Many of the ideas about rhinoplasty come from another era or from cases that do not apply to everyone. We have gathered the most common ones and explain what is true, based on the experience of Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, who has been operating since 2001 and has performed more than 9,000 rhinoplasties.
Each point links to the article where the topic is explained in detail.
1. Myth: Rhinoplasty is very painful.
Fact: In most cases there is practically no pain. There is some discomfort, which is usually relieved with paracetamol. Read more about pain after rhinoplasty.
2. Myth: You have to stay in hospital.
Fact: As a rule, no. Patients go home on their own feet about one to one and a half hours after surgery.
3. Myth: After surgery you cannot breathe through your nose.
Fact: Surgical technique, anaesthesia and technology have evolved a great deal. At the end of surgery, the patient is already breathing through the nose.
4. Myth: You need weeks off work.
Fact: If you work remotely, you can usually work the very next day, provided recovery goes as expected. For social life, allow about a week at home. See when to return to work after rhinoplasty.
5. Myth: Rhinoplasty is purely cosmetic.
Fact: The nose has an essential function: breathing. When there is also a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum, it can be corrected in the same operation, in a septorhinoplasty.
6. Myth: You see the result the next day.
Fact: In the first weeks the nose is swollen. Its shape emerges over the months and full recovery takes about a year. See rhinoplasty recovery week by week.
7. Myth: Over the years, the nose goes back to its old shape.
Fact: The changes made to the bone and cartilage are permanent. The nose follows the natural ageing of the face, but it does not go back to its previous shape. Find out how long rhinoplasty results last.
8. Myth: The 3D simulation guarantees the result.
Fact: The Crisalix simulation is a facial study: it is used to discuss and agree with the patient on what they want to change, but it is not a guarantee. See how Crisalix 3D simulation works.
9. Myth: There is one technique that is best for every nose.
Fact: Every nose needs a different plan. In first-time rhinoplasty the approach is preservation; in revisions, where the nose has already been operated on, it is structural. Read more about preservation rhinoplasty.
10. Myth: A rhinoplasty that went wrong cannot be fixed.
Fact: About 40% of the operations performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira are revisions of rhinoplasties done elsewhere. Find out more about revision rhinoplasty.
11. Myth: Rhinoplasty has a fixed price for everyone.
Fact: Each operation is planned individually, so the cost is given at the consultation, after the nose has been examined. We explain why in rhinoplasty cost in Portugal.
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If you still have questions, the consultation is the right time to ask them. Find out about rhinoplasty in Porto and rhinoplasty in Braga, or book your consultation.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The surgical plan and recovery depend on an individual assessment.