Aesthetic Surgery
Rhinoplasty
Surgical correction of the shape of the nose
At a Glance
In Brief
Correcting the shape and proportions of the nose
Treatment Duration
Approx. 1–3 hours
Anaesthesia
Usually general anaesthesia, sometimes twilight sedation
Downtime
Usually back at work after 1–2 weeks
Results
Visible after a few weeks, final after 6–12 months
Duration of Effect
Usually long-lasting
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping, is a surgical procedure that changes the shape and proportions of the nose. It can correct a hump on the bridge, a broad or drooping tip, a nose that is too wide or too long, and a crooked nose. The aim is a nose shape that is in harmony with the rest of your features.
The procedure may suit women and men who are unhappy with the shape or size of their nose. Nasal breathing is also checked beforehand: if necessary, a deviated septum or another breathing problem can be corrected together with the aesthetic rhinoplasty. In the consultation, Dr. med. Ranieri Mazzei explains which technique and incision suit your nose and whether any visible scars will remain.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
Which areas are corrected depends on your findings and on what you would like to change.
Bridge of the Nose
A hump or an uneven line along the nasal bridge can be straightened so that the profile fits in more harmoniously with the face.
Nasal Tip
A broad, bulbous or drooping tip can be reshaped. The size and shape of the nostrils can also be adjusted at the same time.
Width and Length
A nose that is too large, too wide or too long overall can be reduced, narrowed or shortened so that it suits your facial proportions better.
Crooked Nose
A crooked or asymmetric nose can be straightened. A balanced overall appearance is the goal, although complete symmetry cannot always be achieved.
Septum and Breathing
If nasal breathing is obstructed, for example by a deviated septum, this can be treated in the same operation as the aesthetic correction if necessary.
What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty alters the outer shape of your nose so that its size and proportions suit your face. To plan it, important angles, distances and proportions are first assessed in relation to your other facial features. Based on the findings, the correction involves the bridge, the tip, the width, the length or several of these areas.
The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthesia, takes about 1–3 hours and is performed as day surgery: you go home on the same day. Afterwards, a splint supports the new shape; it is removed after 10 days.
The nose needs time before its final shape shows: slight residual swelling, especially at the tip, goes down over many months.
- Correcting shape and proportions
- Usually under general anaesthesia
- Takes about 1–3 hours
- Day surgery, no overnight stay
- Splint for 10 days
- Final shape after 6–12 months
- Septum correction possible if needed
Why a rhinoplasty at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
Rhinoplasty is performed by Dr. med. Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Planned for Your Face
The shape, angles and proportions of your nose are assessed in relation to your whole face. The correction is planned on this basis.
Breathing Considered
The examination also covers the inner structures of the nose and nasal breathing. What it shows is taken into account when planning the procedure, and if breathing is obstructed, the cause can be corrected in the same operation if necessary.
Protection While Healing
A splint and tapes support the nose in its new shape during the early weeks of healing. We explain exactly how to protect your nose during this period.
Natural Appearance
We aim for a nose that blends naturally into your face and suits your other features.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
Everything starts with a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich. During this appointment, Dr. med. Ranieri Mazzei examines your nose, assesses it in relation to your face and discusses what you would like to change. You then decide in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
Ahead of the operation, you receive clear instructions on medication, nicotine and sun. If you have an infection of the airways or sinuses shortly before, the procedure is postponed.
Procedure
Under general anaesthesia, or twilight sedation for smaller corrections, the nose is reshaped according to the plan agreed with you. The procedure takes about 1–3 hours, and a splint is applied at the end.
First Days
You go home on the same day. For the first 2–3 days, there is medication inside your nostrils, so you cannot breathe through your nose during this time.
Aftercare
The splint is removed at a check-up after 10 days, after which tapes usually support the nose for around 1 more week. At further check-ups, we follow how the swelling goes down until the final shape shows after about 6–12 months.
| Rhinoplasty | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out transparently after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
Rhinoplasty changes the shape of your nose at the bridge, the tip, the width or the length, depending on your findings. The procedure usually takes about 1–3 hours and is carried out as day surgery, without an overnight stay. If necessary, a deviated septum or another breathing problem can be corrected in the same operation. The appropriate technique depends on your findings and is discussed with you beforehand.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia. For smaller corrections, twilight sedation, a light form of sedation, may also be an option. Both are given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre. We decide together in the preliminary consultation which option suits you.
What risks and side effects are possible?
For some weeks after the procedure, swelling, bruising, a feeling of pressure, blocked nasal breathing and numbness at the nasal tip are common; they subside over time. As with any operation, bleeding, infection or wound-healing problems are possible. Changes in breathing or sense of smell and a shape that does not fully meet expectations can also occur, and a further correction is then occasionally advisable. We discuss the risks that apply to you in detail beforehand.
What should I consider before the procedure?
You should not take medication containing acetylsalicylic acid in the 14 days before the procedure, and other blood-thinning medication is paused only after consulting the doctor. Avoid nicotine and alcohol as far as possible beforehand. If you have an infection of the airways or sinuses, the appointment is postponed. We give you exact instructions in good time.
What should I consider after the procedure?
For the first 2–3 days, there is medication inside your nostrils, so you breathe through your mouth during this time. The splint is removed after 10 days. Keeping your head raised and applying cool compresses help the swelling go down in the first few days. In the first weeks, avoid forceful nose blowing, saunas, steam baths and direct sun. Glasses should not rest on the nose for at least 6 weeks, and sport should be paused for about 6–8 weeks. Please also avoid smoking for at least 4 weeks after the procedure.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
You should usually plan 1–2 weeks off work, or the longer period if your work is physically demanding. Swelling and discolouration around the eyes generally subside within 2–3 weeks, by which time most patients are ready for social life again. Sport is possible again after about 6–8 weeks.
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When do results become visible?
The new shape begins to show once the more marked swelling has subsided after a few weeks. Slight residual swelling, especially at the tip, can persist for up to a year. Your final nose shape can therefore usually be judged only after about 6–12 months.
How long do the results last?
Rhinoplasty usually gives a long-lasting result. Like the rest of the face, the nose continues to change naturally over the course of life. Sun protection and a healthy lifestyle help to preserve the result for a long time.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is normally planned for rhinoplasty. Occasionally, a further, usually minor correction is advisable later if the shape does not fully meet expectations. Such a follow-up correction is planned no earlier than a year after the first operation.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
Rhinoplasty is suitable for women and men who are unhappy with the shape, size or proportions of their nose. Good general health, realistic expectations and a well-considered decision are required. Serious underlying conditions, clotting disorders or poorly controlled diabetes are clarified beforehand. In the consultation, we check whether the procedure is right for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is given on request because the cost depends on the extent of the correction and the technique chosen. After the consultation, you receive a transparent breakdown of the costs.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.