Rhinoplasty

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 feel more comfortable with their appearance and breathe through both nostrils.

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 a person’s nose. If they are thicker or more defined, they can make the tip of the nose stick out. Bulbous nose rhinoplasty is a corrective procedure that reduces and reshapes the tip of the nose to create a slimmer, more desirable look. It involves a surgeon making incisions in the skin or inside of the nostrils to access the nasal structure before reducing the size of the nostrils, refining the nasal tip, and correcting any asymmetries.

Rhinoplasty is the name for an operation to change the shape of the nose. There are different types of rhinoplasty depending on which part of the nose is being altered including:

• straightening the nose, making it bigger or smaller or removing bumps
• changing the shape of the tip of the nose
• changing the shape of the nose by removing or adding pieces of cartilage or bone.

Septal surgery may also be combined with nose reshaping surgery to become septorhinoplasty if the changes to the shape of the nose also require correcting a twisted septum.

There are two main reasons why rhinoplasty would be offered:

• to improve the appearance of the nose.
• to clear a nose blockage that may be affecting a patient’s ability to breathe.

Some possible reasons why a patient might consider rhinoplasty are:

• broken or injured nose due to previous trauma
• crooked or deviated nose
• a hump on the dorsum (back) of the nose
• an indentation on the dorsum (back) of the nose
• nose is too long or short
• the tip of the nose is too thick, round or uneven
• nose and lip require correction following a previous surgery

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.

If you’re eager to improve the form and function of your nose in London, rhinoplasty surgery is the only way to change the shape of the nose, although – rarely – it may be possible to use an injectable skin filler to make small refinements.

It may be the case that a patient’s reasons for wanting to change the shape of their nose are related to a body image disorder (body dysmorphic disorder) and these patients will be referred to a psychiatrist rather than recommended for surgery.

Your surgeon will arrange to take photos of your nose before your surgery for your records and to help plan the surgery. It is possible to create a computer simulation of what your nose will look like following the surgery. This procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. It should not be painful, but the front of your nose may feel tender for a few weeks afterwards.

There are two techniques used: open and closed.

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 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 that should stop quickly.

The length of rhinoplasty surgeries can vary from patient to patient – taking anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Do you want to purely change the appearance of your nose? Or are there functional needs to be met as well, such as breathing and sinus problems? First-time and cosmetic nose job surgeries 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.

Likewise, if you only need the skin and cartilage adjusting to correct minor cosmetic imperfections, it’s likely to be quicker than if the bone in your nose needs to be manipulated as well.

Our London rhinoplasty specialists will always discuss the procedure in detail, so you know what to expect, and they’ll help you achieve your desired results in less time without skimping on safety or quality.

Like all surgical procedures, there are risks involved and your surgeon will discuss these with you before undertaking the procedure.

• 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 four 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 will 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 2-4 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 six and 12 months.
• teeth numbness – Most patients won’t but you might 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.

You will usually be required to stay overnight but, in some cases, you will be able to go home on the day of your rhinoplasty surgery.

After the operation has been completed, your nose will feel like it is blocked on both sides for 10-14 days. Your doctor may give you drops or spray to help with this. It could take up to 3 months for your nose to fully return to normal with completely clear breathing.

For the first week after your surgery, you should not blow your nose and your doctor will confirm when you should be able to gently do so. It is normal for mucus or blood-stained fluid to drip from the nose within two weeks of completion of your surgery, but if you experience heavy bleeding you should see your doctor.

There will be stitches inside your nose that will either need to be removed or if they are dissolvable stitches, they will fall out by themselves. Avoiding dusty or smoky environments is very important during your recovery.

You may also experience some bruising and swelling around your nose and eyes for the first couple of weeks. Sleeping on extra pillows to keep your head upright will help.

If you wear glasses, you should discuss your options with your doctor as you may be unable to wear them for up to 6 months after your surgery and therefore may need to consider contact lenses.

The skin on your nose will also be more sensitive to the sun so you should ensure that you wear high factor sunscreen and a hat for at least 6 months. Following your operation, you should rest at home for at least a week, but most take up to three weeks off, especially if your work involves heavy lifting/carrying. Our London rhinoplasty team also advise you to avoid any sports with a risk of contact with your nose for at least six weeks, but many take at least a year off.

For more tips on how to look after your new nose post rhinoplasty, talk to our experts on 020 3653 2000.

After undergoing rhinoplasty surgery in London, your nose might feel a little tight and sore, and you may have some bruising around the eye area. This is completely normal and will lessen over time.

If necessary, 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.

You might feel wiped out after having a general anaesthetic, making it difficult for you to think clearly or do the things you usually do. The effects of the general anaesthetic should wear off within 24 hours but, in the meantime, it’s best you avoid drinking alcohol, driving, or operating machinery – just rest up and allow your new nose time to heal.

The cost of rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery in the UK ranges from £3,000 to £7,000.

The cost of a surgical nose job will vary depending on where it’s done, what your surgery involves, and your surgeon’s expertise.

The location of your chosen clinic can affect the cost of your surgery, with London and areas in the South of England typically being more expensive than the North.

Although you can expect to pay more in London, rhinoplasty surgery at Welbeck is performed by our expert consultants who will go above and beyond to ensure you achieve the best results. You can trust you’re in capable hands with us!

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will explain the associated costs with the procedure, so you don’t need to worry about hidden fees. We can also discuss the payment options available for self-pay patients and those with medical insurance.

For a personalised quote for rhinoplasty at our London clinic, contact us today.

At Welbeck, our consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient. We can help enhance your appearance, boost your self-esteem, and open up your nasal airway so you can breathe easier.

Whatever your needs, our specialists have vast experience and will happily discuss what you want to achieve from your rhinoplasty.

Get in touch today by calling us on 020 3653 2000 or book an appointment to come and see us. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.