RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is the surgical treatment to improve the shape, size, and overall appearance of the nose. Its goal is to achieve a natural-looking nose that shows balance with the rest of the face.

Recommended for patients with congenital issues (present from birth) that alter their aesthetic appearance, deformities caused by trauma, and functional alterations.

We also consider patients who, without having deformities or functional alterations, request changes to the shape or size of their nose.

Rhinoplasty can correct birth defects or breathing problems. For this reason, it requires very comprehensive anatomical, physiological, and technical knowledge. Aesthetic rhinoplasty modifies the shape and size of the nose in pursuit of better facial aesthetics. Functional rhinoplasty corrects alterations or malformations, such as septal deviations or turbinate hypertrophy that hinder breathing. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is used in cases of congenital deformities, accidents, fractures, burns, and nasal tumors. Tissues near the nose are used to apply grafts or flaps.

It is a surgical procedure that can be performed on men and women of any age. However, I recommend waiting until age 13 or 14, when facial development has been completed.

Surgical time is approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Consultation Process

During your consultation, I will perform a detailed examination of your nasal anatomy — both internal and external. We will review your goals and I will explain what is realistically achievable given your specific structure. We will look at before and after photos of similar cases. For patients traveling internationally, video consultations can be arranged prior to scheduling surgery, with the in-person pre-operative evaluation occurring the day before the procedure.

Surgical Technique

This depends not only on the surgeon's preferences but also on the desired outcome. It can be performed with incisions inside the nose (Closed Rhinoplasty) or outside it (Open Rhinoplasty).

I most frequently use the closed technique, which leaves no visible external scars. Through these small internal incisions, I sculpt nasal cartilage and bone to achieve changes in shape, size, and overall appearance.

My goals frequently include reducing or refining the nasal bridge, reshaping the tip, modifying the angle between the nose and upper lip, narrowing the nostrils, and — as a fundamental priority — correcting any breathing problems. No aesthetic result is complete without a properly functioning nose.

The procedure can be combined with chin surgery (mentoplasty) to improve overall facial proportions.

General anesthesia is used in most cases. Hospitalization is only required in special circumstances.

Step-by-Step Procedure Description

On the day of surgery, you will receive general anesthesia for complete comfort. Through internal incisions — or in some cases a small additional incision at the base of the nose — I access the cartilaginous and bony structures.

Once inside, I assess the anatomy and proceed to sculpt cartilage and bone according to the agreed surgical plan. To reduce a nasal bridge, I use controlled rasping techniques. To refine the tip, I reposition and suture the alar cartilages. When a deviated septum is affecting breathing, I correct the septal alignment at the same time.

This procedure demands millimetric precision — small changes create significant differences in facial appearance. Once sculpting is complete, I close the incisions with absorbable sutures and place a soft nasal packing to protect the work and minimize bleeding. A protective splint is applied to the bridge.

Pre-Surgical Examinations

A complete cardiopulmonary evaluation along with basic blood chemistry tests are essential: complete blood count, coagulation tests, and kidney function tests.

Optimal physical and psychological conditions are essential for the success of this surgery.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: A nasal splint and soft internal packing are in place. Expect bruising around the eyes and swelling. Rest with your head elevated. Pain is mild to moderate and well controlled with medication.

Week 1: Packing is removed — you will breathe much more easily. The splint remains in place. Most bruising fades significantly. You may return to light desk work within 5–7 days.

Weeks 2–3: The splint is removed around day 10–14. Swelling is noticeably reduced. The new nasal shape is visible, though still somewhat swollen. Most patients feel comfortable in social settings at this point.

Month 1: Swelling continues to diminish. The nose looks much more refined. Strenuous exercise can be gradually resumed.

Months 2–3 and beyond: Fine swelling — especially at the tip — continues to resolve. The final result becomes fully visible between 9 and 12 months after surgery.

Post-Operative Care

Ice during the first 24 to 48 hours, then local heat for several days to reduce inflammation.

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications for 5 to 7 days.

Recovery

Work incapacity of 5 to 7 days for most patients.

Sports activities restricted for 3 to 4 weeks. Contact sports require a longer waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the result look natural?

Yes. My goal is always a nose that harmonizes with your other features rather than one that looks "operated." I discuss your individual anatomy in detail during the consultation so your expectations are aligned with what surgery can achieve.

Can I combine rhinoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Rhinoplasty is frequently combined with chin surgery (mentoplasty) to improve overall facial balance, or with septoplasty to correct breathing issues at the same time.

When will I see the final result?

The shape is visible within the first few weeks, but because the nasal tip retains fine swelling, the complete final result is typically visible at 9–12 months post-surgery.

Is rhinoplasty permanent?

Yes. The structural changes made to cartilage and bone are permanent. Normal aging of the face continues, but the surgical changes remain.

I'm traveling from abroad — how does this work logistically?

I routinely work with international patients. A video consultation can occur before travel; surgery is typically scheduled the day after arrival for a pre-operative visit. You should plan to remain in Medellín for approximately 10–14 days before flying home.

Why Choose Me?

With over 30 years of experience in plastic surgery, I have performed rhinoplasty with consistently excellent outcomes. I combine technical precision with an artistic eye for facial proportions. Each rhinoplasty is personalized to the patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals — my results look natural because I focus on what harmonizes with your face, not on any single standard of beauty.

Complications

It is important to be informed of the risks and benefits of any surgical procedure.

These risks can be reduced by avoiding certain medications or substances, stopping smoking, and following all post-surgical recommendations.

Potential complications to be aware of include:

1. Hematomas.
2. Bleeding.
3. Infections.
4. Displacement or rejection of cartilaginous grafts.
5. Rejection of suture materials.
6. Skin contractions and poor scarring.

Other less frequent complications related to special cases will be discussed during your consultation.