What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery, designed to alter the shape or size of the nose.
Some people have cosmetic rhinoplasty to correct a birth defect or improve their overall appearance, while others undergo nose reshaping to improve their breathing and nasal function.
The upper part of the nose is bone, whereas the lower part is cartilage. A nose job can change the bone, cartilage, or skin of your nose - or all of them.
There are two main reasons why rhinoplasty would be offered:
You may consider having a rhinoplasty if you have:
a broken or injured nose due to previous trauma
a crooked or deviated nose
a hump on the dorsum (back) of the nose
an indentation on the dorsum (back) of the nose
a long or short nose
a thick, round or uneven tip of the nose
an unsatisfactory result from a previous surgery
Types of rhinoplasty
Septorhinoplasty surgery
Septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that combines a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty (deviated septum surgery) to improve both the appearance and function of the nose.
While rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for cosmetic reasons, septoplasty straightens the cartilage and bone that separates the nostrils (the septum) to improve breathing.
Septorhinoplasty surgery involves operating on the bones and cartilage that give the nose its shape and structure to:
straighten the septum to allow for easy breathing
reduce the size of the nose
change part of the nose to ensure it’s in proportion with other facial features
Most patients who undergo a successful septorhinoplasty surgery will be able to breathe through both nostrils and will also feel more comfortable with their appearance.
Bulbous nose rhinoplasty
A bulbous tip is one of the most common nose shapes – characterised by a protruding, rounded tip. This nose shape can be caused by various factors, including (but not limited to) ageing, genetics, or trauma. Cartilage and bone structure can also play a part in the shape of your nose. If they are thicker or more defined, they can make the tip of your nose stick out.
Bulbous nose rhinoplasty is a corrective procedure that reduces and reshapes the tip of your nose to create a slimmer, more desirable look. It involves your surgeon making incisions in the skin or inside of your nostrils to access the nasal structure before reducing the size of the nostrils, refining the nasal tip, and correcting any asymmetries.
Can you have a non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Yes – a non-surgical rhinoplasty (liquid rhinoplasty) uses dermal fillers to make minor changes to your nose, such as lifting a droopy nasal tip or smoothing a small bump on the bridge of your nose. While it cannot reduce nose size, it can make the nose appear slimmer.
The results of a non-surgical rhinoplasty are often visible much quicker than a surgical rhinoplasty, in most cases, allowing you to return to work the very same day. However, unlike a traditional surgical nose job, liquid rhinoplasty is only a temporary solution – the effects will wear off and top-ups will be required, costing you more in the long run. If you’re after dramatic, long-lasting changes, you may be better suited to traditional rhinoplasty surgery. Our surgical procedure provides permanent results with no repeat visits necessary.
The arteries at the end of the nose are connected to the retina of the eye, making a non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure more technical and complicated than other dermal filler procedures. Though rare, a patient could experience vascular problems, blurred vision, or blindness if a non-surgical nose job isn’t carried out properly. Another thing to note is that, although surgical rhinoplasty is often done for cosmetic purposes, it can help with medical problems that affect your ability to breathe, too – ultimately improving your quality of life.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
At a consultation before your surgery, your surgeon will take photos of your nose for your records and to help plan the surgery. Using these images, they will create a computer simulation of what your nose will look like following the surgery.
There are two techniques used in rhinoplasty: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. These are both carried out under general anaesthesia, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel anything.
The length of rhinoplasty surgeries can vary from patient to patient, taking anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours.
First-time and cosmetic rhinoplasties typically take our experienced consultants less time than revision rhinoplasties and reconstructive surgeries to restore nasal form and function, or correct congenital defects and a deviated septum.
If you only need the skin and cartilage adjusting to correct minor cosmetic imperfections, this is also likely to be quicker than if the bone in your nose needs to be manipulated as well.
Open rhinoplasty
Your surgeon will cut the skin between or at the base of the nostrils. They will then lift the skin off the bone and cartilage and make any necessary additions or removals to the bone and cartilage in order to change the shape of the nose. The surgeon may also make a hairline fracture in the nasal bones to assist with changing the shape. When complete, your surgeon will replace the skin and close the cuts with stitches.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Your surgeon will make cuts inside the nose, and any changes to the bones and cartilage inside will be made through these cuts, which are then closed with stitches. After the procedure, your surgeon will put small strips of adhesive tape over your nose and place a cast over these. They may also put a piece of medical foil or small plastic splints on the inside of your nose for support and to stop the formation of scar tissue, which will be removed after about a week.
It may be necessary for your surgeon to put packs or dressings on the inside of your nose to hold things in place and stop any bleeding. These will be removed the day after your operation and may result in a small amount of bleeding, which should stop quickly.
Potential side effects and complications of rhinoplasty
Like all surgical procedures, there are risks involved with rhinoplasty, which yur surgeon will discuss with you before undertaking the procedure.
Potential side effects and complications of rhinoplasty include:
bleeding – your nose may bleed after the operation, requiring packs to be put in your nose to stop it. This can happen any time from the first few hours to 4 weeks after the surgery. Rarely, major bleeding may occur, which would require a surgical procedure to stop it
infection – this is uncommon, but if you experience increased swelling, redness, or pain or you have a fever, you should consult your doctor
hypertrophic scars – if you have an open rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll have a small scar in between the nostrils. On rare occasions, this scar may not heal properly, becoming hypertrophic (enlarged) and would then require scar revision
discoloration – you may experience bruising around your nose and eyes, which should settle after 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, the skin on your nose may become darker or redder, which could last for up to a year
loss of smell – another rare complication, which is almost always temporary and can last for up to a year
hole in the septum – though not something all patients will experience, you may end up with a hole in your septum between your two nostrils, which causes whistling when you breathe, nosebleeds or crusting with blockage. This usually wouldn’t cause problems and require further treatment, but if necessary, further surgery can be performed to repair the hole
nose numbness – this is expected after surgery, is almost always temporary, and can last between 6 and 12 months
teeth numbness – most patients won’t, but you it is possible to experience some numbness in your teeth which should go away by itself with time
implant extrusion – usually your own cartilage will be used, but in some cases, your surgeon may use synthetic material as an implant to correct certain deformities. In exceptional cases, these may be forced out of your skin, causing deformities
Preparing for rhinoplasty
Your surgeon will explain what you need to do to prepare for your rhinoplasty.
If you smoke, it’s important to stop at least 6 weeks before your surgery to reduce the risk of infection. If you have a cough, cold or sore throat, it’s best to delay your operation, as these also increase the risk of infection
As the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, you must stop eating and drinking for some hours before - your consultant will provide you with exact instructions.
Recovering from a rhinoplasty
After undergoing a rhinoplasty, your nose might feel a little tight and sore, and you will likely have some bruising around your eyes. This is completely normal and will lessen over time as you heal.
If needed, you can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease the pain and reduce the swelling – but always read the information leaflet.
The effects of the general anaesthetic should wear off within 24 hours, but in the meantime, you should not drink alcohol, drive, or operate machinery. We recommend arranging for someone to pick you up after your surgery, so that you can get home safely.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will explain the associated costs of the procedure. We can also discuss the payment options available for self-pay patients and those with medical insurance.
For a personalised quote for rhinoplasty at Welbeck, get in contact today.
