Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is much more than a simple aesthetic touch-up. It is a complex journey that inseparably unites function and beauty. As I always explain to my patients, it is impossible to build a straight church on crooked walls. This metaphor illustrates a fundamental principle of my work: a nose cannot be truly beautiful if it does not function correctly.
The Importance of Functionality: The Nasal Septum
Many ask me if it is also possible to correct functional defects, such as a deviated septum or turbinates, during an aesthetic rhinoplasty. My answer is that it is not only possible, but necessary. The septum is the wall that supports the structure of the nose. Making it as straight as possible is essential for two reasons:
To guarantee an aesthetic result: A straight septum is the foundation for a nose that appears symmetrical, linear, and harmonious.
To ensure proper breathing: The nose is positioned in the center of the face for a primary purpose: to allow us to breathe. Respecting and restoring this function is a duty for every surgeon.
Beyond the Operating Room: The Value of Healing and Post-Operative Care
Today, we are bombarded with “before and after” pictures taken directly on the operating table. Although we sometimes share them to show the potential of the result, it is crucial to understand that that is not the final nose.
Cosmetic surgery is a journey that begins with the first consultation and the choice of the right professional, and it continues long after the last stitch is in place. The most critical phase is healing. As I wrote in my book on rhinoplasty over ten years ago, an excellent surgery can be ruined by poor post-operative care.
Healing is an integral part of the surgical act. My job does not end until the last bandage has been applied and the patient is safely back in their room. Personally overseeing every stage of recovery allows me to guide the healing process, correct minor settlements, and ensure that the final result is the one desired.
Quality and Safety: Why “Who does it?” is more important than “How much does it cost?”
I am often amazed by those who travel the world in search of the lowest price. It’s like buying a lower-quality car with no guarantee for maintenance. In surgery, “maintenance” is the follow-up, the constant monitoring during the healing process.
Whoever performs the surgery has the responsibility to follow its evolution. Relying on low-cost solutions, perhaps abroad, often means giving up this fundamental assistance. A present and attentive surgeon during the healing phase is the best guarantee for the success and stability of the result over time. The choice of a professional should not be based on savings, but on trust and the assurance of a complete and safe journey.