than two hours.

Rhinoplasty is the surgery of the thinking surgeon, since the surgeon must use his artistic taste and his imagination to create a nose which suits the patient’s face. He should also handle the tissues delicately, just like a sculptor.

The age limit in men is the age of 17 years and in women the age of 16.

a. When the nose is functioning properly, that is when the patient breathes normally, is able to smell and sleeps calmly, without nightmares or snoring.

b. When the aesthetic outcome pleases both the patient and the surgeon and is in perfect harmony with the rest of the features and aesthetic lines of the face.

c. When the nose cannot be recognized as operated. In order for that to happen, the surgeon should not perform radical changes, which alter the characteristics of the patient.

After the operation, if performed correctly, the patient’s family and friends realize that the patient’s face looks more beautiful, but are not able to tell what exactly has changed.

The rhinoplastic surgeon must inform the patient that each nose is different, has its own personality and character, following the uniqueness of each individual. His goal is in each surgery to create the one and only nose that fits the particular unique face.

The nose surgeon is a kind of artist, who tries to achieve perfect proportions on each face, believing that perfection in nature comes from uniqueness. The overall picture should be aesthetically pleasing, while maintaining the elements of nationality within the context of beauty and balance.

Rhinoplasty is a true challenge, even for the most skilled and experienced surgeon. The operation demands precision in the handling of cartilage, bones and soft tissue. It is an operation that does not allow or forgive mistakes to the inexperienced surgeon. No other surgery requires such perfection in its execution, given that otherwise the nose will continue to present aesthetic and functional problems.

Consequently, it is clear that the suitable surgeon to perform a rhinoplasty in one with deep knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the nose; an ENT with a lengthy specialisation in facial plastic surgery and above all, in rhinoplasty.

In the past, an ENT would correct the functional problem of the nose and, later on, in a second operation, a Plastic Surgeon would make the essential aesthetic improvements. However, this is no longer the case.
Nowadays, one specialised surgeon on his own will perform the operation; both functional and aesthetic problems will be solved by the same doctor in one operation. Thus, the patient does not have to undertake surgery more than once and a unique, highly qualified surgeon is fully responsible for the entire result.

It is known that a significant factor for a successful rhinoplasty is the relationship and communication between the surgeon and the patient. The doctor explains to the patient what is correct and what is not, so that his expectations are realistic.
The patient should be able to see many preoperative and postoperative pictures of patients who have been operated by the particular surgeon in the past, to be able to judge the surgeon’s artistic taste and skills and to decide if they meet his own expectations.

In addition, when visiting the doctor at his private office or clinic, the patient will have the opportunity to meet several patients of the particular surgeon, at various postoperative stages. He will have the chance to discuss with them and to ask them questions concerning the surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty is a very difficult surgery because of symphysis and lack of tissue in comparison to the first surgery. That is why the choice of the right surgeon is a very crucial decision. No doctor can perform miracles, but the experienced and skilled rhinoplastic surgeon will be able to correct a former failure and create harmony and symmetry in the patient’s face. In order to optimize the outcome, he will use all possible means provided by modern technology (synthetic grafts, autologous grafts), as well as techniques that require special training, as the open approach in rhinoplasty.

Honore de Balzac once said: “Beauty is a necessity. It provides peace to the soul”
His words are enough to answer the question. A beautiful nose, which breathes normally and is in total harmony with the rest of the features of the face, provides self-esteem, peace and optimism to the person and so, in no case can rhinoplasty be considered as luxury.