Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty, nose surgery or nose shaping, is used to correct structural deformities with the existing nose. Nose jobs, as Rhinoplasty is also known, are used to address how the nose looks in proportion to the rest of the facial features. It can also be used to address other more functional issues such as breathing problems or the effects of traumatic injuries such as a break. This type of surgery is usually carried out on individuals over the age of 16 well the structure of the nose is fully formed.

Rhinoplasty can be used to increase or decrease the size of your nose, or change the shape or size of the tip or the span of the nostrils. Rhinoplasty can also be used for older individuals to address the effects of time on the nose, where it may appear more bulbous, or the tip of the nose may well have a drooping effect.

Rhinoplasty Surgery

The surgery itself usually takes between one to two hours, and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. During the surgery, the skin is usually separated from the supporting framework of bone and cartlidge. Depending on the type of surgery, incisions can either be made on the base of the nose, on the skin between the two nostrils, or on the inside of the nostrils.

Most ‘open’ rhinoplasty involves an incision being made at the base of the nose, and the skin and soft tissue is separated from the bone and cartlidge in order to allow the structure to be reshaped. Following this reshaping, the skin is then redraped over the new nasal shape. If the nose is being reduced, it may well be that the bones in the nasal area will be fractured to facilitate the narrowing of the nose

Following Rhinoplasty Surgery

It is likely that a nasal splint would be applied for a period of five to seven days, however the facial is likely to feel slightly swollen for the initial 24 hours following the surgery. Most internal stiches will tend to be self absorbing, with any other stiches usually being taken out after a period of one week. Patients may also experience a bleeding from the nose, which would be stemmed from medicated gauze which would be packed into the nasal passages for the first couple of days.

There is likely to be some swelling and possible bruising for a number of weeks following rhinoplasty surgery, although this does tend to subside relatively quickly. It is likely that your surgeon will inform you to avoid any kind of physical activity or sports for a period of upto six weeks in order to avoid any unnecessary pressure or impact on the area.

There may well be very slight swelling for a number of months following the surgery, and can be upto a period of six months to a year until the full effects of the surgery are apparent.

Possible Complications Of Rhinoplasty Surgery

As with all types of surgery, rhinoplasty carries with it an element of risk. However, this is a relatively common procedure, and complications tend to be infrequent. Issues following this type of surgery can include nosebleeds and infections to the nasal area. Scarring tends to be invisible if the incisions are made on the inside of the nose, and the majority of surgeons will use dissolvable stiches on the external incisions at the base of the nose. Scars at the base of the nose are usually not visible following surgery.

Costs Of Rhinoplasty Surgery

£4,000 - £6,000