Rhinoplasty

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, rhinoplasty (commonly referred to as nose reshaping or nose job) can greatly improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Surgery may be undertaken at any age, from late teenage years onward. Rhinoplasty can also be a useful adjunct to other forms of facial rejuvenation surgery such as facelift, brow lift and eyelid surgery.

Questions and answers

What are the first steps?

What does the surgery involve?

What is the recovery process?

When will I be able to return to work/ normal activities?

How much will it cost?

·     What are the first steps?

Before meeting with our surgeon, you may want to take the opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations with one of our specialist nurses. She will give you information about this procedure and discuss what is involved in detail including post operative care and recovery. 

The best rhinoplasties are those where the nose is in harmony with the face. Our surgeon will consider the overall balance of your appearance during your consultation. (For example, a strong nose may be overemphasized by a weak chin, and therefore improved by surgery to the chin.)

Our surgeon will examine your nose and check the airway. (Sometimes a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist will be advised where there is a history of airway problems or allergies.) Photographs will be taken before and after your surgery to plan the procedure and to record your results, and occasionally X-rays or CT scans will be requested.

It is important that we obtain a full history of any trauma or surgery you may have had to your nose, as well as your general medical history and a list of medications.

·     What does the surgery involve?

Most rhinoplasties are performed under general anaesthetic. Incisions are made inside the nose to gain access to the bone and cartilage structure. Often a small incision is also made across the columella – the strip of skin between the nostrils. The exact technique used will be tailored to meet your particular needs.

If there is a hump, a combination of bone and cartilage is removed to make the bridge straighter and lower. The cartilages of the tip can be trimmed or reshaped to alter a bulbous or drooping tip. Sometimes grafts of cartilage are required, which are taken from inside the nose or occasionally from the ears or ribs. (If you have breathing difficulties, the inside of the nose may be straightened to improve the airway.)

Incisions are closed with fine dissolving stitches inside the nose and fine removable sutures, when required, outside the nose. A splint is usually applied for one to two weeks and the nose may be packed for several days postoperatively.

Sometimes splints are required inside the nose if the airway is very distorted. These are usually removed after one week.

Generally you will stay in hospital overnight, but for less involved rhinoplasties you may be able to go home the same day. If this is the case, make sure there is someone at home to look after you.

·     What is the recovery process?

Rhinoplasty is generally not a painful procedure. You will experience some postoperative discomfort and a temporary feeling of heaviness and stuffiness in the face, which can be managed with routine analgesics. There may be some bloodstained discharge from the nose for a few days after the operation.

Your splint will be removed around one week after surgery. There may be some bruising around the face and eyes, which will settle after 7-14 days. Most of your swelling will settle over three weeks, but there will be subtle changes for up to a year postoperatively.

·     When wil I be able to return to work/normal activities?

In general, it is advisable to stay away from work or school for two weeks, and avoid strenuous activity for three weeks.

·     How much will it cost?

Costs vary according to the severity of the condition, the combination of procedures undertaken, the amount of surgical time involved and the facility at which the procedure is carried out. We cannot offer an accurate cost estimate without seeing you. However we do offer complimentary no-obligation nursing consultations as a first step towards helping you understand your options and the approximate costs involved.

This page provides an overview. More detailed information can be obtained during a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Please contact us for a consultation.