Corrective surgery for the external shape of the nose, or rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that helps to shape the appearance of the nose and/or improve breathing. Rhinoplasty can change the size of the nose, reshape the tip, reduce the width of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
Confidence that suits you
Rhinoplasty can correct defects and injuries and help people with breathing problems. If a patient is unhappy with the appearance of their nose or suffers from a nasal condition, rhinoplasty surgery can likely provide a solution.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who want to improve the appearance of their nose, without seeking a perfect nose. In addition to realistic expectations, good physical and mental health are important for a patient considering rhinoplasty. The best candidate for a rhinoplasty is also at least 18 years old because at this age the development of the nose and bony facial skull is complete.
Why choose Health Clinic for a rhinoplasty?
The best specialists
Rhinoplasties are performed only by highly experienced, well-respected and arguably the best experts in their field.
Individual approach
We aim to provide an understanding and supportive environment, so we pay special attention to each person’s unique goals, desires and needs.
High customer satisfaction
Numerous success stories and positive feedback from our patients reflect not only our surgeons’ professionalism but also the empathetic and friendly interaction they experience.
Safety and quality first
We prioritise safety and quality, strictly adhering to all standards and safety requirements to ensure that every surgery is carried out with the utmost care and precision.
State-of-the-art surgical techniques
Our surgeons use the latest surgical techniques. This means smaller scars, faster recovery and more natural results.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Procedure overview
| Rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr Aet Saarts / dr Erik Luht |
| Anesthesia | General |
| Surgery duration | 1-4 hours |
| Nights at hospital | 1 |
| Sick-leave | 2 weeks |
| Price | From €3500 |
| Medical loan | Starting from €95 per month. Apply here. |
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Additional information on the procedure
What is rhinoplasty exactly?
No unique universal nose surgery method exists which responds to the needs of every patient. Nose reshaping is performed differently for every patient, adjusting the surgery according to the patient’s needs. There are two possible access points to the nose, in order to change its shape: the closed and open method.
In closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made in the nose, the skin and subdermal tissues are separated from the underlying structures to model the skeleton from bones and cartilage – the position of the bones is modified, cartilage is added, bones are removed, etc. In the open method, an incision is made in the columella skin (between nostrils), postoperative scars are very small.
If the patient also has problems with breathing through the nose, this can be corrected intranasally during the same procedure (septoplasty).
Usually the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
How to prepare for rhinoplasty surgery?
To get the best results from the nose correction, it is very important to follow your doctor’s advice. This may include the following:
• Do not smoke for several weeks prior to and following the surgery
• Avoid certain medicines like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 10 days prior to the surgery
What to expect during healing?
It is important to rest in bed after the surgery, and the head should be kept higher than the thorax to prevent bleeding and swelling. For fast and successful healing you must follow the following precautions for several weeks:
• Avoid physical exercises such as training, yoga, etc.
• Do not swim
• Do not blow your nose
• Avoid foods requiring strong chewing
• Avoid strong facial emotions such as laughing and crying
• Brush your teeth gently so that your upper lip does not move
• Wear clothes which can be put on without pulling them over your head
Additionally, do not wear glasses or sunglasses for at least 4 weeks after the surgery to avoid excess pressure on your nose. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 3 months – too much sun may cause persistent discoloration of the skin.
Rhinoplasty results
Very small changes in the structure of your nose, often only measured in millimetres, may greatly change your nose and all of the face. The development of the final result may take up to an entire year, and your nose may change slightly during that time. For the most part, patients are very satisfied with the job of an experienced surgeon.
Surgeons’ experience
Dr Aet Saarts is an ear, nose and throat specialist who also specialises in aesthetic nose surgeries. She started performing rhinoplasty surgeries in 2002 and is today one of the most experienced and leading nasal surgeons in Estonia. In addition to Health Clinic, Dr Saarts works at North Estonia Medical Centre, where she operates on complex cases.
Dr Erik Luht is also an ear, nose and throat specialist by education and has been a board member of the Estonian Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery since 2019. He performs rhinoplasty surgeries regularly and highly values participation in advanced training. Dr Luht also works at East Tallinn Central Hospital, where he performs functional nasal endoscopic surgeries, ear microsurgeries and breathing restoration surgeries for external and internal nasal deformities.
The experience of our surgeons allows them to find the best possible solution for you. Each person and their nose is unique and there are many factors to take into account to get the result you expect.
