Dr. Miriam Boenisch

From the First Consultation to Follow-Up Care

When does it make sense to have surgery?

The goal of modern septo-rhinoplasty is to correct any functional problems as well as cosmetic defects a person might have. The procedure is intended to optimize air movement through the nose and improve related nasal functions while at the same time creating a shape that ideally fits the face and the personality of the patient.

If any of the following apply to you, you should contact us:

• You suffer with a functional impediment to normal breathing, in particular if it’s a problem you notice while involved in strenuous physical activity or if you can’t breath freely through your nose during the night.
• You often feel that nasal secretions are blocking your nasal passages or you suffer with recurring sinus inflammation or infections.
• Your nose negatively affects your appearance, for example if it’s too big, to wide, has an unattractive bump, is not straight or has some other shape defect.

In today’s culture one’s appearance plays an ever larger role, second only to health. One doesn’t have to live with the misfortune of having a less than satisfactory nose. Most any unwanted cosmetic defect can be surgically corrected, whether one was born with the problem or it is due to an injury to the nose.

With currently available surgical techniques, it’s even possible to correct more extreme deformities. One should nonetheless keep in mind that extremely complex procedures may not be necessary to make one feel like a new person. Sometimes just a minor correction is enough to increase one’s sense of well-being and significantly enhance the feeling of being accepted by others.

Before the Operation

Before the surgical procedure, you’ll receive in-depth information and advice. In the pleasant atmosphere of our practice, we can discuss your problems and symptoms in a relaxed way; there’s no feeling of pressure or obligation to go ahead if you feel something isn’t right for you.

Next comes a physical examination in which the inside of your nose including the important relevant structures of the nose are evaluated. At the same time the parts of the nose to be corrected, specifically the cartilage and/or bone, are checked in terms of position, shape and stability.

As a part of this ENT (ear, nose and throat) checkup, digital images from six standard perspectives are made. Using these photos, we can more easily discuss what is surgically possible for you.

As part of your personal consultation, you’ll learn the details of the planned procedure, be informed of possible complications and find out what is required of you after surgery. You will also receive all of this information in written form.

You can contact us anytime to arrange for a consultation at +43 / 732 / 9010-1020 or via email using miriam.boenisch@nasenchirurgie.at.

If, after discussing all your options, you decide to go ahead with the recommended procedure, we’ll take care of organizing all your appointments including any additional examinations that might be necessary.

The Procedure

The procedure itself takes place in the surgical ward of Medicent Linz, a health care facility in upper Austrian, where you will receive quality individualized care.

This facility is known for its high standards for care and relatedly its guarantee to handle all patient-related matters with the utmost discretion.

The operation is usually carried out under general anesthesia. Normally all incisions are made inside the nose with the exception of a small cut between the nostrils meaning that they are not externally visible. As a result of this, the procedure leaves no unpleasant scars. In the case of more severe deformities, especially those caused by injury, additional external incisions may be necessary, though these are also barely visible after healing is complete.

These incisions allow the structures of the nose to be addressed. Any excess bone, cartilage or connective tissue of the nose is removed, unwanted curves are corrected and depressions due to the shape of the bone or cartilage are filled in. Improvements in the position of nasal structures are held in place internally with surgical thread that dissolves by itself over time. At the end of the operation, the nose is additionally splinted from outside.

One of the most uncomfortable things about nose surgery is the so-called “nose tampon” – the inside of the nose is filled with a sponge or gauze material.

The surgical techniques we use allow us to avoid using nose tampons so our patients are able to breathe through their noses immediately after the operation.

After the Operation

After the operation our patients are cared for on an outpatient basis. I carry out the first follow up examination; this takes place at the already familiar Medicent Linz.

One week after the operation the splint is removed. You’ll be completely ready to face the world again 10-14 days after your surgery.

In spite of the normally short recovery phase, you should nonetheless follow a few specific behavioral guidelines in order to achieve the best possible outcome. For six weeks after the procedure you should avoid direct sunlight. You should also take care to avoid stressing your body as well as any type of sports or more strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.

Once the acute healing phase is over, you can continue care with the trusted ear, nose and specialist of your choice.