With today´s rhinoplasty techniques, a wide range of disturbing features of the nose can be corrected.  To change the shape of a hooked nose, the nasal bone and the cartilagenous framework have to be reduced in three dimensions and sculptured. After the incisions have been closed, a bandage is applied in overlapping layers to the nose, which is covered by a plaster cast to protect the nose.  After 8 days the plaster cast and bandages are removed. The operation takes 1-2 hours and is carried out under general anesthesia.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures. It can be carried out with either the open or closed method. In correcting a too long nose, the closed method is often preferred. In this method the incisions are placed inside the nose, in the mucous membrane. The framework of the nose is visualized and the soft tissue and cartilage are modfied. After the operation, the nose is stabilised with a plaster cast and the nostrils padded with a tamponade, which is removed after 12 hours. The operation is carried out under general anesthesia and takes approx. 1-2 hours. The sensitivity of the tip of the nose may be temporarily affected.

Before any treatment, a very extensive external examination of the nose takes place. All dimensions are measured and compared to to the ideal proportions that are typically regarded as beautiful. An examination  is carried out to check that respiration through the nose is unobstructed and that the mucous membrane is healthy. Using the closed method, the incisions are made in the mucous membrane of the nostrils, so that no external signs are visible later.   The incisions in the mucous membrane are carried out using special operation instruments to lay free the  soft tissue of the nose in order to reach the nasal skeleton. This enables the surgeon to re-shape the nose. The operation lasts about 1-2 hours and is carried out under general anesthetic.

Using a computer simulation, the projected shape of the nose can be presented beforehand and discussed with the patient. In the case of nose correction, a small incision is made directly behind the entrance of the nose (open method), leaving no visible scars.  All incisions in the nose are sutured using absorbable surgical threads. At the end of the operation, a special bandage is applied which is removed after one week. A nose correction is carried out under general anesthesia and takes approx. 2 hours.

Following an incision at the back of the auricle, the ear cartilage is laid bare and part of the cartilage is removed in order for the new anthelix to be formed. The incision is closed with a single absorbable  suture, which needs no removal and a bandage is applied. A loose bandage should protect the ears for one week permanently. After that a bandage should be used at nighttimes during the following five weeks. 

Protruding or over-sized ears may considerably detract from the harmony of a face. This does not need to be the case, as most  misshapen or mis-aligned features can be easily corrected.

Under local anesthesia with or without twilight sedation, an incision is made behind the ear. From here the shape and position of the ear cartilage are altered depending on the problem and any excess cartilage is removed. After the operation a protective bandage is applied.

• Glossary