Rhinoplasty

What it involves

The nose is shaped by bone, cartilage, skin thickness and soft-tissue support; surgery carefully removes, reshapes, repositions and refines the underlying framework, and the skin then redrapes over the new structure. Most work is done through incisions hidden inside the nose, sometimes with a small, well-hidden external incision. Breathing passages are preserved, and it is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

Who it may suit

May suit patients who would like to refine the shape or size of the nose, soften a profile, correct an injury, or improve breathing — assessed in relation to the whole face, including chin, lips and facial proportions. Suitability depends on physical development, emotional maturity and realistic expectations rather than a single 'ideal' nose.

Recovery

An external splint is usually worn for about a week. Patients spend one night in hospital and go home the following day. Bruising around the eyes settles over the first week or so, and for most patients the bruising and the bulk of the swelling have resolved by 10–14 days; some residual puffiness can linger for up to six weeks. Most patients return to normal activities after about 7–10 days. Subtle swelling — especially of the tip — can take up to a year to fully resolve, so the result should not be judged too early.

This page is a general guide. Every procedure is planned individually — the details, risks and recovery relevant to you are discussed at consultation.