Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

What does this involve?

There are various techniques that surgeons can use to perform this operation. Your surgeon will advise which is the most appropriate in your case, and will explain how your nose will appear afterwards. The surgeon will make incisions inside your nostrils to reach the nasal bones and cartilage. These are then rearranged or removed to achieve the shape you have agreed with your surgeon. The skin on the nose is left untouched and will shrink to the new nose shape in time. If you are having surgery to make your nostrils smaller, the surgeon will make small incisions in the skin, which will leave fine scars on the side of each nostril. Once surgery is complete, these incisions are closed with stitches. 

Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this, you will return to your room, where your nurses will check your dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular intervals.

The anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is important to discuss any discomfort with the nursing staff.

There may also be a drip in one of your arms which is to ensure that you are kept well hydrated so that your recovery is as quick as possible. The drip will be removed once you are able to drink a satisfactory amount.  Providing you are not feeling nauseous, you may start to drink and eat as soon as you feel ready.

You will have a nasal splint over your nose to support it and in some cases, packs (gauze dressings) in each nostril. These packs will prevent you breathing through your nose but will be removed prior to your discharge home.

Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will also be visited by the Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse before you are discharged home. She will give you advice about caring for your nasal splint, the wearing of support stockings and discuss your post-operative activity.

When will I recover?

After a Rhinoplasty you are likely to have some discomfort/pain, swelling, and bruising. The bruising and discomfort are temporary and should subside after the first few weeks while the swelling may take several months to settle. Your nose will feel stiff and numb, particularly at the tip, but again this should settle after a few months.

You should follow your surgeon's advice regarding how long to avoid driving but you certainly should not begin driving again until you are confident that you can safely perform an emergency stop without experiencing any discomfort.

Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required to wear your nasal splint - this is usually seven days. They will also give you advice regarding how long to avoid exercise and driving.

Your nose may bleed a little after you return home - do not pack your nostrils to try to stop the bleeding. Simply take some gauze and hold it against your nose until the bleeding stops. To help prevent nosebleeds, keep your head up as much as possible and avoid hot baths/showers.

You may find that your nose is blocked - if this is the case, you must not blow your nose or use any nasal decongestants. You may find it helpful to sleep upright with some extra pillows although breathing through your mouth can lead to dryness of the lips and mouth.

You will receive a post-operative telephone call from the Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse one to two days after your discharge home to ascertain your progress and well being.

At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your normal activities.

The length of time you will need to take off work will completely depend on your type of employment.

What risks should I know about?

Rhinoplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.

The possible complications of any surgery can include an unexpected reaction to a general anaesthetic, excessive bleeding, developing a blood clot (usually in a vein in the lower leg, known as a DVT - deep vein thrombosis) and infection. Signs of infection include uncontrolled pain, redness, swelling, oozing from wounds, and fever.

Swelling may cause some difficulty breathing during the first week. Occasionally this can last longer than a week and in some cases may be a permanent side effect of the procedure.

Circle care

Rhinoplasty is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the art hospital, which provides you with the best facilities and superb patient care.  We have a dedicated team of Cosmetic Surgeons and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have.