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Rhinoplasty and important questions
What are the reasons for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty helps people who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose or who may have breathing difficulties. The surgery can change the size of the nose, reshape the tip, reduce the width of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In addition, rhinoplasty can correct birth defects and injuries and help people with breathing problems.
Are the results of rhinoplasty permanent?
The results of rhinoplasty are generally permanent, but in rare cases, it may happen that some changes occur in the shape and structure of the nose after the surgery, which can also change the final result.
Does the surgery cure snoring?
Rhinoplasty does not cure snoring, but septoplasty, or nasal septum correction, usually gives very good results in treating snoring. Septoplasty can be performed as a separate procedure or in combination with rhinoplasty.
Can rhinoplasty reduce the size of the nostrils?
Yes, if desired and the surgeon deems it necessary to achieve the desired final result. Rhinoplasty can be used to resize the nostrils according to your wishes and needs.
Can rhinoplasty fix a ‘broken’ nose?
Yes, surgery can fix a nose that has changed its shape or grown crooked after trauma and restore its pre-injury appearance. However, if you do not want to restore the original appearance, the surgery can change the shape and appearance of the nose according to your wishes.
Can I choose a photo or a celebrity nose and expect the same results?
Every person’s nose is unique, with different shapes and structures, so the surgeon’s options are limited. The surgeon can improve the appearance of the nose (reshape the tip of the nose, reduce the width of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose/curvature and the upper lip), but not reshape it beyond recognition. A photo can give a more accurate idea of the patient’s wishes and can be used as a guideline, but it is never possible to operate on a one-to-one basis based on a photo.
Will rhinoplasty change my voice?
Rhinoplasty generally does not change the voice, but theoretically it is possible if the size of the nasal cavity and the resonance of the voice through it are changed. Nose surgery certainly does not change speech functions. If you are a professional singer or actor, you should carefully evaluate whether to proceed with a nose surgery.
Does the surgery cure allergies?
Rhinoplasty does not cure allergies, but it does allow you to breathe better after the procedure.
Complications and risks of nose surgery
What are the possible risks of rhinoplasty?
All surgeries carry certain risks. These depend on the surgeon’s knowledge and experience, but also on the body’s individual responses. The main possible risks are bruising, infections, scarring and tissue numbness. However, complications from surgery are very rare under the care of a trained and experienced team.
Can a surgeon refuse to perform the surgery?
Yes, if it becomes clear during the consultation that the surgery is not advisable for medical reasons, or if the patient’s expectations are unrealistic, the surgeon has the right to refuse the procedure. It is important to understand that surgery can change the shape and size of the nose to a certain extent and if the surgeon believes that it is not possible to carry out the patient’s wishes exactly as they have imagined, then it is necessary to carefully consider whether the surgery is worth pursuing.
Preparing for rhinoplasty
From what age can you have a rhinoplasty?
The best candidate for a rhinoplasty is at least 18 years old because at this age the development of the nose is complete. There is no upper age limit for nose surgery and the most important thing is that you are in good health.
What should I bring to the surgery?
Since you will have to breathe through your mouth for some time after the surgery, bring a moisturising lip balm and a bottle of water or other drinks of your choice to the hospital. For going home, wear comfortable clothes that you feel good in and that you do not have to pull over your head.
What dietary and lifestyle changes do I need to make before nose surgery?
Avoid smoking for at least a month before and after surgery, as nicotine slows down healing and increases the risk of complications. Avoid certain medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 10 days before and after surgery. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a varied and balanced diet.
What do you recommend to treat swelling, bruising and pain?
Temporary swelling, numbness and
bluish-black eyelids may occur for two to three weeks after surgery. Use paracetamol to relieve headaches, but definitely do not use aspirin. Nasal congestion may also occur due to swelling; mild bleeding, increased mucus and dried blood are common for a few days after surgery.
Sleep with your head and chest elevated and avoid hot environments, baths, saunas or steam rooms for two weeks after surgery.
It is also important to refrain from any physical activity for two to three weeks after the surgery.
Will my regular medications (contraceptives, antidepressants, diet pills) affect anaesthesia?
Be sure to discuss which medications you are taking during the consultation, as some medications and health conditions make it impossible to perform the surgery. Contraceptives and antidepressants are generally not contraindicated for surgery. However, it is recommended not to use contraceptive pills before surgery due to the possible increased risk of blood clots. Some antidepressants, on the other hand, increase the risk of bleeding. Fish oil capsules also increase the risk of bleeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking! Before the surgery, you will also fill out an anaesthesia questionnaire at the hospital and based on that, the anaesthesiologist will determine the appropriate anaesthesia
Recovery from rhinoplasty
What happens after rhinoplasty?
