Even people who are in general critical about aesthetic interventions understand why it is necessary to correct noses that are not exactly pretty. Operations on the nose are always complex, because both the patient's expectations regarding the outward shape of the nose as well as the functional aspects, that is, unobstructed breathing, have to be taken into consideration.

Individual planning

The planning of a nose is a very individual process. It is not just enough to have photographs, but a cephalogram is also a must, that is, a true to scale lateral teleradiographic image is necessary for the planning. It is only in this way that one can make a pre- and post-operative assessment. The teleradiograph is the biggest tool in planning the operation. In the case of obstructed nasal respiration and septum deviation, a computer tomography of the nose and the paranasal sinuses should also be prepared.

Shape and size

The shape and size of a nose also depends on the remaining proportions of the face. Nose, lips and chin constitute an aesthetic unit. If the chin or the lower jaw is too small the nose will appear too big. A nose correction should always be accompanied by a facial planning. Depending on the degree of difficulty, a nose correction is carried out in a closed or open procedure, that is, through operative access via the columella.

The nature and quality of the skin is an important factor that will determine the subsequent results of a nose correction. Very thin or very thick skin complicates matters somewhat.

The shape of the nose that was targeted initially can change over the course of a year following the operation. Particularly unpleasant is an over formation of sub-cutaneous tissues in the region of the supratip. Occasionally, subsequent operations may be necessary due to this and other changes.