Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY (nose reshaping)?

Medically reviewed by The Harley Medical Group Clinical Governance Board on 17th October 2018.

As the central feature of the face, the nose can determine your overall look. A rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or a 'nose job', is a surgical procedure that can address several of the most common nose related concerns including:

• Reduction in size 
• Reduction in length 
• Removing or reducing a bridge hump
• Adjusting nostril size and shape 
• Amending asymmetry
• Reshaping the tip of the nose 
• Improving or alleviating breathing difficulties

Types of Rhinoplasty

• Open Rhinoplasty: a cut is made across the skin between the nostrils leaving a fine scar which gradually fades.
• Closed Rhinoplasty: involves tiny cuts inside the nostrils leaving minimal, mostly internal, scarring
• Septo-Rhinoplasty: straightens the nose to correct a deviated septum
• Rhinoplasty-Tip: cartilage is removed to reduce the tip without visible scarring
• Nostril Alteration:  involves tiny incisions with minimal scarring which is hidden in the nostril crease.

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THE Rhinoplasty PROCEDURE

Before the surgery you will meet with your surgeon to discuss:

• Your reason for undergoing nose reshaping surgery.
• The changes you are trying to make.
• The results you would like achieved - you need to maintain realistic expectations. 
• Activities to be discontinued prior to surgery including smoking and taking certain medications.

The day of surgery will require some preparation before the procedure:

• You will be asked to be 'nil-by-mouth' for up to six hours.
• Your surgeon will prepare you for surgery - and may draw marks on the skin
• Final consent will be obtained at this time your surgeon will answer any last minute questions

The surgery itself will:

• Be performed under general anaesthetic
• Take around two hours
• Leave minimal scarring
• Requires an overnight stay in hospital

Immediately after surgery

• A splint is placed over the bridge of your nose, possibly packs inside the nostrils and possibly ice packs over your eyes, to minimise bruising and swelling
• You may not be able to breath through your nose; drink plenty of fluids to help avoid a sore throat
• Painkillers will be offered, however the congested nasal feeling is more the reason for the discomfort.

Following your surgery you will:

• Experience some numbness, bruising and swelling which gradually fades
• Have slight bleeding from your nostrils which can be dabbed away.
• Need to rest in a semi-upright position for the first few days and avoid bending down.
• Be required to come in to the clinic for a post operative appointment 7-10 after surgery
• Find contact lenses are difficult to insert or remove; glasses may be uncomfortable.

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.

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. Specialities in include oncology (Cancer Care), hand and wrist surgery, medical research and more.

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

Further Rhinoplasty Information