Can you get a nose job on the NHS? Ask the Expert

What is a Rhinoplasty?

A Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure which addresses a range of concerns affecting the nose. This may include breathing issues including snoring and sleep apnoea which may be having a negative impact on a patient's overall wellbeing and health.

Rhinoplasty techniques are regularly performed by the NHS to improve breathing difficulties or to treat a broken nose. Getting a Rhinoplasty on the NHS will depend on a patient's circumstances, including the severity of their concerns and the urgency of their treatment.

How to Get a Nose Job on the NHS?

Getting a Rhinoplasty on the NHS will depend on your concerns and whether funding is available in your local area. If you are considering an NHS Rhinoplasty, it is important to speak with your GP to understand the criteria you must meet and how funding may be allocated.

The NHS may consider approving Rhinoplasty surgery for patients experiencing:

Obstruction of the airways causing breathing or sleep difficulties
Developmental conditions such as cleft lip or palate
An injury to the nose requiring corrective or reconstructive surgery

The decision whether to grant funding for a nose job is down to the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which covers a person’s local hospital.

The clinician in charge of the care of the patient’s specific condition, usually a hospital doctor, can assist them with the funding application, if it is decided to be an appropriate treatment route. The patient’s clinician must provide evidence of clinical exceptionality when applying to the local CCG for funding.

For many patients, NHS waiting times may be offputting. Rhinoplasty surgery performed by a private healthcare provider can also address all medical concerns affecting the nose. Cadogan Clinic has brought together a selection of the UK's best ENT and Rhinoplasty surgeons who provide the highest levels of patient care.

What Are the Criteria for Having an NHS Nose Job?

Funding for Rhinoplasty surgery on the NHS is based on treating patients whose need is urgent. They will take into account the funding they have available at any one time.

When considering whether a patient is suitable for an NHS nose job, the following will be considered:

Whether the patient has had an injury or trauma to the nose which is affecting their health and quality of life
Whether the patient has any congenital medical conditions which have impacted the development of their nose and airways
Whether their sleep or daily activities are negatively impacted, and how this may affect their future health

It is important to remember that NHS funding may be different depending on the NHS Trust you live under. Although someone in another part of the country has been able to access an NHS Rhinoplasty, you may not be able to, even if your concerns are the same.

The application process for an NHS Rhinoplasty is very long. The process involves surgeons, GPs and NHS management working together to review medical evidence, assess the patient's needs and review budget constraints and criteria.

Am I Better Off Going Privately For My Nose Job?

If you require a Rhinoplasty based on the NHS criteria, you can apply for funding from the NHS and join the waiting list for surgery. However, the length of waiting lists and the scrutiny of the application process are unappealing for many patients.

Private healthcare providers such as Cadogan Clinic perform Rhinoplasty, addressing functional concerns as the NHS also do. However, without the same waiting lists and application process, treatment is prompt and efficient. Many patients also opt for private treatment as they have more flexibility over their surgeon and where their surgery takes place.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Face & Eyes

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, reduces the shape and size of the nose for health and aesthetic purposes.

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