Rhinoplasty - Nose surgery

The strong points

  • We perform rhinoplasty as an outpatient surgery: entry in the morning and exit in the evening.
  • The rhinoplasty is not very painful and results in 3 to 5 days of professional unavailability.
  • The price of a rhinoplasty varies from 4000 to 6500 euros depending on the difficulty of the case.

Description of the surgical operation

Rhinoplasty is plastic and aesthetic surgery of the nose.
The procedure aims at modifying the morphology of the nasal pyramid (either partially or completely) and sometimes also aims at correcting possible nasal breathing problems.
There are 2 main types of rhinoplasty:

  • Closed rhinoplasty in which the scars are hidden inside the nostrils. This is the method we use most often when the major part of the alterations concerns the back of the nose (resection of the osteocartilaginous hump). It can also be used to raise the tip of the nose and to correct deviations of the septum. It is a simple and quick procedure with very little post-operative oedema. The final result is acquired rapidly, about 3 months after surgery.

  • Open rhinoplasty: a scar located across the columella (the area of skin under the nose separating the two nostrils), allows direct access to the entire osteo-cartilaginous framework of the nose. This method is indicated when major modifications must be made to the tip of the nose or during secondary rhinoplasty (revision after a first operation responsible for an insufficient result). In addition, external incisions may sometimes be required at the base of the wings of the nose if the size of the nostrils must be reduced. The postoperative follow-up is longer with a swelling of the tip of the nose that lasts about 2 months. The final aesthetic result is obtained between 6 months and one year after the operation.

Rhinoplasty in practice

A functional examination of the nasal airways (rhinomanometry) or a facial scanner may be requested before the procedure in order to determine any obstruction of the nasal cavities.
The procedure is most often performed under general anesthesia but can be performed under neuroleptanalgesia (local anesthesia with intravenous painkillers) for simple procedures (rhinoplasty). This requires a pre-anesthetic consultation at least 48 hours before the procedure.
In most cases, the operation is performed as an outpatient surgery (entry at 8 am and exit at 7 pm the same day).
A thermoformed resin splint is put in place at the end of the surgery and must be kept for 5 to 7 days.
In case of open rhinoplasty, the sutures located on the columella are removed on the 5th day.
In the case of closed rhinoplasty, the stitches located inside the nose are naturally resorbed in 10 days.
The operation is not painful, but it may be difficult to breathe through the nose in the week that follows because of swelling of the nasal mucosa.
Bruising is not systematic and a return to professional life can be envisaged from the 5th day.

The specificities

We perform more than 90% of our rhinoplasties in outpatient surgery.
We favor minimal alterations in order to maintain the identity of our patients and to avoid the complications of "old-fashioned" rhinoplasties: nose that is too snub, nostrils that are raised upwards, breathing difficulties.
We discuss the planned procedures with the patient preoperatively, using simulations made with Photoshop.
This is a simple, painless surgery that gives excellent results when planned carefully.

Ultrasonic rhinosplasty: understand all its advantages!

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the nose.
The goal of this surgical procedure is to correct nasal anomalies and imperfections using ultrasound.
The ultrasound is used to shape and polish the bony and cartilaginous structures of the nose. All ultrasound technology applied to nose surgery has been improved since the years 2013-2014. In particular, they are regularly used to modify and restructure the
nasal pyramid. The ultrasounds produced by the piezotomes (the equipment that generates them during the operation) will be able to produce the same effects as the traditional instruments used in classic rhinoplasty.

However, surgeons are finding that ultrasound is less traumatic and allows for greater precision with better long-term results.

Qualitative results and almost no postoperative complications

Thanks to ultrasonic rhinoplasty, most anomalies or imperfections in the nose can be reduced or even repaired, even if they are complex. Indeed, the surgical work on the bone mass of the nose is made difficult because of its fragility. It is therefore difficult to perform cosmetic or reconstructive procedures on this area without taking risks. The use of ultrasonic tools has therefore proved to be extremely interesting for patients. This technique also allows for the correction of asymmetries of the nasal area, whether they are minor or very visible. Thus, the risks of nasal obstruction or a sunken nose during the operation are reduced.

