Nose Correction

Are you considering a nose correction?

At the Radetzky villa, Dr. van der Meulen has specialised in the complex art of rhinoplasty for over ten years now. Difficult cases get referred to him by colleagues. He will give you an honest and well founded opinion on any specific question you might have regarding this subject.
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What is a nose correction?

A nose correction, or rhinoplasty as it is often called, is an operation designed to improve the shape and/or the function of the nose. It not only one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, but also one of the most challenging. Only a limited number of experts specialise in Rhinoplasty, so choose your surgeon well. Nose corrections at the Radetzky Villa start from €2.950, depending on the extend of surgery.

Who would want a nose correction?

Most people requesting a nose correction feel their nose looks out of proportion in profile (due to an elevated nasal bridge), or because it is too crooked, too big or too wide. Others are unhappy about the shape, position, or lack of definition of their tip. All of them however have in common that they feel their nose doesn’t fit their face.

What is the aim of a nose correction?

An aesthetic nose correction therefore aims to restore the balance in a face. This of course depends on ones personal facial features, which should thus be carefully analysed and planned up front. Only an operation that is individualised to the specific needs and situation of each patient, can lead to a high satisfaction and low revision rate.

The nose plays a prominent role in anybodies appearance. YOUR nose should fit to YOUR face. Achieving a good result in rhinoplasty results in people saying “they should have done it years before” and that “they finally have the nose they should have had from the start”. This feeling is reflected in a more confident and outgoing attitude, which has a positive effect on every aspect of life.

What is done during a nose correction?

Technically, an improvement of the shape of the nose can only be achieved by altering the structures under the skin of the nose, like the bones and the cartilages. For this small scars need to be made, most of which are hidden invisibly on the inside of the nose. Reshaping or repositioning a nose however, not only changes the way it looks, but also might have an impact on breathing.

When the nasal height is reduced, often the width of the bones has to be corrected. This might result in some swelling and bruising, while the walls of the nose need to stabilised with the use of a splint for a little over a week. In some instances, where the structures of the nose have been damaged in an accident or due to birth defects, it may be necessary to add support to the nose. This is especially required when someone has had surgery before with unfavourable outcome. Here the use of cartilage grafts is often essential. Experts agree that nose surgery can be technically challenging and should therefore be performed by a surgeon who is experienced and specialised in this field of surgery, so that expectations can actually be met. If performed well, rhinoplasty is a very rewarding procedure.

Frequently asked questions

Am I a good candidate for a nose correction?

A rhinoplasty is an option for anybody who is looking for an improvement of the shape and/or function of their nose. It is however helpful if you can explain what specifically bothers you most about your nose. And finally, besides good physical health, candidates must be realistic in their expectations.

What will happen at my consultation?

At your consultation any aesthetic and functional problems you might have with regards to your nose will be discussed. Dr van der Meulen will undertake a thorough examination of both the inside and the outside of your nose, so that all aspects can be addressed during surgery. He will also perform a detailled photographic analysis of your face, which will show exactly what the effect of a rhinoplasty will have on your appearance. The aims, expectancies and possible complications will be addressed.

Can a rhinoplasty be performed at any age?

No. It is unwise to operate especially on the inside of the nose (the septum) when the nose is not fully grown yet. This means that surgery usually is postponed till after puberty.

Anaesthesia

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic or sedation. Minor procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as well.

Will I get sutures or a visible scar?

Nose corrections can either be performed one the inside (“closed”) or with the use of a small 6mm scar on the underside of the nose in between the nostrils (“open”). This is usually needed when the shape of the tip needs to be adjusted. With the closed procedure the sutures on the inside of the nose will resolve over the first few weeks. With the open procedure, the sutures will have to be removed after one week. On average, the small scar will fade and over time will not be visible anymore.

Is a rhinoplasty a painful operation?

No. You may experience some discomfort in the first days after surgery, and breathing might be limited due to the swelling, especially when the septum needs to be splinted. Paracetamol should be enough to make you comfortable during this initial period after surgery.

What are the risks and limitations of a rhinoplasty?

The most limiting factor in rhinoplasty is the thickness of your skin, as thick skin has only limited ability to contract to the underlying framework. In such a case the improvements under the skin can only partially be translated into its overall appearance. Potential complications that can occur with rhinoplasty are for instance bleeding, infection, septal perforation or hematoma, incomplete improvement, scarring, re-deviation, and the need for additional surgery. Dr. van der Meulen will oversee your care until complete healing has occurred and satisfactory, realistic results have been obtained.

Recovery time

Most people manage to return to light activities in the first few days after surgery. Within the first week after surgery a follow-up appointment will be made for you at the Radetzky villa, where the sutures and any nasal packing will be removed. At the second appointment after 10-12 days, the plasters and the splint will be removed. At this stage the swelling and possible bruising normally is reduced to a level where social activities and work can be resumed. If your nasal bones have been moved, it is wise to prevent for instance contact sports for a period of 3 months.

Is there a best season of the year to perform a nose correction?

As healing after a rhinoplasty takes a complete year, it does not matter at what time during the year you have your surgery done.

Insurance

The insurance usually only covers nasal surgery in cause of functional breathing problems, congenital malformations or damage due to trauma. Please contact your insurance up front to aks them about details of your personal coverage.

Why have your nose correction at the Radetzky Villa

Experience

Dr van der Meulen was trained in one of the most established facial plastic surgery hospitals in the world. For more than 10 years he has operated on babies and young children born with facial malformations. During these years he gained an internationale reputation in cleft rhinoplasty, which is regarded as the most challenging form of rhinoplasty. Dr van der Meulen has a special interest in rhinoplasty and has operated on more than 500 noses over the last decade.

Honesty

The credo of the Radetzky Villa is “Honesty earns Trust”. We believe that clear and honest advice is needed in this field of medical care, where often clients are seduced by unclear projections of treatments or results. At the Radetzky Villa you will be explained all the pro’s and con’s before embarking on a treatment that fits your situation best.

Personal

Aesthetic surgery is something you choose for yourself. This makes it a very personal process, of which we are truly aware. At the Radetzky Villa you will therefore notice a different atmosphere and approach to Aesthetic Surgery. The villa and its inhabitants invite you to feel at home and enjoy our hospitality, while receiving our state of the art treatments.

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