Rhinoplasty, also known as nose job or nose surgery, is a complex procedure that requires both artistic expertise and advanced surgical skills from the plastic surgeon. Despite its delicate nature, rhinoplasty in Albania is a highly sought-after surgical procedure because plastic surgeons there strive to achieve long-lasting, predictable results that will endure over the patient’s lifetime.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, mostly known as a nose job, is a procedure that revolves around reshaping the nasal skeleton to improve the form and function of the nose. Some patients choose to undergo this surgery to achieve a more harmonious balance between their nose and other facial features, while others seek it to alleviate breathing difficulties.

Approaches of Nose Surgery

During nose reshaping surgery, which involves improving the function or appearance of the nose, the plastic surgeon may use either functional or aesthetic techniques to modify specific anatomical structures of the nose. Two approaches are used in these surgeries, namely open (external) or closed (endonasal), depending on the level of visibility and the scope of the procedure. In Albania, the nose job surgeon will evaluate the nasal anatomy, individual characteristics, and facial aesthetics to determine the most appropriate approach for the patient.

Candidates For Rhinoplasty

Large Nose

When viewed from the front, your nose may look very wide and large. In particular, the width of the base of the nose becomes more evident with facial expressions. The widths in the upper bone part give the face a flattering expression. The two eyes seem to be very far from each other.

Unsightly Nose Tip

A nose that appears too thin and narrow on the face can not only be aesthetically unpleasing but can also cause significant breathing difficulties. Nasal strictures can occur in different parts of the nose, including the tip, middle, and upper parts, or a combination of these. Nasal tip stenosis, for example, can give the appearance of a clipped or pinched nose, which can make the face look angry. Narrowness in the middle and upper parts of the nose can cause the nose to appear like a thin line on the face, lacking in definition.

Nose Bridge Hump Or Bump

A common request among those seeking rhinoplasty is to correct an arched nose, which is also prevalent in our country. When correcting an arched nose, men typically desire a straight nasal bridge, while women may prefer a slight curve or a flatter nose. It’s important to note that a moderate curve is typically preferred, as excessive curvature can result in an unpleasant appearance of the nose.

Drooping & Droopy Nose Tip

A droopy nose tip is a common aesthetic concern among individuals in Albanian society. This condition is characterized by a nose tip that hangs downwards towards the upper lip, making the nose appear longer on the face. The drooping becomes more noticeable when the individual laughs, and the angle that the face makes with the upper lip is below the normal range of 90-100 degrees. This can make the individual appear older than their actual age.

What Is The Cost Of Rhinoplasty?

Patients often inquire about the cost of rhinoplasty procedures. While cost is an important consideration, the most crucial factor in any surgery is that the results meet the patient’s expectations and needs. Again, while cost is a consideration, it should not be the only determining factor in choosing a surgeon or undergoing a procedure.

Types Of Rhinoplasty

There are two techniques for performing nose aesthetic surgeries, namely open and closed techniques. These surgeries can also include functional rhinoplasty to address issues such as nasal congestion. Furthermore, revision rhinoplasty refers to a second surgery performed after the initial rhinoplasty.

Cosmetic

The vast majority of rhinoplasty surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of the nose. This may include reducing the size or projection of the nose, altering its shape, smoothing out a hump, adding volume to a flat bridge, or adjusting the size and shape of overly large nostrils. For example, a nose tip lift in Albania is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures loved by thousands of foreign patients over the years.

Λειτουργική

Functional rhinoplasty is performed to address structural issues that may be causing difficulty with healthy breathing. In many cases, the functional and cosmetic aspects of the nose can be addressed in a single surgery, improving both function and appearance.

Non-Surgical

For patients who require minor revisions, surgery may not be necessary to achieve an excellent result. Dermal fillers can be custom-applied to subtly lift the nose tip, smooth out minor humps, or create a more attractive shape for the tip if it appears depressed or pinched.

Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Ανοιχτή ρινοπλαστική

Open rhinoplasty involves making a small incision from the base of the nostrils to access the structural framework of the nose. One of the main pros of this method is that it provides the plastic surgeon with a clear view of the nasal structures, allowing them to accurately reshape various components of the bone. This makes it an effective technique for correcting a range of nasal deformities, such as size, shape, and angle, to achieve greater facial harmony.

Κλειστή ρινοπλαστική

During closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nose in various locations to access different parts of the nasal structure. Since the incisions are made internally, the surgeon’s visualization is limited. To improve visibility, plastic surgeons may use an endoscope during the procedure. Closed rhinoplasty is often preferred by cosmetic surgeons to correct breathing difficulties caused by irregularities inside the nose, such as asymmetrical nostrils and nasal protrusions. Additionally, this technique can minimize the healing time for patients and reduce the visibility of postoperative scars.

Recovery Time

After the completion of the surgery, the patient will be taken to a room for an overnight stay to relax. In case of any post-operative pain or discomfort, the doctor will administer appropriate medications to alleviate them. While the recovery process may vary for each individual, the general recovery process is epitomized below:

Day Of Surgery

The day of the surgery can be quite lengthy. First things first, you will need to wake up early and get ready for the day. Subsequently, you will receive sedation before undergoing several hours of surgery. Finally, you will return to your hospital room.

The Day After

Following your surgery, which may take several hours, you will undergo a period of post-operative observation. Once you are fully alert and deemed to be in stable condition, you will be allowed to leave and drive home.

One Week

Around one-week post-surgery, congestion begins to decrease and the splint can be removed. The swelling reaches its maximum at around three days and starts to subside towards the end of the first week. 

Two Weeks

Most of the uncomfortable congestion has subsided, and the swelling has significantly reduced. While some patients may experience limited residual swelling, any bruising that remains is typically minor.

One Month

You may start to notice that your nose is taking on a new shape and may even find yourself smiling at your reflection when you look in the mirror.

Three Months

It typically takes around three months for the reshaped nose to appear natural, without any noticeable swelling, and for the fine details to become more visible. After three months, you can resume your usual activities, such as playing sports, going to the gym, or running. 

Six Months

At the six-month mark, the nose is fully healed. It is common to experience a boost in confidence as a result of your improved appearance.

One Year

Once a year has passed, your new nose shape will feel like a natural part of you, strong, and durable, with the incision area, has faded to the point of being indistinguishable. The desired results of many patients, such as reshaping and refinement, are typically achieved perfectly.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

There are several risks associated with rhinoplasty, including potential complications like infections, adverse reactions to anesthesia, improper scarring, breathing issues, and asymmetry in the final result. To minimize these risks, it’s important to select an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who follows strict safety guidelines for the procedure. 

What is the best country for rhinoplasty?

Albania has now become a leading destination for plastic surgery tourism, particularly for rhinoplasty. It has gained a reputation not only for attracting a large number of tourists seeking plastic surgery but also for being major in the field of plastic surgeon tourism. Currently, 30 to 40 percent of rhinoplasty patients in Albania are from abroad. While there may be other countries offering similar services, Albania stands out as the most cost-effective and efficient option for patients seeking quality surgery. 

Is Albania good for rhinoplasty?

Albania offers all the necessary facilities for rhinoplasty procedures, including state-of-the-art clinics and highly skilled surgeons. It is widely considered to have the best opportunities for rhinoplasty in Europe and is also one of the most affordable options. Patients are attracted to ιατρικός τουρισμός στην Αλβανία because of the short procedure times and high success rates, with many returning to their home countries happy with their results. All in all, Albania is widely regarded as the best option for rhinoplasty.