Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Before undergoing nose surgery, it is important to understand all the stages of the surgery so you know what to expect! You should understand the different types of nose surgery available so you can make an educated decision on which you would prefer. We also recommend educating yourself about what is needed pre and post-procedure, so you can make a fully informed decision about whether nose surgery is something you wish to undergo.

The Different Types of Nose Surgery We Offer

There are a number of different types of rhinoplasty surgeries offered by our expert surgeons. During your consultation they will be able to help advise which would be best for you, depending on your desired results. Some of the options include:

• Open Rhinoplasty: an open rhinoplasty procedure is when a cut is made across the skin between the nostrils leaving a fine scar which gradually fades. Bone and cartilage is rearranged to alter your nose shape.
• Closed Rhinoplasty: a closed rhinoplasty involves tiny cuts inside the nostrils leaving minimal, mostly internal, scarring. It also takes less time to heal than an open rhinoplasty, however not everyone is able to have this type of procedure.
• Septorhinoplasty: this type of nose surgery straightens the nose to correct a deviated septum whilst also improving the overall appearance of your nose.
• Rhinoplasty-Tip: in this nose surgery procedure cartilage is removed to reduce the tip of the nose without visible scarring.
• Nostril Alteration: this involves tiny incisions with minimal scarring which is hidden in the nostril crease to alter your nostril size or shape.

All of the different types of nose surgery will all be performed under general anaesthetic and will likely take around two hours. As explained above, rhinoplasty leaves minimal scarring. Recovery usually takes around twelve weeks. You can find out more about the recovery and aftercare process below.

What to Expect Before Your Nose Surgery

Preparing for surgery is important! As mentioned, you will always begin your rhinoplasty journey with a consultation meeting with your surgeon. During this appointment you will discuss:

• Your reason for undergoing nose reshaping surgery.
• The changes you are wanting to make to your nose.
• The results you would like to achieve (you need to maintain realistic expectations as to what you expect your new nose to look like).
• Which lifestyle changes will need to be made prior to surgery including smoking and the taking of certain medications.

Your consultation appointment will allow you and your surgeon to decide upon whether rhinoplasty is the right option for you and which procedure type will be best. Your surgeon will also be able to answer any of your other questions about having a nose job.

Preparation for Nose Surgery

Getting surgery requires some preparation, on the day of your surgery you can expect to:

• Be asked to be 'nil-by-mouth' for up to six hours before rhinoplasty.
• Be prepared for your surgery by your surgeon - they may draw marks on the skin to aid the procedure.

What Happens After Nose Surgery?

After your nose surgery procedure, a splint will be placed over the bridge of your nose. The inside of your nostrils may also be packed, and ice packs will be placed over your eyes, to minimise post-surgery swelling and bruising.

As you may not be able to breathe through your nose after rhinoplasty, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid a sore throat. Painkillers can be prescribed to help ease the pain and discomfort which is to be expected after surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery and Aftercare Explained

Rhinoplasty is a type of facial surgery, so full recovery does take time. Following proper aftercare advice is important to help aid recovery and ensure you are left with your desired nose results.

Recovery does vary from person to person, but we usually recommend taking at least ten days off work after nose surgery and avoiding sports of any kind for the first three months.

Having rhinoplasty will result in bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes, whichever type of nose surgery you receive. You may also experience some numbness and slight bleeding from the nose.

The splint will likely be in place for between seven and ten days after surgery and you will return to the clinic to have this properly removed. During this appointment, we will give you further advice and care to aid your recovery.

To help reduce the swelling and potential bleeding post-surgery you may be advised to follow the below advice for a number of weeks post op:

• Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks after your nose surgery
• You will need to stay propped up for the first few days avoiding lying down flat.
• Avoid heavy lifting or bending down as this will cause increased blood flow to head.
• Avoid exertive exercise and sports
• Need to have baths rather than showers whilst bandages and splint are in place
  • However hot baths should be avoided as they may increase bleeding
• Eat high fibre foods to avoid post operation constipation
• Avoid expressive facial expressions as they may strain the nose area
• No sex for at least two weeks
• Avoid dusty and smoky places, or any other things that may trigger sneezing and breathing difficulties
• Glasses may need to be taped to head rather than rested on nose for your comfort during healing process. Contact lenses may also be increasingly difficult to wear.
• Teeth should be brushed gently, with attention paid to moving upper lip as little as possible!

After a few weeks you will feel less discomfort and can be less precautious as your nose continues to heal! Following the aftercare advice is very important and will be worth it when you see the amazing, healed results of your nose surgery!

The Potential Risks of Rhinoplasty

As with any surgery performed under general anaesthetic there are risks which should be considered before undergoing nose surgery. Some potential risks of undergoing rhinoplasty are:

• Breathing difficulties
• Nose cartilage damage
• Altered sense of smell
• Heavy nose bleeds

All surgeries carry risk, which is why it is so important to only undergo surgery with a trusted expert surgeon regulated by the QCC. Our highly vetted rhinoplasty surgeons are all very skilled and experienced in their field, so they can fully explain the procedure and its associated risk to you in detail during a consultation.

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 across our 18 clinics across the UK including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and our flagship clinic on Harley Street in London and regularly receives excellent feedback from patients.