Duration

2 – 3 hours

Anesthesia

General

Hospital Stay

1 night

Back to Social Life

7 – 10 days

In Brief

  • The natural bone and cartilage structure of the nasal bridge is preserved.
  • The risk of dorsal irregularities and an “operated nose” look is reduced.
  • It is not suitable for every nose; suitability is determined during the examination.
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What Is Preservation Rhinoplasty?

Preservation rhinoplasty is an approach to nose surgery in which, instead of rasping and cutting away the hump as in classic techniques, the entire structure is lowered while keeping the nasal bridge intact. Because the top layer and natural contours of the bridge are not disrupted, the dorsal line stays smooth and the result looks more natural.

The preservation approach is not limited to the nasal bridge; it also aims to preserve the tip cartilages and the ligaments that support the nose as much as possible.

How It Differs from Classic Rhinoplasty

In the classic method, the hump is rasped, the nasal bridge is opened, and then the bones are broken and rebuilt with cartilage grafts. In preservation rhinoplasty, the hump is corrected by removing small strips from beneath and beside the bridge and lowering the bridge as a single unit. This reduces the risk of problems such as dorsal irregularities, collapse and inverted-V deformity, and preserves structures important for breathing.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The ideal candidates are people with a prominent nasal hump, suitable bridge width and skin thickness, and no previous nose surgery. For very wide or very crooked noses, severely deformed structures and revision surgeries, classic or combined techniques may be more appropriate. For this reason, the technique is chosen after an examination and a detailed assessment of the nose.

How Is It Performed?

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using a closed or open technique. A thin strip is removed from the septal cartilage beneath the bridge, the bony structures are released in a controlled way, and the entire bridge is lowered as one piece. If needed, the tip is also shaped while preserving the cartilages, and a deviated septum is corrected at the same time.

Risks

Swelling, bruising around the eyes and temporary nasal congestion are expected. As with any nose surgery, bleeding, infection, asymmetry and the need for minor touch-ups may occur. With the preservation technique, the hump may rarely partially return; this is usually corrected with a minor procedure. Correct patient selection is the most important factor in a successful result.

Step by Step

1

Assessment

The nasal bridge, hump structure, skin thickness and breathing are examined, and suitability for the preservation technique is determined.

2

Surgery

The nasal bridge is lowered while kept intact, and the tip and septum are adjusted as needed.

3

First week

A splint and, if needed, silicone splints are used; the splint is removed around day 7.

4

Months 1 – 12

Swelling gradually subsides; the final shape, including the tip, settles in about a year.

A Surgeon’s View

The greatest advantage of preservation rhinoplasty is achieving a result without disrupting the natural dorsal line of the nose. However, not every nose is suitable for this technique; the best result comes from choosing the technique to suit the nose.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The best results are achieved in noses with a prominent hump and no previous surgery. Suitability is assessed during the examination.

Because the bony structures are released in a more controlled way, swelling and bruising are more limited in many patients; however, this varies from person to person.

Rarely, the hump may partially return. With the right technique and patient selection this risk is low; if needed, a minor correction is made.

Yes. A deviated septum and turbinate problems can be treated in the same operation.

Light walking can begin in the first days; heavy exercise and contact sports are usually resumed after 4–6 weeks.

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At the first consultation we listen to your expectations and openly share the suitable options along with their benefits and limitations.

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