I’m planning rhinoplasty in Kyiv. Can someone explain the steps and recovery?
What is the process for Rhinoplasty in Kyiv?
Rhinoplasty in Kyiv: Steps of the Procedure
- Preoperative Preparation
Consultation: You’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, undergo a nasal and facial assessment, and review your medical history. Some clinics offer 3D modeling to preview your expected results.
Pre-surgery instructions: Two weeks before surgery, you should stop taking blood thinners and avoid alcohol and nicotine. Eat light, liquid food before surgery, and avoid sunbathing.
Tests: Blood and urine tests, ECG, and possibly other specialist consultations are standard before surgery.
- Anesthesia
Rhinoplasty in Kyiv is performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Surgical Technique
Closed Rhinoplasty: Most common in Kyiv; all incisions are made inside the nasal cavity, leaving no visible scars. It’s minimally traumatic and suitable for many aesthetic corrections.
Open Rhinoplasty: Used for more complex cases, involves a small incision on the columella (the tissue between the nostrils).
Duration: The operation usually lasts 1–2 hours.
- Surgical Steps
The surgeon makes the necessary incisions, reshapes bone and cartilage, and corrects any functional issues (like a deviated septum) if needed.
Sutures are applied, and special nasal tampons or splints are inserted to support healing.
- Immediate Post-Op
You’ll spend 1–3 days in the clinic for monitoring and early recovery.
Your nose will be covered with a cast or splint to protect and support the new shape.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
First Week
Swelling & Bruising: Expect significant swelling and bruising, especially around the eyes. This peaks around days 3–5 and then gradually subsides.
Pain: Usually mild to moderate, managed with prescribed painkillers.
Splint & Tampons: The nasal splint and any internal packing are typically removed after 5–10 days.
Weeks 2–4
Swelling and bruising continue to decrease. Most people feel comfortable returning to work or study after 10–14 days, though strenuous activity should still be avoided.
Your nose will look more normal, but some swelling may persist, especially at the tip.
Months 1–3
Swelling continues to subside. You can resume most normal activities, but avoid contact sports and heavy lifting.
The nose’s new shape becomes more apparent, though subtle changes continue.
Up to 1 Year
Full healing and the final result can take up to a year. Minor swelling, especially at the tip, may persist for several months.
Most patients are very satisfied with their results, but revision surgery is sometimes needed for minor adjustments (about 10–15% of cases).
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a "nose job," is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the shape or size of the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. The process typically involves a few key steps. First, you will have an initial consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. The surgeon will assess your facial features and recommend the best approach for your desired outcome. On the day of the surgery, you will be given either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgery involves either an open or closed technique, where the surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils (closed) or across the base of the nose (open) to access the underlying nasal structures and reshape the nose. Post-surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days. A nasal splint will be applied for protection, and you’ll be instructed to keep your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery, including the settling of swelling, can take up to a year. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions for aftercare, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, refraining from blowing your nose, and taking prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection. Your surgeon will provide regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.
Steps of Rhinoplasty Surgery
1. Consultation and Preparation
- Your surgeon will assess your goals, perform a physical exam, and may use digital imaging to preview results. Preoperative tests (blood work, ECG, infection screening) are required[1][2].
- You’ll discuss anesthesia options (usually general anesthesia) and surgical approach (open or closed)[3][2].
2. Anesthesia
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation for your comfort[3][4][2].
3. Incision
- Closed rhinoplasty: Incisions are made inside the nostrils.
- Open rhinoplasty: An additional small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) for better access, especially for complex cases[3][4].
4. Reshaping the Nose
- The surgeon reshapes bone and cartilage to achieve your desired look. Cartilage may be removed, added (using septal, ear, or rib cartilage), or repositioned to refine the nose’s shape[3][5].
- If needed, a deviated septum is corrected to improve breathing[3][5].
5. Closing the Incisions
- The skin is redraped and incisions are closed with fine sutures. Sometimes, extra incisions are made at the nostril base to adjust nostril size[3][1].
6. Splint and Packing
- A splint is placed on the nose to support its new shape. Sometimes internal splints or packing are used to stabilize the septum and control bleeding[5][1].
7. Recovery Room
- You’ll be monitored as you wake up. Most patients go home the same day, though an overnight stay is possible for complex cases[5][1].
Recovery Timeline and Tips
First 1-2 Days
- Expect swelling, bruising, congestion, and mild discomfort. Pain is usually manageable with medication[6][7][8].
- You’ll stay in the hospital for 1–2 days under observation in Kyiv clinics[9][1].
First Week
- Splint and any nasal packing are typically removed after 6–10 days[9][1][10].
- Bruising and swelling peak in the first 72 hours, then gradually subside[7][8].
- Sleep with your head elevated, avoid touching your nose, and do not blow your nose[9][10].
2–3 Weeks
- Most bruising and swelling resolve, and you can return to work or school[6][7][8].
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, pools, and sun exposure during this period[9][10].
1–3 Months
- Swelling continues to decrease; the nose refines its shape[7][10][8].
- Light exercise may resume after 3–4 weeks; avoid heavy lifting until 6 weeks[6][11][10].
6–12 Months
- Final results become apparent as all swelling dissipates and tissues settle[6][7][12][10][8].
- Numbness or stiffness at the tip may persist for several months but gradually improves[1][10].
General Tips
- Attend all follow-up visits and follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.
- Avoid wearing glasses on the nose until cleared by your surgeon.
- Protect your nose from trauma and sun exposure for several months[9][10].
Leading Surgeons in Kyiv
Kyiv is home to several internationally recognized rhinoplasty surgeons, including:
- Dr. Oleg Kompaniets (Medical Club Grace): 35+ years’ experience, top-rated for rhinoplasty[13][14].
- Dr. Andrey Kharkov (CMU): Renowned for innovative techniques and facial plastic surgery[13].
- Dr. Dmitry Slosser (Coolaser Clinic): Expert in minimally invasive rhinoplasty[13].
- Dr. Gavrilyuk Sergey Grigorievich (ETC Clinic): Known for advanced reconstructive methods[13].
- Dr. Svitlana Rabotenko (Vidnova Clinic): Highly qualified, with international experience[14].