After the surgery, you will spend one night in the hospital, where you will be closely monitored by the hospital’s professional and experienced team. After that, you can go home, where you will be cared for and helped by loved ones, if possible. We recommend taking two weeks off and then returning to work, unless it is of a physical nature.
Will a nose splint be placed on the nose after the surgery?
Yes, a special plastic nasal splint will be placed on the nose after the surgery, which must be worn 24/7 for the first two weeks and then at night if necessary for the next three to six weeks.
Will my teeth hurt after the surgery?
Teeth should not hurt after the surgery. If your teeth do hurt, it is possible that the alveolar nerve was damaged during the surgery. If the pain does not go away within a few weeks, be sure to consult your surgeon.
When can I start wearing make-up?
Make-up can be applied immediately after the nasal splint is removed, carefully, without massaging and pressing.
Will rhinoplasty change my smile?
No, rhinoplasty does not permanently change a smile. However, swelling can temporarily affect smiling. The only change is that you will want to smile more because you can breathe better and annoying cosmetic flaws are gone.
Can I brush my teeth after surgery?
Yes, you can. You just have to be careful not to traumatise the sensitive facial area affected by the surgery. This includes the upper lip, as it is connected to the nose.
How long will it take for me to look normal after nose surgery?
The nasal splint is removed after two weeks and the bruising usually disappears after a couple of weeks. It is all very individual and depends on both age and skin elasticity, but you will typically look normal again within two to four weeks.
How quickly does the swelling go down?
Generally, the major swelling subsides within a few weeks and completely after two to six months. Sometimes it can take up to a year, but this is rather exceptional.
Can I touch my nose after rhinoplasty?
It is forbidden for the first two weeks after surgery! Afterwards, be careful to avoid causing discomfort or interfering with the healing process.
How can I contact you if something happens to me after the surgery?
We are always available if the need arises. We provide information during the consultation about what to consider before and after the procedure. The follow-up care instructions include contact details for all of our Patient Coordinators and you can always contact your personal coordinator who has been taking care of you from day one.
For emergency health issues, please go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital and be sure to inform us as well.
How do I clean my nose after rhinoplasty?
Your surgeon will tell you how to clean your nose after rhinoplasty surgery, both during the consultation and after the procedure. QUIXX Soft or HUMER nasal sprays are good for rinsing the nose, you can also use oil drops (Goldastop) five to six times a day or apply an ointment (Vaseline, Nisita) to the skin of the nasal vestibule with a cotton swab, using gentle circular movements.
When can I wear glasses again?
You can start wearing glasses about two weeks after the surgery. If you cannot use contact lenses temporarily, place a soft pad between the glasses and your nose so that the frames do not interfere with the healing of the nose.
How to wash yourself/shower after nose surgery?
You may feel slightly weak or dizzy in the first few days, so it is advisable to have someone nearby to help you.
How long does recovery usually take?
The first few weeks will most likely be uncomfortable due to possible nasal congestion and wearing splint, but the nose will not hurt after the surgery. The swelling may persist for several months, but it will also decrease rapidly. Full recovery takes six months to a year.
What can you eat after nose surgery?
Create a low-salt menu to minimise fluid retention. During the first few weeks, eat soft foods that require as little chewing as possible.
How soon can I resume my normal exercise routine?
We recommend starting exercising after a few months to avoid complications. Your nose needs to be able to rest and recover after surgery.
How soon after nose surgery can I fly?
The recovery process is very individual, so it depends on the person. Generally, short flights can be taken about one week after the surgery.
Does nose surgery leave scars? When will these scars disappear?
Closed rhinoplasty does not leave any scars, as no surgical incisions are made on the outside of the nose during the procedure. Open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar on the skin between the nostrils (columella), but it is almost unnoticeable. The scar tissue will be purple in colour for about eight months, then it will lighten.
Can I smoke after rhinoplasty?
You should definitely not smoke for about a month after nose surgery, as nicotine slows down healing. Consult your surgeon, who will advise you according to your individual recovery.
Can I sunbathe after nose surgery?
The skin around the nose is very sensitive after surgery, so it is not recommended to actively sunbathe for at least six weeks. UV rays can burn the skin and permanently change its colour. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 50 when going outdoors in the first few months.