FAQs

The presence of earwax (technical term: cerumen) does not indicate a lack of personal hygiene. The formation of earwax differs in all people, both in quantity and consistency. In addition, hearing aids can also promote the accumulation of earwax.

Earwax is a mixture of dust, dirt particles, sweat, dead skin cells, sebum and secretions from special glands. Fine hairs in the ear canal transport the earwax outward toward the pinna. In addition, the secretion can protect against bacterial and fungal infections.
This self-cleaning mechanism is destroyed by cotton swabs. If you poke around in the ear canal, some of the earwax is pushed even deeper into the ear. A plug develops, which can lead to ear pain and ringing in the ears (tinnitus ). In the worst case, improper handling of a cotton swab can puncture the eardrum - creating a hole - which is very painful.

In principle, "aids" for cleaning such as hairpins, matches or paper clips do not belong in the ear! As part of personal hygiene, a washcloth, your own finger or rinsing your ears with lukewarm water in the shower is sufficient to clean the ear canal.

In some people, the mechanism for self-cleaning of the ear is impeded, for example, by a very firm consistency. And especially with age, earwax becomes firmer and difficult to remove by itself. Likewise, if the ear canals are particularly crooked, cleaning is difficult. If the earwax in the ear canal is unpleasant, if you have the feeling of water in the ear or if you suddenly hear worse, you should have a professional ear cleaning done by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Our team of experts is committed to solving your nasal breathing problem through comprehensive consultation and case-relevant treatment, thus helping to optimise your quality of life.
Related terms: septorhinoplasty, rhinoplasty, functional-aesthetic nose correction, rhinoplasty, septoplasty, nasal hump correction, nasal tip correction
Improved nasal breathing and aesthetic nose correction in one step

The nose is located in the centre of our face and thus becomes the point of attention for the observer. Congenital, accident-related or even predisposed abnormalities of the nose can be disturbing or even psychologically stressful. Irregularities in the external appearance (nasal humps, crooked nose, too large or misshapen nostrils, misshapen nasal tip, split nasal tip, unsightly nose profile, "snub nose", "bulbous nose", too wide nose, too long nose, dent on the bridge of the nose or sunken bridge of the nose) can cause severe suffering.
The anatomical or accident-related disturbances and deviations in shape that occur inside the nose usually lead to restricted, poor nasal breathing and can greatly impair a person's quality of life.
In order to plan an aesthetic and functional correction responsibly and together with the patient, it is important that both surgeons - the ear, nose and throat specialist for the internal function - and the plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon for the external shape - have precise knowledge of the structure and function of the nose. The correction of restricted nasal breathing and the reshaping of the nose by our perfectly coordinated team with dual expertise increases safety for the patient and is also significantly more cost-effective.

Aim of the joint external and internal nose correction (septorhinoplasty)
Since an impairment of function often goes hand in hand with a change in aesthetics and vice versa, we plan this operation together and also perform it together. The aim of this aesthetic-functional combined operation is to achieve improved nasal breathing and at the same time an aesthetic correction of the shape. In this operation, on the one hand, the air circulation is optimised (internal correction), and on the other hand, during the aesthetic correction, the external shape of the nose is adjusted so that the nose is perfectly integrated into the face and fits the existing facial proportions.

Initial consultation and examination
A nose operation is still one of the most difficult procedures and therefore requires detailed, serious consultations with both specialists as well as a precise examination and documentation of the nose.
First of all, we have a detailed discussion with the patient about his or her complaints (e.g. difficult nasal breathing, snoring at night, frequent "stuffiness" of the nose) and what he or she would like to have done.
We maintain an honest and open discussion atmosphere with our patients.
A comprehensive medical history (previous illnesses, previous operations, injuries, accidents) is just as much a part of the conversation as the weighing of risks and complications or, if necessary, also advising against the operation, e.g. in the case of unrealistic ideas and expectations.

