NEUSVERKLEINING

What is a nose reduction?

Nose reduction refers to several procedures. A nose may be too long (from forehead to nasal tip), there may be a “hook nose,” the bridge of the nose may be too high and bulge, the bridge of the nose may be too wide, a tip may be too plump, or the nostrils and base of the nose may be too wide… These can all be anomalies that, separately or in combination, can make you feel that your nose does not fit your face or profile because it is “too big.” It is very important to be able to make a good surgical plan that you describe your wishes as precisely as possible. We can help you do this through a 3D computer simulation.

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Possibilities

Depending on the structure we need to reduce (narrow?, lower?, shorten?) there will be a major or minor surgery. This usually means that a major surgery will require anesthesia (general anesthesia or anesthesia), while a minor surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in many cases. However, a nose cannot be reduced to infinity (or according to an unrealistic wish). Limiting factors are the (thickness of the) skin, and the function of the nose where breathing must remain guaranteed. After all, we are also ENT doctors.

Rhinoplasty

Also called nasal bridge correction. Usually the bridge of the nose needs to be made lower (bump) to better fit the profile of the face, in relation to forehead, cheeks and chin. Because the “bump” is almost always also a bony part, bone will need to be removed. The nasal bones are then broken in a controlled manner. This procedure must be performed under anesthesia, and falls under a major rhinoplasty.

Hook nose

This often refers to the combination of a bump on the bridge of the nose and a drooping nasal tip. Is also sometimes irreverently compared to a “witch’s nose.” A correction of this is similar to rhinoplasty and also requires anesthesia.

Narrowing nose

Narrowing can be necessary on several levels. When the bony part is narrowed, the nasal bones are pressed together (sometimes a part is removed). This is done under anesthesia and is a major rhinoplasty. If only the nasal tip needs to be narrowed, it can usually be done under local anesthesia and is thus called a small rhinoplasty. A combination of narrowing the bridge of the nose (bony part) and the tip of the nose is often done in combination to maintain (or obtain) harmony.

Shortening the nose

It may happen that the nose appears too long in relation to the distance between forehead and chin. A computer simulation can help determine this. There are surgical techniques to make the nose appear shorter. For example, the nose tip can be raised slightly. In doing so, we must always be careful not to create too much “indentation” in the nostrils. Because this is complex surgery, involving quite a few (cartilaginous) structures to be adjusted, this is also usually called a major rhinoplasty under anesthesia.

Nose tip reduction

Reduction of the nasal tip usually refers to a narrowing. The nasal tip consists of paired cartilages that can be changed in shape. See nose tip correction. A narrowing of the nasal tip can be done under local anesthesia and is thus a minor rhinoplasty.

The treatment

The treatment process for nose reduction consists of several steps, starting with a free consultation in which we discuss your wishes. Depending on what all we need to reduce (bridge of nose, tip of nose, nostrils, …) we make a plan (using computer simulation). The reduction of the nose can be a large or small correction. Of course, we discuss this in detail prior to treatment. In both cases, the approach is usually through a small incision at the base of the nose (in the gap between the nostrils). This involves a very small scar that can hardly be seen again after six months. However, this technique or “open approach” has many advantages. For example, the surgeon can work much more precisely with both hands (because the assistant holds the tissues aside).

If a nasal reduction also requires the removal of part of the bony bridge of the nose, the nasal bones are broken in a controlled manner, through small incisions next to the nose (under the corners of the eyes). This requires anesthesia and such an operation takes a little less than 2 hours. Depending on how many structures we need to loosen, we place tampons (on one or two sides). After the procedure, there is a cast on the nose for about 10 days.

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Aftercare and recovery from a nose reduction

The day of the procedure itself and the day after, you will cool the nose and eyes. This is best done by placing a washcloth with frozen peas in it on the eyes (and the nose cap). You do that every hour for about 5 minutes. You don’t have to get up at night for it.

If applicable, after 3 to 4 days we remove the tampons and replace the nasal cap. If you are wearing a cast cap (and the nasal bones are broken), you will be in “visible surgery” during all this time. That means you will show swelling and bruising around the eyes. These discolor, sink to the cheeks, and disappear after 7-10 days. As long as the nasal cap is in place, it is best not to exert yourself too much physically. Light housework is allowed. Administrative work, reading, studying, computer work can all be done. Upon removal of the nasal cap, you will be “presentable” again. Any exertion that involves sweating is best avoided for 2-3 weeks. Calm cycling is allowed after 2 weeks, running after 3-4 weeks and contact sports after 5-6 weeks. The sutures at the base of the nose are dissolvable and may be cut short to the skin after 10-14 days. As long as they are present, the sutures may be rubbed with oily ointment. The scars next to the nose do not require sutures and are no longer present after a few months.

Most swelling is gone after 6 weeks. The nasal tip feels stiff and lumbering at first, and it may take us six months to regain full flexibility.

If a nasal reduction involves a correction that does not require breaking the nasal bones (e.g., rasping and not breaking the bridge of the nose, or only cartilaginous changes), then all of the above limitations are not so bad, and healing is faster.

Before and after photos of nose reduction

Costs

The cost of nose reduction varies widely. Therefore, it is not possible to quote a general price. However, we do know that most nose tip corrections cost between €2,250 and €4,500. Want to know exactly what it would cost for you? Schedule a free video consultation!

Nose reduction at Neuscorrectiespecialist

The Rhinoplasty Specialist is the specialist for both cosmetic and functional nose surgery. All operations are performed by Dr. Koen Ingels, Dr. Niels van Heerbeek and Dr. Arthur Scheffer. Together they have more than sixty years of experience in doing rhinoplasty operations on a weekly basis and are therefore among the best nose surgeons currently working in the Netherlands. These years of experience are crucial because of the close relationship between the shape and function (breathing) of the nose. Indeed, any correction of the shape of the nose can have an adverse effect on breathing and vice versa. We couple this surgical expertise with an open and approachable contact. In addition, at the Nose Correction Specialist, quality and safety are paramount. We are also one of the few people at the Nose Correctionist to have a Piezo device.

Are you considering a nose job? Feel free to contact us via the contact form. You can also call 0031 85 760 47 27 or email info@neuscorrectiespecialist.nl.