FAQs
LEXICON – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens before, during and after nasal surgery
FAQs
What happens before, during and after nasal surgery
Here are in-depth answers to the most frequently asked questions about what happens before, during and after rhinoplasty.
Before the surgery
What do I need to bear in mind before the surgery?
You must not take any medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid for at least three weeks before the surgery because of their anticoagulant effect, e.g. Aspirin, Thomapyrin, etc. Take Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or Diclofenac instead.
Will my nose have to be broken?
It is impossible to answer this question until you have been seen by Dr. Hundt. He will then make the decision.
Is a surgery possible also during the hot months of summer?
An surgery can be performed with no problem even during the summer months. However, you must avoid direct sunlight and sunbathing and make sure to wear sunglasses for at least three months after the surgery.
How old must a patient be before rhinoplasty procedures can be performed?
From the age of 17, i.e. after the growth phase has ended.
What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
Secondary bleeding may occur in rare cases, but this can be quickly staunched. Infection occurs only rarely. You will be informed about all risks, even very rare ones, in the course of an in-depth consultation.
What experience does the surgeon have in the field of rhinoplasty procedures?
Dr Thomas Hundt is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist with an additional qualification in plastic surgery.
Because he has specialised in this area, he performs rhinoplasties on a daily basis and therefore has extensive experience and is highly-skilled in this field. His training as an ENT specialist also enables him to correct functional disorders of the nose and prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Even the most beautiful nose that nasal surgery can achieve is of little use if its function is impaired as a result.
The surgery
How long does the surgery take?
Approximately 1 to 1½ hours.
Will I need general anesthesia?
Normally we perform this surgery while the patient is under general anesthesia. We only use local anaesthesia in certain exceptional cases, for instance when we need to operate on very specific parts of the cartilage at the tip of the nose.
Many patients are concerned about potential complications and risks of nasal surgery. We have compiled a list of the questions most frequently asked by our patients and the answers.
After the surgery
Will there be visible scars after the surgery?
No. The entire surgery is performed through the nostrils with a special incision technique.
Directly after alar surgery on the nose, small cuts are visible. The stitches are removed one week after the surgery. After a further week, the scars will have mostly disappeared.
Will I be in pain afterwards?
As a rule, patients experience no pain at all after they awake from the anesthesia. But you may have an uncomfortable feeling of pressure and may be given an analgesic for that.
Will I need a tamponade, and, if I do, for how long?
Tamponades are generally not necessary. If an surgery requires the use of tamponades, Dr Hundt will discuss this with you in advance.
However, a tamponade may be required in the event of heavy bleeding.
For how long must I wear a bandage (tape/splint)?
The bandage must be worn permanently for two weeks. Dr. Hundt will check your progress and change it one week after the surgery. After this check, you must wear the bandage for a further week.
You will then need to tape and/or splint your nose overnight for at least another 8 weeks.
How long will I need to stay at the clinic?
One night
How long will I have swelling or discolouration in my face?
Patients are usually presentable enough to return to their normal social life about two weeks after the surgery. The worst of the swellings and any bruising around the eyes are normally no longer visible after those two weeks.
Will my new nose go with my face?
We do not produce any standard-issue noses. A female nose, for example, must be operated on in an entirely different way than a male one. We attach great importance to the individual expectations of our patients. The expected results are discussed on the basis of computer simulations, recorded by the same means and implemented during the surgery.
When can the final result be seen?
Noses can change for up to a year postoperatively. The expected final results will usually have been achieved after four to six weeks.
How often will revision surgery be necessary?
Surgical revision procedures are rarely necessary but cannot always be avoided. If they need to be performed at all, they are usually smaller surgery, such as rasping away any minor bone spurs that subsequently appear or correcting excess cartilage.
Who will bear the costs of this?
Revision rhinoplasty is required in 10% of cases. Patients need to make a €1,000 contribution to expenses and also pay the anaesthesia and clinic costs.
When will I be able to engage in sports again?
You can start cardiovascular and fitness training after approx. 6-8 weeks, but only play ball games and team sports that carry a risk of facial trauma (e.g. football or volleyball) after 2–3 months. Avoid swimming and diving for 6–8 weeks because of the risk of infection.