Rhinoplasty

For this reason, rhinoplasty is never simply about making a nose smaller, straighter or more refined. It requires an understanding of the relationship between the nose and the surrounding facial features, together with careful consideration of its underlying structure, skin and function.

At Clinic Selnau in Zürich, rhinoplasty is performed by Dr. med. Simon Zimmermann with a focus on natural proportions, nasal function and long term stability.

Our Approach

Every nose is different.

Its proportions, bone and cartilage structure, skin characteristics and relationship to the rest of the face create an individual anatomical starting point. Dr. Zimmermann's approach therefore begins with the face as a whole rather than with the nose in isolation.

The forehead, eyes, cheekbones, lips, chin and jawline all influence how the nose is perceived. A change that appears subtle when viewed on its own can have a significant effect on the overall balance of the face, so the aim is to understand these relationships before deciding what should be changed and, equally importantly, what should remain untouched.

Ideally, the nose should not look operated. It should simply feel as though it belongs.

Form & Function

The appearance and function of the nose are closely connected.

Aesthetic concerns may involve the bridge, nasal tip, width, projection or overall symmetry, while internal structures can influence the way you breathe. For this reason, the external and internal nose are assessed together from the beginning, and where aesthetic and functional concerns coexist, both can often be considered within the same surgical plan.

Rhinoplasty may be considered for concerns including:

• A dorsal hump
• A wide, irregular or crooked nasal bridge
• A broad or undefined nasal tip
• A drooping or overprojected nasal tip
• Asymmetry of the nose or nostrils
• Disproportion between the nose and other facial features
• Structural changes following trauma
• Restricted nasal breathing
• A deviated nasal septum
• A combination of aesthetic and functional concerns

Not every feature needs to be corrected simply because it is present. Sometimes the most considered approach is to change less.

Patients whose main concern is nasal breathing can find more detailed information under Functional Rhinoplasty. Previous nasal surgery is considered separately under Revision Rhinoplasty. Patients seeking a temporary, non-surgical adjustment of nasal contours may wish to discuss Dermal Fillers as an alternative to surgery.

Planning, 3D Simulation & Skin Analysis

Detailed planning is an essential part of every rhinoplasty.

During consultation, the nose is analysed from different perspectives, including the front, profile and three quarter views, and always in relation to the face as a whole. Standardised photography forms part of this analysis, and 3D simulation helps explore possible changes before surgery, creating a shared visual understanding between patient and surgeon rather than a prediction or promise of an exact result.

Skin is considered with the same attention. Rhinoplasty reshapes the framework beneath the skin, while the skin itself must gradually adapt to these new contours during healing, its thickness, elasticity and quality influencing both the surgical plan and the way the result develops over time. A skin analysis forms part of the assessment, and where appropriate, an individual skin preparation or recovery protocol, for example through Medical Cosmetics, may also be recommended before and after surgery.

The Procedure

No single surgical technique is appropriate for every nose.

The procedure is planned according to the individual anatomy and may involve the nasal bridge, nasal bones, cartilage framework, tip or internal structures involved in breathing. Whenever possible, Dr. Zimmermann follows a conservative, structure preserving approach, refining what is necessary while preserving as much of the natural anatomy and support of the nose as possible.

In suitable cases, surgery can be performed through a closed approach, with the incisions positioned inside the nose. More complex anatomy may require an open approach where greater access to the nasal framework is necessary. The technique is not chosen according to a fixed philosophy, but according to what allows the individual nose to be treated with the greatest degree of control and precision.

A Nose That Belongs to the Face

There is no single ideal nose.

For one person, balance may mean reducing a dorsal hump. For another, it may involve strengthening the bridge, refining the tip or correcting asymmetry. Facial structure, gender, ethnicity and personal preferences all form part of this assessment, and what appears harmonious depends on the entire face rather than on any fixed standard.

The aim is therefore never to reproduce another person's nose, or to repeat the same result from one patient to the next. Human faces are naturally asymmetric, and complete symmetry is neither realistic nor necessarily desirable, rhinoplasty being about improving proportion and balance while respecting the possibilities and limitations of the individual anatomy.

A successful result should not immediately reveal what has changed. The nose should feel more harmonious, while the person remains entirely themselves.

Healing & Results

Rhinoplasty continues to evolve long after the operation itself.

Swelling gradually decreases over the first weeks and months, but different areas of the nose settle at different rates. The bridge often changes earlier, while the tip can retain swelling for considerably longer. During this time, the skin gradually adapts to the new bone and cartilage framework beneath it, definition developing progressively rather than appearing immediately.

Skin thickness, tissue characteristics and the extent of surgery all influence this process. For this reason, the final result is generally considered over approximately twelve to twenty four months.

Patience is part of rhinoplasty. The intention is not simply to create a result that looks good shortly after surgery, but one that remains balanced and structurally stable over time.

Consultation

Rhinoplasty begins with understanding.

During your consultation with Dr. med. Simon Zimmermann at Clinic Selnau in Zürich, we take time to understand what you would like to change and, just as importantly, what you would like to preserve. The consultation includes an assessment of the external and internal nose, facial proportions, nasal breathing and skin characteristics, standardised photography, 3D simulation and skin analysis allowing the different aspects of the treatment to be considered together. We also discuss what is realistically achievable, the surgical approach, recovery, possible limitations and the risks associated with the procedure.

The purpose is not to define an ideal nose before surgery. It is to arrive at a shared understanding of a result that feels appropriate for your anatomy, your face and you.