Medically Reviewed May 2022, by Mr Sankar - Chief Medical Officer for The Harley Medical Group

Rhinoplasty for Men

There are many unexpected benefits from nose reshaping surgery, beyond altering the shape of the nose, correcting asymmetrical features and alleviating any breathing difficulties. For example our patients also often experience an increase in their self-confidence and self-esteem from their new profile. We're often told that our patients are now "happy to have photos taken" of themselves with their new nose and new found confidence! It can also take away the source of well-meant banter; a larger or misshapen nose can be the target of jibes and teasing which can, over time, effect a person's self-belief. Also we often find that our patients have changed their hairstyle when they come to see us; they tell us that they originally kept it longer to "disguise" perceived 'unwelcome' features.

About Rhinoplasty


The nose is the central feature of the face and its appearance determines the overall look of a person. Many people are unhappy with the size, shape and position of their nose, whether this is because it is large and dominates the face, is crooked or has a lump on the bridge, has an asymmetrical appearance or for another reason. Nose reshaping surgery, also known as Rhinoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed across the world, and as well as being requested for cosmetic reasons, it can also be used to correct breathing issues. Our surgeons can make your nose smaller, more prominent, slimmer, wider or smooth away unwanted lumps or bumps to help you to feel completely confident in your appearance.

There are many reasons why people choose to have nose reshaping surgery the most common include:

  • Self-conscious about the size and shape of the nose, especially as it is the most central feature on the face
  • Inherited characteristics that may be disproportionate to the overall shape of the face
  • Accidents or sports injuries that have changed the shape, leaving unsightly bumps or flattened areas.

Expert Consultants


Expert surgeons perform Rhinoplasty and they have extensive knowledge in all aspects of the Surgery. Members of the General Medical Council (GMC)European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (EBOPRAS)Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow and Medical Defence Union (MDU).

Simon's story is typical of a male Rhinoplasty patient:

Social networking prompted my nose job

Simon first broke his nose at 16 during a PE lesson. Although the break resulted in a lump on his nose, it didn't really bother him too much. 3 years later at a gig, Simon was accidentally hit in the face and his nose was smashed sideways. He now had a lump and his nose was crooked. Simon also noticed that his breathing had become quite restricted as a result, which became increasingly uncomfortable and began affecting his ability to sleep...

Simon soon become fed up of waiting on the NHS list and decided to save up his money for nose reshaping; he says it was a great investment and has really improved his quality of life forever. Having had a rhinoplasty procedure at The Harley Medical Group, Simon can now breathe easily and has had the confidence boost he was after.

Consultant Surgeon
Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Aesthetic Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

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    rhinoplasty after
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*Please note that these images have been provided by our surgeons/patients who have allowed us to use them and have not been altered or photoshopped in any way.

Our Top Twelve Facts About Rhinoplasty


  • Nose reshaping is the second-most popular cosmetic male surgery at The Harley Medical Group.
  • The procedure will not affect the appearance of the skin, or the sound of your voice, at all.
  • Once you are fully healed no visible scars can be seen
  • Rhinoplasty surgery can correct minor breathing issues caused by an injury.
  • Our expert surgeons can alter the size and shape of the nose; remove or reduce a bump; alter the size and shape of the nostrils and tip and correct a deviated septum.
  • Rhinoplasty results are permanent - as long as the nose does not experience further trauma.
  • Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex cosmetic surgeries to perform - which is why we always recommend seeing a specialist cosmetic surgeon.
  • Because of the unique tissues and structure of the nose it can take up to a year to see the end result
  • Also because of the unique tissues and structure of the nose it is not possible to replicate another person's nose perfectly.
  • Technique for men’s and women’s rhinoplasty varies as the angle and slope of a man’s nose is different from a woman’s. An experienced cosmetic surgeons will choose angles that feminise a woman’s nose.
  • The lower part of the nose is made up of cartilage and if your nose tip needs to be reduced, a part of this cartilage will be removed without visible scarring.
  • Nose reshaping can be both a medical and cosmetic procedure. A deviated septum, either from birth or through injury can cause breathing difficulties.

