“Every year, a large number of both men and women undergo this operation with the aim of restoring the aesthetic and functional problems of their noses. Despite all this, there are several misconceptions about the rhinoplasty procedure, which often causes confusion and concern for candidates”, says Mr. Michalis Tsounis, ENT Surgeon, Director of the Department of Operative & Reconstructive Rhinoplasty LITO. “So let’s look at some myths versus some truths about rhinoplasty,” he adds, answering the most common concerns of rhinoplasty candidates.

Myth 1: Rhinoplasty causes pain

This is perhaps the most commonly circulated myth about rhinoplasty. The truth is that rhinoplasty is a completely painless surgery. General anesthesia ensures the absence of pain during the operation. Post-operatively, due to the innervation of the area and also due to the fact that the nose is a stationary organ, pain is virtually absent. For 2 to 3 days we administer very simple painkillers for the patient’s comfort and not for the pain itself. In fact, it is a fact that many patients choose not to take painkillers postoperatively. Therefore, in no case should the fear of pain prevent someone from undergoing this operation.

Myth 2: My nose will look like surgery

In the hands of a properly trained surgeon and with the help of modern techniques, this is not the case. Now, rhinoplasty offers excellent aesthetic results that can be completely natural. Choosing the right doctor will ensure you a nose that will be functional, beautiful and fully harmonious with the rest of your facial features. Thus the physiognomy of the patient does not change. It remains the same but with an upgraded appearance and a nose that does not give the impression that it has been operated on. On the contrary, it seems that our patient was born with it.

Myth 3: Open rhinoplasty leaves a scar

Open rhinoplasty leaves absolutely no scars. The small incision in the nose stylet, through which we gain access to the anatomical structures we wish to correct, is meticulously sutured with very fine sutures. In addition, the perfusion of the middle third of the face is excellent, which ensures the absence of any postoperative scar.

Myth 4: General anesthesia is dangerous

Many people are afraid, not of surgery, but of general anesthesia. But the reality is that nowadays general anesthesia is an extremely safe procedure. Modern anesthetic machines allow the continuous recording of the patient’s vital functions. In addition, drugs and techniques have developed rapidly compared to the past, which enables the competent doctors (anesthetists) to maintain ideal conditions for the patients and the surgeon during the operation. It goes without saying that before any surgery a detailed medical history is necessary that will outline in detail the profile of each patient.

Myth 5: Rhinoplasty recovery is long and difficult

Among the fears of patients who hesitate to undergo rhinoplasty, is the impression that recovery will be long and difficult. This is not the case. The recovery from this operation is relatively short and completely manageable. Thus, work from home can start as early as the 3rd postoperative day. Office work can start from the 7th day after the operation, more to protect our patient from moving and not from his work per se. In order to perform a heavier manual work one should wait about 2 weeks. Finally, intense athletic activity can begin in thirty to forty-five days. Therefore, patients who have undergone rhinoplasty quickly return to their daily activities, having as a double legacy an upgraded appearance and a free nasal breathing.