A well-controlled ultrasonic rhinoplasty is able to ensure a tailor-made remodeling by working directly on the structure
bone structure. It is particularly recommended if you wish to rejuvenate your nose, intervene on the nasal bones in order to refine them, and for all aesthetic corrections. This technique can also be useful for patients of Asian, African or West Indian origin whose nasal dorsal area is hollow.

What are the prices of a rhinoplasty in Paris?

The price of a rhinoplasty in Paris depends on the nature and extent of the operation to be performed. The cost generally varies between 5000 and 12 000
12,000 euros. Remember to check if the surgeon's fee is included in the total amount.

The price of an aesthetic rhinoplasty varies between 8000 and 12000 euros. Please note that there is no coverage for these surgical costs in the context of aesthetic rhinoplasties: this operation is considered as a comfort procedure. In the event that you need to repeat a cosmetic surgery operation already performed, be aware that this secondary rhinoplasty is the most expensive operation in Paris. Its cost is on average 10,000 euros and it will not be covered by social security either.

If you need a functional rhinoplasty and you live near Paris, the average cost of the operation will be between 5000 and 8500 euros. Depending on the state of the case, the social security will in this case grant exceptional assistance: of course, find out before the operation.

For your information, you should know that rhinoplasty touch-ups are not covered by social security.

Questions / Answers

Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?

No, a rhinoplasty causes discomfort but is not very painful. It is possible to feel discomfort when breathing in the nose for 3 to 4 days due to the swelling of the nasal mucosa. Finally, swelling around the eyes may occur during the first 5 days.

Will I recognize myself after a rhinoplasty?

Yes, a rhinoplasty aims to correct a nose that is not harmonious, not to change your identity. The procedures performed are as discreet as possible and are designed not to alter the overall architecture of your face.

What are the most common procedures performed during a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty usually consists of 3 main surgical steps:

  • a refinement of the tip of the nose by removing the upper edge of the wing cartilages
  • a receding and rising of the tip of the nose by decreasing the projection of the nasal septum
  • removal of the hump (or bossectomy) followed by narrowing of the nasal root

What are the possible complications of a rhinoplasty?

The main immediate complication of a rhinoplasty is the occurrence of postoperative nasal bleeding. This is fortunately very rare. This requires the emergency placement of wicks in the nose to stop the bleeding.

Concerning the long-term complications of a rhinoplasty, it is above all a bad aesthetic result after the operation.
This is linked in 80% of cases to a poor appreciation by the surgeon of the patient's wishes. It is often found that the surgery was too aggressive, giving a small "American-style" nose.

In order to better understand the patient's wishes, one or two pre-operative consultations are necessary with, if necessary, a discussion of examples of computer-retouched images.

Moreover, it was important to adopt a conservative surgical strategy by performing measured gestures that do not radically alter the appearance of the face.
Finally, one must always be careful not to remove too much cartilage and bone during a rhinoplasty. Indeed, beyond the aesthetic aspect, these anatomical structures have an essential function in nasal breathing. Thus, removing too much wing cartilage (from the tip of the nose) can cause a premature closure of the wings of the nose during deep inspiration (collapse of the external valve).

Listening to the patient and measured gestures are key elements of success in a rhinoplasty.

Are rhinoplasties covered by health insurance?

Yes, some cases resulting from trauma or malformation can be covered by social security.

For example, a major post-traumatic nasal deviation (deviation to the right following a punch, for example) responsible for discomfort in nasal inspiration.

Your case will be examined by the doctor in charge of the health insurance, who will use CT scans or rhinomanometry (examinations characterizing the obstruction of your nasal cavities) before giving his agreement.

The health insurance coverage of your rhinoplasty does not cover additional surgical fees. Our estimate of fees must be sent to your mutual insurance company to know the amount of your coverage.

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

In case of coverage by the health insurance of a post-traumatic deviation, our fees vary from 2500 to 4000 € depending on the difficulty of the case. They may be covered by your complementary health insurance.

In the case of cosmetic procedures, you are responsible for the entire cost of the hospitalization and the VAT.

Thus, the overall estimate varies from 4000 to 6500 € depending on the difficulty of your case.

To know more about our rates

Before and after rhinoplasty photos

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The firm

Docteur Yaël Berdah and Docteur Marc-David Benjoar
Plastic surgeons in Paris France

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