 

Types of Nose Reshaping


A Rhinoplasty involves either making one cut across the skin between your nostrils (open Rhinoplasty), or tiny cuts inside your nostrils (closed Rhinoplasty); the skin over your nose will shrink or expand to its new shape. A closed Rhinoplasty will leave no visible scars, which are inernal, and causes less swelling.

The following areas  of the nose may be treated to achieve your desired result.

  • Nostrils: your surgeon can address asymmettical or reduce flared nostrils with minimal scarring, which is well hidden in the nostril crease.
  • Nasal Tip: your surgeon will either reshape / remove the cartilage that makes up your tip through your nostril, or by making a small cut in the area between your nostrils.
  • Bridge: your surgeon will remove or reducethe bone and cartilage causing your hump. Your surgeon may also break your nose to place any remaining pieces of bone closer together to create a narrower nose.
  • Septum: with a deviated or bent septum your surgeon will straighten and reposition the bone and cartilage to the centre of the nose.
  • Length: your central nose structure, the septum, is reduced effecting both the tip and overall length of your nose.
  • Width: your surgeon will break and reposition your side nasal bone to achieve a narrower appearance.
  • Augmentation: your surgeon will increase and contour the bridge or tip of your nose by altering the existing bone or cartiliage or by using an implant.

At consultation your Cosmetic Surgeon will examine your nose and advise you on the most appropriate procedure.

 

The Rhinoplasty Procedure


Before your Nose Reshaping Surgery

  • It is very important that you explain the changes you are trying to make to your Cosmetic Surgeon - you will need to have realistic expectations,
  • Your Cosmetic Surgeon will tell you what is possible, and will advise you when you are to discontinue and/or resume activities like smoking, or taking aspirin or any other medication

The Day of your Nose Reshaping Surgery

  • The Cosmetic Surgeon will visit you in your room and possibly draw marks on your nose in preparation for your surgery.
  • Your Cosmetic Surgeon will also obtain your final consent and answer any last minute questions you may have.
  • When you wake up from your anaesthetic you will have a splint over the bridge of your nose, possibly packs inside the nostrils and possibly ice packs over your eyes, to minimise bruising and swelling.
  • If packs are inserted inside your nose, this will mean that you will have to breathe through your mouth until they are removed the following morning. It is an uncomfortable time and we encourage you to drink plenty of fluids to help avoid a sore throat.
  • Painkillers will be offered to you; however, the congested nasal feeling is more the reason for the discomfort. The packs will be removed prior to you going home and this will help to make your breathing a little easier.

Going Home After your Nose Reshaping Surgery

  • There will be some numbness, bruising and swelling after the surgery but this will gradually resolve.
  • You will need to rest in a semi-upright position for the first few days and avoid bending down.
  • There may be some slight bleeding from your nostrils and this can be dabbed away with a tissue. We do not expect a heavy nosebleed - however, any heavy bleeding or other concerns should be reported promptly to your clinic.
  • Try to minimise blowing your nose for 2 weeks following surgery, as this can cause further bleeding and bruising. Ice packs will help relieve bruising to the eyes.
  • The splint will be removed at the clinic after 7-10 days and you may return to work after this. Most of the bruising should have settled by then. Patients who wear glasses may find these uncomfortable until the splint is removed.
  • Contact lenses could well be impossible to insert or remove.
  • Whilst you will see an immediate improvement, the result will continue to improve over the next 6-12 months.
  • It is advisable to refrain from going back to work for a 10 day period and avoiding contact/impact sports for 3-6 months.
  • You will have your own personal Nurse Counsellor both before and after your procedure to support you and answer any questions you may have.

