Face & Eyes

Rhinoplasty

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

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Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty procedure reshapes, corrects or reconstructs the nose to achieve more aesthetically pleasing proportions and to enhance ones' physical appearance.

The nose develops its final shape only after puberty and this development is complete by the age of 16. This determines the earliest age at which one can reasonably carry out a rhinoplasty.

Whilst this is most commonly carried out for aesthetic reasons, a nose job can also be performed as a procedure to improve function by correcting breathing issues and help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnoea and snoring. In these cases, one is likely to also be operating on the septum or turbinate which are blocking the airway, otherwise known as a septoplasty or submucosal resection ('SM Resection').

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There is also the large group of patients who have suffered injuries to the nose, very often a nasal fracture, playing sport or as a result of physical assault. These are the few patients that medical insurance companies may accept for reimbursement.

Whatever the motivation, our surgical approach is designed to work with a patient's natural features, sculpting the nose to harmonise the face and give a natural-looking result. This requires a delicate balance between the size, shape, contours and definition of the nasal bridge and tip. Nose reshaping requires skill and surgical finesse as millimetres make the difference between a natural-looking result and one that has obvious trademarks of surgery.

A Rhinoplasty, or a 'nose job', is one of the five most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK, accounting for roughly 10% of all cosmetic procedures in 2019 alone.

As the central feature of the face, the size and shape of the nose is a key determining factor in how we feel about our overall appearance and attractiveness. If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with it, a rhinoplasty procedure is the most effective solution to change it.

Our surgeons are leading experts in their field, and via a rhinoplasty procedure, can make your nose smaller, more prominent, slimmer, or wider, or simply smooth away unwanted lumps or bumps.


Rhinoplasty At a glance

Surgery Time

1 - 3 hours

Time off work

2 weeks

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 1 day

Reasonable Mobility

After 2 days

Exercise

After 6 weeks

Sexual Activity

4 weeks

Sleeping on back

4 weeks

Full Recovery

6 - 8 weeks

Driving

2 weeks


Before and after Rhinoplasty

Why do people have it?

Why do people have it & Who is suittable

For many people, both male and female, the size and shape of their nose can cause unhappiness and insecurity. A rhinoplasty, or nose job, can help improve the way we feel about our looks, and increase self confidence and overall levels of happiness.

It can also help improve an array of medical issues, such as correct breathing issues or alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnoea. Whether for cosmetic or medical reasons, a nose job is the most effective and immediate corrective procedure in such instances.

What are the benefits of Rhinoplasty?

The benefits of rhinoplasty are numerous and wide-ranging. Some of these benefits can be achieved through closed rhinoplasty, but others can only be gained through an open rhinoplasty procedure. Your surgeon will be able to advise which technique will be best in order to help you achieve your goals.

Rhinoplasty can reduce the length and width of the nose. The septum, which acts as a divider between the nostrils, can be adjusted and reduced to reduce the overall length of the nose. This can be coupled with the adjustment or removal of cartilage at the tip of the nose. The bone can be broken and repositioned to reduce the width of the nose.

Sometimes patients are seeking an increase in the size of their nose. This can be achieved by taking bone or cartilage from the septum or another part of the body, such as the rib or ear, and using it to increase the bridge or tip of the nose.

Rhinoplasty can be used to reshape the nostrils, including reducing the size of large, prominent nostrils. Enlarged nostrils can make a nose look bigger, even if it is in proportion with the rest of the face. Nostril reduction can also help restore symmetry to the nose while giving it a more refined appearance.

By removing or reshaping the cartilage at the end of the nose, a rhinoplasty surgeon can tackle problems like a bulbous nose tip. This can be done through closed or open rhinoplasty. A drooping nasal tip can also be treated with nasal tip surgery.

This a popular request from people seeking rhinoplasty treatment. To tackle this particular issue, the surgeon removes the bone and cartilage that is causing the ‘hump’. The nose may then be broken so the remaining pieces of bone can be moved closer together to narrow the nose.

An oversized nose which dominates the face can really throw off the balance of the other facial features. Rhinoplasty can bring this delicate balance to the face. A severely crooked nose can also cause an imbalance in the facial features.

Changing the size, shape or appearance of the nose will help the overall facial aesthetic. This may mean drawing people’s attention away from the nose area, instead pulling their focus to other areas of the face.

A septum which has deviated from its natural position can cause breathing problems and be prone to frequent nasal infections. Trauma or injury sustained through contact sports, such as rugby or boxing, are common causes behind a deviated septum.

Functional rhinoplasty will see the nose reshaped to improve airflow and drainage. Breathing problems can interfere with sleep and cause a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. A naturally crooked nose, or one which has been damaged by trauma or sporting injury, can lead to breathing problems. Sometimes the NHS will fund rhinoplasty if it is required to alleviate breathing problems.

The nose is the central part of the face and is often the first feature people notice. If you are unhappy with the size, shape or appearance of your nose, this can have a real impact on your confidence and self-esteem. A nose job will help to provide a massive boost in confidence and self-esteem, resulting in an overall improvement in mental health.

Who is suitable?

Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for the procedure, if all of the following are true of them:

  • Physically and psychologically fit and healthy
  • Bothered by the size or shape of their nose, either for cosmetic or medical reasons
  • Have realistic expectations of what can be achieved by surgery
  • Would like to correct damage or an injury that has occurred to their nose
  • Snore loudly, experience sleep apnoea or have breathing difficulties

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The cost of a Rhinoplasty

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What are the options?

The nose is supported by a skeleton. In the upper third, it is a bony skeleton and the lower two-thirds are nostrils, flexible cartilage of the same type as we have in the ear. Dividing the two airways running back from the nostrils, we have another sheet of cartilage, covered with mucosa, called the septum. This is a strut which stops the cartilaginous part of the nose from collapsing.

