Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Rhinoplasty – “Less is more”

The nose sits at the centre of the face and has a major influence on the overall balance between the forehead, eyes, cheeks, lips and chin. Even small changes can therefore make a noticeable difference to the way the whole face is perceived.

At AGATA, rhinoplasty is not about creating a “perfect” or standardised nose. The aim is to shape a nose that fits naturally with your face, your anatomy and your expression, while preserving function and structural stability.

Rhinoplasty has been my main surgical focus for more than 20 years, and I have performed more than 1,000 rhinoplasty procedures. Over the years, this experience has reinforced one principle above all:

“Less is more.”

The goal is not to create a different face, but to refine the nose with restraint and precision, so the result becomes a natural enhancement of your own beauty.

What can be improved with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty may be considered if you are concerned about the shape, size or proportions of your nose. This may include a prominent bridge, a broad or heavy tip, asymmetry, deviation, width, or a nose that feels out of balance with the rest of the face.

For some patients, breathing is also affected. In these cases, the procedure can include correction of the nasal septum and other structures that contribute to restricted airflow.

During the consultation, the nose is assessed from the front, side and below. Just as importantly, we look at how it relates to the rest of the face, particularly the forehead, lips and chin.

How is the procedure performed?

At AGATA, rhinoplasty is most often performed using an open approach, with a small incision placed discreetly on the underside of the nasal tip.

This provides precise access to the cartilage and bone, allowing the nose to be carefully reshaped and stabilised.

The nose is not simply reduced. It is refined, supported and reconstructed where needed.

Whenever possible, the existing cartilage is preserved and reshaped. If additional support is required, cartilage from the septum may be used, and in more complex or revision cases, cartilage from the ear or rib may be necessary.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the anatomy and complexity of the procedure.

Primary and revision rhinoplasty

A first-time rhinoplasty and a revision rhinoplasty are very different procedures.

Revision surgery may involve scar tissue, altered anatomy and limited remaining septal cartilage. It often requires a more reconstructive approach, and additional cartilage from the ear or rib may be needed to restore support, symmetry and shape.

Every revision procedure is therefore planned individually.

Recovery

After surgery, a small external splint is usually applied. Swelling, tenderness and bruising around the eyes are common during the first days.

Most patients feel socially presentable again after around 2-3 weeks, but the nose continues to heal for much longer.

Swelling decreases gradually, and the nasal tip in particular may take time to settle. The final result is therefore usually assessed after approximately 12–24 months, depending on skin type, anatomy and the extent of surgery.

Are there risks?

All surgery involves some degree of risk, and rhinoplasty is a procedure in which healing plays an important role in the final outcome.

Temporary swelling, altered sensation, minor asymmetry or the need for later fine-tuning may occur. Infection and significant bleeding are uncommon.

Rhinoplasty is not digital image editing. The nose is made of living tissue, skin, cartilage and bone, and the healing process is individual. For this reason, the goal is always improvement and balance rather than an artificial ideal.

What can you expect from the result?

The goal is not for other people to notice that you have had surgery.

The goal is for the nose to fit more naturally into the face, so that the overall proportions feel calmer, softer and more harmonious.

A good rhinoplasty result should look natural from every angle and in movement, while preserving a stable and functional nose.

“Less is more. The most beautiful rhinoplasty result is not the most changed nose, but the one that naturally enhances the beauty that is already yours.”