RHINOPLASTY (NOSE JOB)
Both form and function matter. What we require from our noses is that they work well and look good!
Of all cosmetic operations, a rhinoplasty (or nose job) is undoubtedly the most challenging. Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure that requires the skill set of an experienced ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon such as Dr. Vanlierde.
We've all seen botched nose jobs and how some people have to undergo revision surgery just so that they can breathe properly. Only an ENT surgeon truly understands how the nose works.
If your nose slants, appears too big and uneven or causes functional problems like breathing difficulties, a rhinoplasty could be right for you.
First rhinoplasty consultation
At your first consultation, your ENT surgeon asks about nasal and sinus symptoms as well as any general cosmetic concerns. If your medical history is significant, Dr. Vanlierde will conduct a CT (Computer Tomography) scan of your nose and sinuses. Based on these results, the ENT surgeon will decide whether you are a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty. Preoperative photographs are essential for cosmetic rhinoplasty. During the consultation, you can discuss what you don't like about your nose and what you would imagine it to look like post rhinoplasty.
It helps to browse over before and after rhinoplasty photographs of other patients with similar issues too. Morphing picture technology creates unrealistic expectations, so we don't use it in our practice.
Procedure
Rhinoplasty surgery is typically carried out under general anaesthetic with an overnight stay in the hospital. How long the rhinoplasty lasts depends on what you choose to alter. You may want to resize or enhance the shape of your nose to your liking, but your ENT surgeon will advise on the best procedure to suit your facial features.
If your nose too uneven or indented, augmentation may help to correct this issue. Dr. Vanlierde may also use skin or ear cartilage grafts and, in some cases, synthetic material, to rebuild your nose. During this procedure, the ENT surgeon makes an incision at the stem of your nose and rearranges the cartilage and bone beneath your skin. He may also readjust your septum to improve your breathing.
Recovery
A plaster cast stays on your nose for a week after surgery. Preoperatively, you will receive instructions on how to care for your nose post-surgery.
Dr. Vanlierde will visit you after the operation and before you are discharged from the hospital. Your cast is removed at the first post-operative visit that takes place one week after the surgery.
We can assure you that a nose job is far less painful than you might imagine. Although analgesia helps immensely at night, you have to rinse your nose with a saline solution for a few weeks after the operation and care for suture lines (if present) for at least a week. Your post-operative instruction sheet explains all this information in detail. There may be bruising under your eyes, which is typical, but this should subside one week after the rhinoplasty.
Results
The results of a rhinoplasty are permanent. Post-operative photographs show the difference in the appearance of your nose a month after surgery.

