What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the surgery that modifies the shape and, in many cases, also the function of the nose. It is one of the most requested procedures and, technically, one of the most complex in facial plastic surgery: it demands millimetric precision and a highly trained three-dimensional vision.
When performed with sound judgement, it is not about "changing your face" but about harmonising it: small changes to the nose can balance the whole face without altering your identity.
Ultrasonic (piezoelectric) rhinoplasty
We use piezoelectric instruments that sculpt the nasal bone with micrometric precision, without the traditional controlled fractures. The result is a noticeably more comfortable and predictable recovery.
Types of rhinoplasty
Every nose is unique. Dr. Liuzza evaluates your case in detail and designs a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and your goals.
Primary rhinoplasty
First nose surgery. The most common. It corrects the dorsum, the tip, the width of the nostrils or the projection.
Secondary rhinoplasty
Correction of unsatisfactory previous results. Technically more complex, it requires specialised experience.
Rhinoseptoplasty
Combines aesthetic changes with septum correction to improve breathing and appearance at the same time.
Ethnic rhinoplasty
Respects the characteristic features of each origin without standardising the result. Harmony that respects identity.
Real cases
A selection of results achieved by Dr. Liuzza. More cases available in consultation.
Case 1 · Primary rhinoplasty
Case 2 · Ultrasonic rhinoplasty
Individual result; each case is assessed personally by Dr. Claudia Liuzza.
Postoperative course
A clear process, with no surprises. Here is the typical week-by-week course.
Rest and monitoring
Nasal splint in place. Mild swelling and periorbital bruising are to be expected. Discomfort is controlled with oral pain relief.
Splint removal
The nasal splint is removed. The nose already has its new shape, although still swollen. You can go out and about normally.
Active social life
Most patients return to on-site work and social life. Bruising has almost completely disappeared.
Shape already visible
Residual swelling at the nasal tip keeps going down. The result is already very noticeable and satisfying for most patients.
Final result
The definitive result becomes apparent between 6 and 12 months, once residual swelling has fully resolved.
Rhinoplasty in Barcelona: how to choose the technique and the surgeon
Anyone looking for rhinoplasty in Barcelona comes across plenty of labels: ultrasonic, preservation, structural, closed, open. They are tools, not results. What decides the result is the diagnosis beforehand: the shape of your nasal bridge, your tip and your septum, how you breathe, and which change suits the rest of your face.
- Ultrasonic rhinoplasty: the piezoelectric device shapes bone more precisely than a rasp and chisel, and usually reduces swelling and bruising in the first few days.
- Preservation rhinoplasty: keeps the vault of the nasal bridge instead of rebuilding it; it suits moderate humps with good underlying anatomy.
- Secondary or tertiary rhinoplasty: corrects a previous operation. It requires studying which structures remain and often cartilage grafts; it is the most complex indication, so it is worth asking the surgeon how many they perform.
In women the goal is usually a slimmer nose with a defined tip that keeps its character; in men, a straight bridge that does not feminise the profile. In both cases breathing is checked, because a beautiful nose that breathes worse is not a good result.
The consultation takes place at our clinic on Av. Diagonal 399 (Eixample, Barcelona), or by video call if you live outside Barcelona or abroad. The same surgeon who assesses you is the one who operates on you and sees you at follow-up. Before deciding, read what ultrasonic rhinoplasty really offers and what recovery looks like week by week. If the upper part of your face also concerns you, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be assessed in the same appointment.
Risks and complications of rhinoplasty
Every operation carries risks. Most complications are uncommon and can be treated, but you have the right to know them before deciding: they are part of the informed consent you will sign with Dr. Liuzza. For rhinoplasty, the most relevant are:
- Bleeding: slight nasal bleeding in the first days is normal; significant bleeding is rare and managed in clinic.
- Infection: uncommon thanks to antibiotic prophylaxis; treated with medication.
- Breathing difficulty: congestion during the first weeks is expected. Persistent obstruction may need revision.
- Asymmetry or irregularities: small irregularities of the bridge or tip can become visible once swelling settles.
- Altered sensation: numbness of the nasal tip, almost always temporary.
- Septal perforation: very rare; it can cause whistling or crusting and occasionally needs repair.
- Need for a touch-up: published series report that 5–15 % of rhinoplasties require secondary surgery, assessed from 12 months onwards.
How we reduce these risks
A complete pre-operative work-up (blood tests and anaesthetic assessment), surgery in an authorised healthcare centre with an accredited operating theatre, meticulous surgical technique, antibiotic and anti-thrombotic prophylaxis when indicated, clear written instructions and direct follow-up by the surgeon herself at every check-up. If after surgery you notice fever, increasing pain, bleeding or sudden swelling, contact the clinic without waiting for your next appointment.