Functional rhinoplasty represents the most popular facial plastic surgical procedure worldwide. Both male and female individuals decide to undergo a corrective rhinoplasty for aesthetic and functional (breathing) reasons, in order to improve the quality of their lives.

Mrs. Eirini Mantzari is a distinguished ENT doctor, graduated from the School of Medicine of the University of Athens, who has extensive training in functional and reconstructive rhinoplasty. Mrs. Mantzari shares her expert knowledge, providing all the information regarding this procedure.

 

What are the goals of a functional rhinoplasty?

Functional Rhinoplasty represents the only way to achieve both unobstructed nasal breathing and improvement of the external appearance of the nose, simultaneously. During the procedure, the specialized surgeon reconstructs the deviated nasal septum, reduces the size of the hypertrophic nasal turbinates, re-enforces the weak nasal valves and eliminates the “hump” of the nose (a very common and unfavorable characteristic of male and female Greek noses). Furthermore, all other surgical abnormalities, such as a “dropped nose tip”, a broad tip, a deviated (crooked) nose etc, are corrected. Obviously, a reconstructive functional rhinoplasty is the only way to restore deformities caused by previous, failed operations or traumatic injuries and reinstate patient’s “normality”.

 

Please give us the profile of a person who is candidate for a functional rhinoplasty. Which is the targeted audience for the procedure?

The goal of any aesthetic operation is to optimize the person’s self-image. Functional rhinoplasty is an operation that aims to provide a fully functional and elegant nose and – if preformed optimally- with impressive natural results, respecting the unique facial characteristics of each person. The goal is to “beautify” the face in a well-proportioned way without altering the basic facial features.

Any person who feels that her/his nose is not symmetrical to the rest of the face, may be a suitable candidate for this operation. The initial role of an experienced ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) surgeon is to help the patient understand the value of a proper respiratory function in combination with a good facial symmetry. After that, an appropriate surgical plan which fully meets the patient’s unique needs, is shaped.

Remember: The goal is to “create” a nose that is perfectly harmonic to the facial characteristics of each personality and not -necessarily- provide a “perfect small French-type” nose for everyone. If this golden rule is respected, each person feels familiar and fully satisfied with his/her new image quickly, experiencing a nasal breathing which is better than ever before.

 

What steps should precede the operation?

One of the most important stages in the whole process is the consultation meeting pre-operatively. During the meeting, the expert rhino-surgeon will help the candidate patient to understand which are the goals of the procedure, as well as what is realistically feasible and suitable for his/her individual needs.

The surgeon will follow these essential steps:

  1. Recording of the patient’s medical history
  2. Examination of the anatomy of the nose and the whole face in order to master the appropriate surgical plan
  3. Definition of all necessary preoperative examinations
  4. Detailed instructions for the process before the operation as well as provision of all the information needed, regarding the postoperative period.

 

What should a person expect after the operation?

A special splint is applied in all patients at the end of the procedure and it is kept in place for 8-10 days, in order to protect the nose during the healing process.  The operative results are visible very soon, just a few days postoperatively, when the external splint is removed. However, the absolute “perfection” of the nose is visible a few months later, after the edema has completely subsided. The main advantage of the procedure is that the nose seems un-operated by a third person, just a few days after the operation.

Dr Mantzari emphasizes that rhinoplasty is a painless operation with a fairly easy and short postoperative course. Therefore, the candidate has no reason to worry or be discouraged. If the patient follows strictly the personalized post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, returning to work and everyday activities is very easy, quick and safe.

 

Emphasis on details

The nose is a principal element of the face, therefore emphasis on details is crucial for optimal results. Thorough surgical experience in the field of reconstructive and aesthetic rhino-surgery is mandatory. Not anyone is privileged to perform this kind of surgery.

“The experienced and artistic eye of the surgeon combined with surgical expertise and the ability to handle the entire nose, from the dorsum to its tip, are the prerequisites of a successful rhinoplasty. Emphasizing on details is what makes the difference and guarantees a successful, natural and pretty appearance”, Dr Mantzari concludes.

If you wish to experience a unique functional and aesthetic improvement of your nose, be in contact with an experienced physician who will be able to fully understand your personal needs and provide the surgical result that suits your special characteristics.