 

Aftercare Guidance


  • You will return from theatre with a splint in place, you must wear this continuously until your post operative appointment. If there are any packs in your nose, they will be removed before you leave the hospital.
  • Your splint must remain continuously in place until your post operative appointment with The Harley Medical Group. Details of your appointment will be confirmed by your nurse.
  • Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty) usually requires an overnight stay in hospital.
  • You will have some discomfort. Pain relief will be prescribed and administered as required.
  • Do not take any medications containing aspirin 1 week following surgery.
  • You must NOT bathe or shower until instructed to by your nurse. Keep the area clean and dry do not splash water around the facial area.
  • Do not get the wound site wet as a warm moist environment harbours bacteria and may lead to a possible wound infection.
  • You will need to mouth breath for the first 7 days, therefore mouth care is therefore very important. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting a sore throat.
  • The area may have an altered sensation initially – this is perfectly normal and your nurse will discuss massage techniques you on your follow up appointment.
  • Bruising and swelling is a normal part of the healing process, however this area can be particularly sensitive, the regular us of ice packs will help reduce and bruising and inflammation.

 

Rhinoplasty Recovery & Results


  • Rhinoplasty is surprisingly pain-free, very few patients experience any pain only a little discomfort.
  • You will need to wear a small plaster dressing (splint) for about seven to ten days following your operation. This will help stabilise the new nose shape and also protect you from any accidental knocks or bumps.
  • You will have a wound check before day 7 and whenever necessary thereafter. Most of the sutures used are dissolvable, however any that may need removing will be done at your post operative appointment.
  • After surgery scars are rarely visible as the incisions are made internally.

This provides a guide to the stages of nose reshaping recovery, it should be noted that every person heals at a different rate.

 

Quality of Care and Assurance


The Harley Medical Group is a trusted cosmetic surgery provider and is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). The CQC and HIW are executive non-departmental public bodies which are part of the UK governments Department of Health and Social Care.

 

Care Quality CommissionDepartment of Health and Social Care   Health Inspectorate Wales

 

As part of our commitment to quality care, we have a Clinical Governance Board which is comprised of medical experts and surgeons who work with us. All our surgeons, treatments and procedures are vetted by the Clinical Governance Board.

As well as working with us, many of our expert surgeons also hold substantive posts in the National Health Service (NHS) in cosmetic and other specialities.

NHS - National Health Service

The Harley Medical Group has performed thousands of Rhinoplasty procedures and regularly receives excellent feedback from patients and clients.

 

Things to Consider


Getting home

We recommend refraining from driving for one week following surgery. However it should be noted that most car insurers will not cover your for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic, so even if you feel fine to drive it will not be legal for you to do so.

The healing process.

Following your surgery your discomfort should be minimal and you may consider using only mild pain relief such as aspirin, however we strongly recommend refraining form doing so as it can interfere with normal blood clotting thereby delaying the healing process. A technique to aid healing is to sleep with your head an elevated position to reduce nighttime swelling; sleeping with two pillows is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help keep recovery time on track. During the night it is also worth considering sleeping alone, a partner might accidentally knock your nose while they sleep which could impact the overall result.

Realist expectations

Due to the structure of hte nose the final result cannot be determined until 12 months after the surgery date, and when the results are evident revision surgery is commonly needed - even when the primary Rhinoplasty is performed by expert surgical hands. Even the most experienced surgeons who can foresee and manage any possible complications cannot predict how the tissue will heal. which will determine the end result. Which is why at The Harley Medical group we recommend that you have realistic expectations, only proceed with a highly experienced doctor and consider that revision surgery may be required after 12 months.

 

What's Next


The Harley Medical Group has been committed to providing excellence in Cosmetic Surgery and Non Surgical Solutions in the UK since we were established. During this time, we have developed a full understanding of the many reasons why people have Cosmetic Surgery and how it can improve how they feel about themselves, find out why you should choose us.

If you have any further questions about a Rhinoplasty procedure please book some free time with a member of our team, who wil be delighted to advise you.

  • Increase your self-esteem and confidence in having your photo taken
  • Change the size, shape or position of your nose to achieve the overall look and profile you’ve dreamed of
  • Correct breathing difficulties caused by the size, shape or position of your nose

If you’re unhappy with the size, shape or position of your nose then Nose Reshaping surgery – technically known as Rhinoplasty – could be the right option for you.