The examination of the inside of the nose by means of mirroring and photography provides information about the course and condition of the nasal septum, the size of the turbinates and the function of the inner and outer nasal valves. In each case, the air permeability (rhinomanometry) is tested to document the functional disorder and pathological impairment.
During the examination of the external nose, facial proportions, various angles, anatomical landmarks and distances to other parts of the face are assessed and the skin condition is determined. Here, too, a comprehensive preoperative photo documentation is made. In order to be able to imagine the approximate optical change before the operation, the after result is simulated with computer software. This visualisation is a valuable orientation.
Based on the joint findings of both specialists, a surgical concept is created to achieve an optimal aesthetic and functional result.

How does the operation proceed?
Since this is a combined operation of functional and aesthetic correction, the following partial steps are carried out over the duration of the operation of approximately one to three hours:

• Anaesthesia (general anaesthesia)
• Open access through an incision at the nasal bridge
• Correction of the nasal concha
• Straightening of the nasal septum (septum correction)
• Hump removal, correction of the bridge of the nose, correction of the nasal pyramid
• Modulation of the tip of the nose
• Refinements (final fine adjustments and correction of irregularities)
• Application of the dressing (plaster tape and nose plaster)

Do I have severe pain after a nose correction?
As a rule, patients have only minor pain. If necessary, we can give you pain-relieving medication.

How long is the hospital stay for a nose correction?
The inpatient stay is 1-2 days, depending on the procedure. Rarely, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis.

What is the aftercare for a nose correction?
The nose operated on the bone is immobilised in a plaster cast for 10-14 days. The septum inside the nose is supported with silicone splints for 1 week. The inside of the nose is kept open by instructed nasal rinses. Tamponades are not used. One week after the procedure, the stitches on the nasal bridge and the inserted support splints are removed painlessly. If the nasal plaster has loosened, it is changed. After definitive removal of the plaster, the nose is kept in shape for a few days with a plaster bandage.

What are the complications and risks of a functional-aesthetic nose correction?
Anyone who decides to have a nose operation must be aware that it is an irreversible change. As with any operation, complications such as swelling, secondary bleeding, infections in the wound area, wound healing disorders, hypersensitivity of the tip of the nose, temporary numbness or painful teeth fall within the realm of possibilities. Despite the greatest caution during the operation, irregularities in the bridge of the nose or at the tip of the nose can reappear during the healing process.
In general, complications after a nose operation are extremely rare, especially if the operation is carried out by a qualified, experienced team of specialists. As a rule, a permanently satisfactory result can be assumed. What are the costs of a functional-aesthetic nose operation? Depending on the functional, pathological impairment of the nose, the health insurance company will cover part or all of the costs of the functional operation upon approval of the costs. The amount for the aesthetic correction must be paid by the patient.

How long is the inability to work during a nose correction?
As a rule, the inability to work lasts a minimum of 2-3 weeks, depending on the healing process.

How long am I not allowed to do any sports after a nose correction?
The patient should refrain from sporting activities for 6-8 weeks. Cycling, walking and light physical activities are possible again after three weeks.

Can I wear glasses after a nose correction?
In order not to endanger the optimal result of a nose correction, wearing glasses should be avoided for about 6 weeks.

Can I wear make-up after a nose correction?
You may apply make-up to the areas around the nose after the operation, but not to the nose itself, as it is covered by the plaster. The lower eyelids, which are often discoloured blue after the nose correction, may of course be covered with make-up or a concealer. You may also apply make-up to your eyes without any problems.

When can I shower and wash my hair again?
As soon as you feel well, you may shower and wash your hair again. Please wash your hair at the hairdresser's or to the back, so that the cast will certainly stay dry.

How do you minimise swelling after a nose correction?
To reduce swelling, avoid physical exertion for the first month after surgery. Cooling reduces swelling in the operated area and we also recommend decongestant nasal rinses, which you will be shown exactly how to perform.

