Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, clearly explained.
Everything you need to understand the surgery of the nose — by Dr Frédéric Lange, a surgeon dedicated exclusively to rhinoplasty in Montpellier.
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the structure of the nose — bone, cartilage, tip, bridge, nostrils or septum. It can pursue an aesthetic goal (harmonising the nose with the face), a functional goal (improving breathing), or both at once.
Aesthetic, functional — or both
The aesthetic rhinoplasty refines the appearance of the nose; the functional rhinoplasty corrects a breathing difficulty, often linked to a deviated septum. The two are frequently inseparable: a single procedure can refine the nose while restoring comfortable breathing.
A rhinoplasty can, in particular:
- reduce a bump on the bridge;
- refine a rounded, wide or drooping tip;
- straighten a deviated nose;
- narrow a wide bridge or wide nostrils;
- improve breathing (septoplasty).
The natural as the goal
Modern rhinoplasty is judged on overall facial harmony, not on a spectacular transformation. The aim is not a carved, lifted or standardised nose, but a result that looks like you — discreet, balanced, and lasting. Because every face is different, the approach is always tailored.
Go further
Everything, topic by topic.
The essentials of rhinoplasty, explained without jargon.
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty
Sculpting the bone without fracturing it — a gentler recovery, no packing.
Read morePreservation rhinoplasty
Conserving the natural architecture, for soft and lasting lines.
Read moreMedical rhinoplasty
Without surgery, with hyaluronic acid: possibilities and limits.
Read moreRecovery & final result
Splint, swelling, recovery — the timeline up to the final result.
Read moreTaping
What it is for, and why it helps the skin re-drape.
Read moreDoes it hurt?
Anaesthesia and how the first days really feel — without needless worry.
Read moreUnsatisfactory result & revision
Telling swelling from a true flaw, and when a revision makes sense.
Read moreEthnic rhinoplasty
Refining the nose while respecting the character of the face.
Read moreNostril reduction
Refining nostrils that are too wide, with a hidden scar and a natural result.
Read moreMale rhinoplasty
Refining the nose while preserving a masculine profile.
Read moreFemale rhinoplasty
Refining and harmonising, with great subtlety.
Read moreThick-skin rhinoplasty
Dense skin, an undefined tip: the technique and patience that change everything.
Read moreOpen or closed: choosing the right approach
In the open approach, a tiny incision on the columella (between the nostrils) gives the surgeon a precise view of the structures — useful for complex corrections and secondary cases; the scar becomes virtually invisible. In the closed approach, the incisions are hidden inside the nose, with no external scar; it suits more limited corrections. The choice depends on your anatomy and your goals, not on a fixed rule.
To go further, see ultrasonic rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty.
The main stages of a rhinoplasty
Every project begins with a detailed consultation and a computer-assisted simulation, which lets you picture a realistic before / after. The procedure itself takes place in the operating theatre, under anaesthesia, and generally lasts one to two hours depending on the case. A splint protects the nose for about a week, then recovery unfolds over the following months. From the first appointment to follow-up, the whole journey is organised to be smooth — including for patients coming from all over France.
Modern techniques: ultrasonic and preservation
Modern rhinoplasty relies on gentler techniques. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty sculpts the bone with a piezotome, without fracturing it, while preservation rhinoplasty conserves the natural architecture of the nose rather than rebuilding it. Mastering these methods most often makes it possible to avoid nasal packing — no "mèches" in the nose — for less trauma, fewer bruises and a more comfortable recovery.
Pain, recovery and the final result
Contrary to a widespread fear, a rhinoplasty is not really painful: the first days bring more of a blocked-nose sensation than genuine pain. Social life usually resumes after one to two weeks. The result reveals itself gradually: the profile defines quickly, while the tip refines more slowly — up to around a year, and even longer on thicker skin, where taping supports the skin as it re-drapes.
A rhinoplasty tailored to each face
There is no single "ideal" nose. The approach differs for a feminine rhinoplasty, seeking softness, and a masculine rhinoplasty, which preserves the strength of the features; it also adapts to ethnic rhinoplasty, which respects the identity of the face. Depending on your wishes, a nostril reduction can refine a wide base, or a non-surgical medical rhinoplasty can correct a small irregularity with injections.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost in Montpellier?
An aesthetic rhinoplasty most often costs between €8,000 and €9,000, all-inclusive (surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees, operating theatre, clinic, follow-up), with a detailed quote provided after the consultation. In certain functional cases (breathing difficulty), part of the procedure may be eligible for coverage. Everything is explained transparently on the pricing page.
Why choose Dr Lange in Montpellier?
A surgeon dedicated exclusively to rhinoplasty in Montpellier, Dr Frédéric Lange focuses his whole practice on the nose. This exclusivity, combined with mastery of ultrasonic and preservation techniques and an honest, tailored approach, is the best guarantee of a natural, harmonious and lasting result. You can browse the real results before your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Rhinoplasty: your questions.
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the structure of the nose (bone, cartilage, tip, bridge, nostrils or septum). It can pursue an aesthetic goal, a functional goal (improving breathing), or both at once.
Is a rhinoplasty painful?
The procedure is painless, as it is done under anaesthesia. The first days bring mainly discomfort (blocked nose, tension) rather than real pain, well relieved by simple painkillers. Mastering modern techniques most often makes it possible to avoid packing.
How long does recovery take after a rhinoplasty?
The splint is worn for about a week, social life resumes after one to two weeks, and the final result is appreciated at around a year, the tip refining more slowly, especially on thick skin.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost in Montpellier?
An aesthetic rhinoplasty most often costs between €8,000 and €9,000, all-inclusive, on a quote provided after the consultation. In certain functional cases, part may be eligible for coverage.
Open or closed rhinoplasty: what's the difference?
The open approach, through a tiny incision on the columella, gives a precise view of the structures (useful for complex cases); the closed approach hides the incisions inside the nose, with no external scar. The choice depends on your anatomy and your goals.
Can breathing be improved at the same time as the aesthetics?
Yes. Functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty corrects the shape of the nose and the septum (septoplasty) in a single procedure, to breathe better and harmonise the nose at the same time.
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See also.
The first step
Your project, studied with care.
A dedicated consultation — in person or by video — with a realistic simulation and a detailed quote.