1 – What does rhinoplasty consist of?

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. The procedure is usually performed on young adults 20 to 30 years old but can also be done later in life. Some people spend a large part of their lives with a nose they do not like and for them changing it brings about self-acceptance and wellbeing at whatever age. Successful rhinoplasty with natural looking results can bring harmony to a face.

2 – How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?

The procedure can take from one to two and a half hours.

3 – What is the length of the stay at the clinic?

The surgery is ambulatory or a one night stay may be necessary.

4 – What form of sedation is used for rhinoplasty?

Usually general anaesthesia is used but in some cases local anaesthesia may be used.

5 – Is rhinoplasty painful?

Rhinoplasty is mildly painful. In the majority of cases simple painkillers are enough. The operation takes place under general anaesthesia so you will not feel anything during the surgery.

6 – What scars result from rhinoplasty?

Since most of what is done is situated inside the nose, the scars are invisible. When necessary a tiny hidden scar may be located at the base of the nose. The specialist in rhinoplasty will explain the possible locations of any scars from the procedure.

7 – What are the risks inherent to rhinoplasty?

Performed by a certified plastic surgeon qualified in plastic, cosmetic and facial surgery in a certified plastic surgery clinic, cosmetic surgery of the nose is commonly practiced and is considered a safe operation. Like in all surgery complications are possible but rare. These are listed in the information flyer of the French Society for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. If properly managed, complications leave little or no trace. Post operation monitoring is therefore indispensable. Dr Louafi takes care of the post-operative monitoring of his patients.

Specific risks will be detailed and explained during the consultation.

8 – What is ethnic rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to nose shaping procedures on people of African or Asian origin for example, whose noses have specific characteristics. These operations take longer and may require grafts or prostheses to give pleasing results. Dr Louafi performs ethnic rhinoplasty.

9 – What is tip rhinoplasty?

This is a procedure where the plastic surgeon works solely on the tip of the nose, the nostrils, the alar cartilages and the columella. This being a delicate procedure, the cosmetic surgeon needs to be very experienced in rhinoplasty. Dr Louafi performs rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose. The technique he uses ensures a view of all the elements of the tip of the nose thus facilitating the required precise surgical acts.

9-bis – Is rhinoplasty possible without surgery?

Medical rhinoplasty without surgery is possible. This involves the injection of hyaluronic acid to correct minor defects. It is important to be very experienced in rhinoplasty to be able to administer the injection for this kind of medical rhinoplasty. The injections are anatomy specific which requires that the surgeon possess an excellent knowledge of facial anatomy. The product is absorbed by the body so the injections must be renewed every year.

10 – How much does rhinoplasty it cost?

There are different procedures for this surgery per the characteristics of each case. The rates for rhinoplasty vary depending on the how much needs to be done, mode of anaesthesia and its charges, the clinical charges, the length of the stay in the clinic, the qualifications of the surgeon, the charges of the surgeon and the anaesthetist among others. Very high quotes on one hand do not necessarily guarantee the best results and suspiciously low quotes on the other hand should incite caution. It is of utmost importance to always verify the qualifications and competences of the plastic surgeon, his titles, his cv, his certification by the board, his ability to practice, what post operation care is included in his quote (who by, where, for how long…).Plastic surgery is strictly regulated in France. It is therefore very easy to get information about a surgeon before undertaking this important surgery that involves the face.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and as such is not covered by the social security. In some rare cases the procedure may be partially covered by the social security. Only the surgeon is authorized to present your case for reimbursement. In this case the charges for the clinic will be entirely paid by the social security. You will be left with the complementary surgeon and anaesthetist’s fees, which may be fully paid by your mutuelle depending on your contract with them. The complementary fees for surgery vary (Rates from 1500 euros) and may be fully settled by your mutuelle. You may not have to pay anything, depending on your case, even if the operation takes place in a private clinic.