How long will the nose be swollen after the operation?
The swelling is short-lived due to a new, extremely gentle technique using ultrasound.

Can I go out in the sun after the procedure?
You can go out in the sun again after three weeks. It is important that you do not expose your nose to direct sunlight. We generally advise against visits to the solarium.

Can a nose correction that went wrong be corrected again?
In principle, noses that have already been corrected can be corrected again, although the initial situation is of course considerably more difficult. A complex initial situation (noses that have already been operated on before with a poor result) require a lot of consultation and planning. The time interval between two nose corrections should be at least one year.

Can hyaluronic acid fillers be used to correct the external appearance of the nose instead of a surgical nose correction?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are only rarely used - e.g. for a slight dent in the bridge of the nose. However, a filler treatment with hyaluronic acid in no way replaces a surgical intervention in the case of a severe external change in the shape of the nose, which is often anatomically determined and therefore requires a functional-aesthetic combination operation.

If sleep does not bring rest over a longer period of time or if the person in bed complains, even notices breathing stops, those affected should act quickly.

Snoring is caused by vibrations of the mucous membrane of the throat, especially when the walls of the inside of the throat come close to each other during sleep. If the walls touch each other, closing off the airway during sleep, this is called sleep apnoea (see sleep apnoea). The transition between annoying snoring to mild to severe sleep apnoea can be fluid and usually increases with weight gain.

Treatment options are:
Apparatus aids, depending on the individual situation, age and dental status:
Sleep backpack, soft palate braces, braces to advance the receding lower jaw, CPAP therapy (CPAP- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The aim is to keep the airway open during the night.

We carry out sleep diagnostic clarifications and consultations in this regard as part of our snoring consultation.

Important criteria for deciding whether to have an outpatient operation (without an overnight stay) or an inpatient operation (admission to the hospital for a certain period of time) are the type of operation and the patient's state of health. Inpatient operations allow the patient to be cared for around the clock, so that immediate intervention is possible even in an emergency.
When is an inpatient operation necessary?
Complicated or extensive operations and surgical interventions under general anaesthesia are always performed as inpatient procedures.

What do I need to know before an inpatient operation?
The instructions given by the anaesthetists regarding fasting and taking medication in the consultation before the operation must be followed without fail. If necessary, medications that impair blood clotting, e.g. aspirin or Marcumar, must be discontinued. However, this is always done in consultation with the doctor. Furthermore, the patient should bring available documents (e.g. results of previous examinations, a list of medications taken permanently) with him/her to the inpatient admission.

What is the procedure for an inpatient operation?
The patient is usually admitted to hospital on the day of the operation. A few days before the operation, certain preliminary examinations and the discussion with the doctor as well as the explanation about the operation take place. The patient must be informed about the risks and possible complications of the operation and about the anaesthesia. On the day of the operation, or the day before, the patient is given the necessary medication. The patient is accompanied to the operating theatre in good time for the date of the operation. After the operation, the patient is taken to the recovery room if necessary and then to the ward. Further necessary care (medication, dressing changes and follow-up examinations) is then provided on the ward. If the patient's health has improved, he or she can be discharged after a few days.

What should patients do after discharge?
Depending on the operation and the wound, dressing changes and follow-up examinations will continue after discharge, but usually with a general practitioner. Medication should continue to be taken according to the doctor's instructions. If any abnormalities or complications occur, a doctor should be informed immediately. Depending on the operation, further measures such as rehabilitation may be necessary.

Advantages of inpatient surgery:
A major advantage of inpatient surgery over outpatient surgery is the assured monitored care of the patient; this means that after a surgical procedure, continuous monitoring of the patient is ensured. In the event of any complications, specialist staff are immediately on hand. Overall, greater safety is provided for the patient. On the other hand, outpatient surgery also has certain advantages over inpatient surgery. For example, it enables recovery in familiar surroundings at home and, last but not least, it is also a cost saving.