Nose surgery is suitable for most people, but everybody is different, so the first step is always a free consultation with a member of our qualified team.

The details of a Rhinoplasty procedure differ depending on exactly what you’re having done. However, there will be little to no visible scarring as surgical incisions will be made either inside the nose or along the natural nostril creases.

If the bone structure is to be altered, your Cosmetic Surgeon will operate entirely inside the nose so your skin is left untouched and therefore allowed to shrink naturally to fit the new size or shape.

A Rhinoplasty procedure normally takes approximately two hours and is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

This is followed by an extensive rhinoplasty aftercare programme.

Prices start from £5,350 but each client is different so there isn’t one, single cost for nose surgery.

We advise you come for a free consultation to speak with a member of our qualified team so the right type of procedure can be determined for you and you’ll be given the exact cost.

The price quoted will include an overnight stay in hospital and all aftercare.

As with all procedures, Rhinoplasty patients respond differently to surgery, and recovery times will differ.

We usually remove the splint seven to 10 days after your operation and recommend going back to work after this has happened. At this stage there is still likely to be some bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes, so you may want to take more time off – it’s a good idea to discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon.

In most cases we can. Many of our patients come to us following an injury to the nose which has caused breathing difficulties, or because the natural shape or position of the nose is causing problems.

Your dedicated Cosmetic Surgeon will talk to you in detail about your symptoms, examine your nose and give you advice on the best way forward.

Most people are suitable for a Rhinoplasty procedure. However, if you have unrealistic expectations of how you’d like your nose to look, your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you on what’s realistic before agreeing to the procedure. He/she will also discuss your lifestyle and medical history to ensure there’s nothing that could prevent you from being suitable for surgery.

Put simply, ‘open’ Rhinoplasty involves the cosmetic surgeon making a small incision in the columella, which is the skin that covers the part of the nose that separates the nostrils, as well as some internal incisions. This one external incision allows the surgeon to lift the skin and alter the size and shape of the cartilage underneath.

‘Closed’ Rhinoplasty is the term used to describe surgery that is performed via small incisions entirely inside the nose.

As an ethical Cosmetic Surgery provider, we do not perform Cosmetic Surgery on people under 18.

Cosmetic Surgery is not usually recommended for patients who are not fully grown, as the face and body can change dramatically during adolescence.

We do not set an upper age limit for Nose Reshaping surgery, however we will, as with all patients, assess your medical history and current health to make an informed decision on whether or not to perform the procedure.

Recovery varies from person to person, but we usually recommend taking ten days off work and avoiding sports of any kind for the first three months. You will have bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes and a splint in place for between seven and ten days after surgery. This will be removed in the clinic and we will give you ongoing advice and care. To help reduce the swelling and advise you to minimise the blowing of your nose in the two weeks following the procedure. You can expect to see the full results of your Nose Reshaping surgery after six to 12 months.

Most Rhinoplasty incisions are made inside the nose so there will be no visible scarring.

Depending on what you’re having done, you may have very tiny scars in the columella (the piece of skin covering the cartilage that joins the nostrils) or in the nostril creases.

These are rarely noticeable to the naked eye.

The risks associated with Rhinoplasty are the same as with any other surgical procedure that involves a general anaesthetic. There are no specific risks specifically relating to rhinoplasty to be concerned about, but your cosmetic surgeon will explain the entire procedure to you in detail.

The details of a Nose Reshaping procedure differ depending on exactly what you’re having done. However, there will be little to no visible scarring as surgical incisions will be made either inside the nose or along the natural nostril creases. If the bone structure is to be altered, your Cosmetic Surgeon will operate entirely inside the nose so your skin is left untouched and therefore allowed to shrink naturally to fit the new size or shape.  The procedure normally takes approximately two hours and is carried out under a general anaesthetic.  This is followed by an extensive aftercare programme.

We recommend avoiding contact sports for three months after your Rhinoplasty surgery, but otherwise simply treat your nose with the same care and attention as you always have. You can contact us at any time to ask questions.

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