What Rhinoplasty Is
Rhinoplasty: Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty is the surgery that changes the shape of the nose to bring it into harmony with the rest of the face. Its goal can be aesthetic, functional (to improve breathing) or both, and it is the area to which Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, dedicates most of his practice.
Porto and Braga
Where to Have Your Rhinoplasty
Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira holds rhinoplasty consultations at the two Clínica do Nariz e Face practices, in Porto and Braga. Choose the one closest to you to find out how the consultation works.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
The nose is made up of bone, cartilage, mucosa, muscles, fat and skin, and has an essential function: breathing. Operating on it requires detailed knowledge of its anatomy and physiology and a long learning curve.
In most cases, rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose and leaves no visible scars. When the nose needs to be “opened” to reach all the structures, a small incision is made in the columella, at the base of the nose, leaving an almost imperceptible scar.
Shape and Breathing
Septorhinoplasty
A septorhinoplasty corrects, in the same surgery, the shape of the nose and the nasal septum, the wall that divides the two nasal passages. It is indicated when, besides the aesthetic concern, there is difficulty breathing.
As it is a complex surgery, it should be performed by surgeons with advanced training and specific experience. You can start by clearing up your questions in a rhinoplasty video consultation, without leaving home.
Recovery
Rhinoplasty Recovery
O rhinoplasty recovery in most cases involves practically no pain: there is some discomfort, which is usually managed with paracetamol.
In the days after surgery, you should avoid physical exercise and very hot environments.
After surgery, pain is controlled with paracetamol; this period is not painful, it is more discomfort than pain.
You will be able to breathe through your nose from the end of the surgery if you follow the instructions given. Many patients still suffer during recovery because of outdated techniques that are still used today but no longer make sense. To find out more about the recovery, read the following recommendations:
POST-OPERATIVE CARE (PT) / POST-OPERATIVE CARE (EN)
The normal course of recovery depends on 3 factors: the surgeon, the patient and healing capacity. Please see the two diagrams in attachment 1, attachment 2.
Rhinoplasty
How we treat your nose
At Clínica do Nariz e Face, rhinoplasties are performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, who has been operating since 2001, has performed more than 9,000 rhinoplasties and currently performs between 200 and 300 a year. Around 40% are revision rhinoplasties, for patients operated on elsewhere.
In primary rhinoplasty, the clinic uses preservation techniques: instead of removing and rebuilding the bridge of the nose, the surgeon keeps the natural “roof” of the nose and gives it a new shape. For the patient, this means a more natural result, less trauma to the tissues and a more comfortable recovery. The technique was developed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira himself and has been taught to more than 100 surgeons from over 40 countries. See the career of Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira.
There is no single ideal nose for everyone. A “crooked” nose, whether from an accident or from growth, is above all a nose that is out of harmony with the face it belongs to. That is why every rhinoplasty is planned from the proportions of each face.
It is a surgery with well-defined limits and goals, which requires a well-informed patient. Before deciding, you should know exactly what you want and what can be done for your nose, and that is what the consultation is for.
More precision, less bruising.
Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
In traditional rhinoplasty, the nasal bone is worked with a chisel and hammer, almost without direct vision. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty replaces those instruments with an ultrasound-driven tip, which sculpts the bone with precise, controlled micro-movements.
Because it preserves cartilage, mucosa and blood vessels, the technique reduces visible bruising and makes the recovery more comfortable. Read more about ultrasonic rhinoplasty.
When a Second Operation Is Needed
Revision Rhinoplasty
A revision rhinoplasty is among the most frequent in surgery: overall rates are around 10 to 20%. There are simple revisions, done under local anaesthesia, and more complex ones. As a rule, you should wait a year after the first surgery, or less if healing allows.
The most common causes are planning or execution errors, abnormal healing, carelessness during recovery or changes brought on by ageing. Before going ahead, it is essential to understand what happened, whether expectations are realistic and the degree of fibrosis.
Investment
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The price of a rhinoplasty is not the same for everyone, because every nose needs a different plan. The final cost depends mainly on four factors: the complexity of the case (a primary rhinoplasty is different from a revision), the need to also correct breathing (septorhinoplasty), the technique used (for example, ultrasonic rhinoplasty) and operating theatre and anaesthesia costs.
That is why the quote is always presented at the consultation, after Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira has examined the nose and defined the surgical plan. The cost includes the surgery, the anaesthesia and the post-operative follow-up consultations. At the consultation we also explain the payment options available. Read more in the article How much does rhinoplasty cost?
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