Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Claire Clarke - Head of Surgical Services for The Harley Medical Group
Real Patients Share Their Journey
"Years of feeling insecure, being taunted through school and refusing point blank at having a photograph taken of my profile, not choosing particular hair styles or colours because you felt it would only make your nose stand out even more, over the years it took its toll on my self esteem – it had to go.”
Emmalee, Rhinoplasty patient.
The nose is a dominant facial feature – it’s one of the first things a person sees when they look at you, so even the slightest imperfection can cause feelings of insecurity. For some, a nose that is slightly too big, misshapen or hooked can lead to years of playground taunting; having a negative impact on self-esteem and causing a complete loss of confidence. Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping surgery) can feel like a lifeline – a means of altering the shape of your nose and helping you to regain your lost confidence. We’ve followed some of our real patients’ Rhinoplasty journeys to show you what you can expect from the procedure.
Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a nose job. It involves reducing the size of your nose, reshaping your nose, smoothing unwanted lumps and bumps, or increasing or decreasing the size of your nostrils.
There are many reasons for undertaking Rhinoplasty, from correcting breathing problems to regaining self-confidence. Olivia came to us because she felt unhappy about the size and shape of her nose.
I have been conscious of the size of my nose since I can remember and always felt that surgery was the only way I could overcome my issue. I felt that it was ‘hooked’ and I was bullied all through my school life which made the situation worse.
For others, it’s not necessarily about the appearance of the nose, and more to do with health issues, for example if you’re having difficulty breathing, you may have a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty surgery can help to correct this, alleviating your problem and allowing you to breathe easily again.
Emmalee describes the day of her surgery:
You will need to fast before surgery but you will be informed of the exact timing of this during the consultation.
They have people come in and out every so often, somebody to check your blood pressure and to give you your wristbands and the anaesthetist will come in to check what meds you are on.
I walked into theatre and they lay me down on a bed and the anaesthetist put a cannula into my hand and gave me fluid to keep me hydrated throughout my procedure, then he explains he was going to inject something into me that will make me feel a bit ‘drunk’… at first, I felt sick then I started to feel a bit tipsy… and then…GONE!
What happens during the procedure varies depending on the overall aim of the surgery. All surgical incisions are made either along the natural nostril crease or inside the nose, which leaves barely any visible scarring. For patients whose bone structure needs to be altered, the procedure will be performed inside your nose, leaving your skin untouched and allowing it to shrink on its own to fit the new shape or size. You can expect the procedure to last around two hours, and you will be given general anaesthetic.
After surgery, our expert nurses will check on you regularly to see how you’re feeling and to clean your dressings. It’s likely that you’ll experience some discomfort, and you’ll be given painkillers to combat this.
Olivia said:
I wasn’t in any pain, but it was uncomfortable. I didn’t eat much that day but they still brought fruit and tea incase I wanted anything.
I managed to sleep okay that night and was discharged in the morning. They gave me painkillers and aftercare telephone numbers/ info. I still wasn’t in much pain but uncomfortable, as you can expect.
Emmalee said:
Feeling very cold, shivery and sick with a sore throat! They packed my nostrils up with cotton wool so I felt very congested, but not so much in pain because they gave me painkillers during my operation.
A week or so following your Rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll be given a follow-up appointment to check how well your nose is healing, and then your splint will be removed to unveil your new nose.
It took me a good few minutes to pluck up the courage to look in the mirror, but I loved it straight away. I could see straight away that it was straighter. It was very tender still, and obviously very swollen,
Emmalee said.
The majority of swelling will subside within the first three months following surgery, but it can take up to a year to fully go down. Despite this, results are noticeable as soon as your splint is removed. You’ll be given further follow-up appointments with your Cosmetic Surgeon as part of the aftercare.
I cannot stress how happy I am with the results.
Olivia.
My only regret is not having this procedure done sooner! I love my new nose and I no longer feel embarrassed about my profile or when having a photo taken!
Emmalee.
Undergoing any Cosmetic Surgery is a big decision that isn’t to be made lightly. Both Olivia and Emmalee did a lot of research before opting to have Rhinoplasty – which we encourage at The Harley Medical Group.
We’re firm believers in having Cosmetic Surgery for the right reasons. If the size or shape of your nose is bothering you, or you’re having difficulty breathing on account of your nose, Rhinoplasty can help to alleviate the problem.
Find out more about how we can help you by booking your FREE consultation today.
Credit for all images used: http://myrhinoplastystory.weebly.com/my-story.html