Most operations on a Caucasian nose involve a reduction in size and therefore both the bony and cartilaginous skeleton are reduced, allowing the skin to retract, often without trace of a scar.

An incision is made across the columella (the skin of the central strut of the nose separating the two nostrils. The incision is carried up and around the rim of the nostrils, allowing the skin on the nose to be peeled back. The surgeon then has a direct view of the cartilage, which they can then refashion. This technique is used for the very complicated, difficult and injured nose but is also used exclusively by some surgeons.

The closed rhinoplasty does not have an incision across the skin of the columella between the nostrils, but is carried out through the mucosa of the inside of the nose. The surgeon does not have the direct view of the nasal skeleton and therefore it is a technique for the more experienced surgeon.

A septo-rhinoplasty is commonly done to improve the way you breathe through your nose. This is often done for patients who suffer from a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage and bone inside your nose that divides the nostrils.

Your surgeon will make an incision in the mucosa (the lining inside your nose), and lift it off the bone and cartilage in order to remove any parts that are bent, putting them into a straight position allowing for clear breathing. This procedure will improve the way you breathe, and the appearance of your nose can be adjusted as well.

Rhino-tip surgery is done to change the shape of the nose by modifying the structure of the underlying cartilage. Most alterations are done from inside the nose so as to minimize any scarring. Your surgeon can create the perfect tip for your nose structure.

Some common cases that patients come in for are:

  • Big Tip: This is a rounded appearance at the tip of the nose, possibly due to thick skin.
  • Crooked Tip: One nostril may appear larger than the other or the nose might be slanted to one side causing an asymmetrical look.
  • Flared Nostrils: When the nostrils are larger and spread farther apart creating an upturned of flat-nose appearance.
  • Hooked Tip: This is when the nose juts out and is overly-long, particularly noticeable on the profile of the patient.

Many patients have noses which are flatter with wider nostrils. In these cases, it is not a question of reducing the skeletal support, but adding to it. The bridge line can be raised by adding a manmade substance or the patient's own bone and cartilage taken from the ear, skull or rib. In each case, the extra tissue is carved to the required shape. Nostrils and nostril floor can be reduced in width by removing a wedge of tissue. The oriental may on occasions need surgery of the upper eyelid, and particularly the inner end where there is often web.

The founder of the Cadogan Clinic, world-renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, introduced the non-surgical rhinoplasty 30 years ago. In this non-surgical procedure, fillers are injected to alter and shape a person's nose.

Today non-surgical rhinoplasty is a medium-term solution as the filler used - hyaluronic acid – commonly lasts a year, and is therefore not permanent. Some patients prefer to start down the non-surgical route first in order to see the likely result of a long term surgical rhinoplasty, before making the commitment. Others opt for a top-up every year.

Differences in male and female Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also commonly known as a nose job, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure with both men and women. In fact, according to the latest figures from The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty was the most performed aesthetic surgery on men in the UK in 2020.

But although the various nose job techniques can be performed on both men and women, there are important differences between the two sexes. There are distinct anatomical differences and men and women also have very different goals for their rhinoplasty surgery.

People opt to undergo rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, including to alleviate breathing issues, to address facial asymmetry or to generally improve the overall appearance of their face, therefore boosting confidence and self-esteem. Common cosmetic issues include a drooping nasal tip, dorsal hump, bulbous nose tip, a deviated septum, a nose that is off centre or a nose that is too narrow or wide. But there are important differences between male vs female rhinoplasty and what the male and female patient hopes to achieve with surgery.

As a rule of thumb, rhinoplasty for men involves making the nasal structure more prominent, giving the nose a straight angle with strong definition. This results in a more distinguished and chiseled appearance. Male rhinoplasty is also used to correct a nose which has been left with lumps and bumps or a crooked appearance following trauma or a sporting injury. 

In contrast, women opt for a softer, more subtle, change in their nose. Female rhinoplasty tends to involve a slightly upturned nasal tip and a minor dorsal hump (bone or cartilage on the bridge of the nose). Of course our expert surgeons can also apply these characteristics to the male nose if that is what is desired. But generally men are less likely to be looking for a nose which is too slender or narrow with a pinched nasal tip. 

The beauty of rhinoplasty is that the surgery can be carefully tailored to each individual patient in order to meet their requirements.

The anatomy of the male and female nose are strikingly different. The key differences are that typically men have longer noses than women, with a thicker layer of skin. 

This thick layer of skin is one of the main contributing factors to a bulbous nose tip, which presents as a large mass or swelling on the lower half of a person’s nose. This condition is far more common in men than women, particularly those aged between 50 and 70 years old. 

The rise of Zoom calls and Instagram selfies have led men to become more critical of their facial appearance. A nose job can not only help to improve the appearance and function of the nose, but it can also improve the appearance of other facial features, by bringing the nose into proportion with the rest of the face. Male rhinoplasty can help to restore a man’s confidence and self-esteem, resulting in an overall improvement in mental health.

Male rhinoplasty can often be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a chin augmentation with implant, to further enhance the masculine characteristics of the male face.

We offer five different types of rhinoplasty here at the Cadogan Clinic. Four surgical procedures - closed rhinoplasty, open rhinoplasty, septo-rhinoplasty and rhino-tip surgery - plus the quick, temporary non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Book an appointment with one of our expert surgeons to discuss what type of rhinoplasty will be best suited to help you to reach your body goals.

What is an ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?


Rhinoplasty Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.


What to expect

Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

The first step for all of our patients is to meet with the surgeon we feel is best placed to perform your procedure for a consultation.

At the consultation, you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what your hope to achieve from the procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given the existing structure of your nose. Dependent on which consultant you see, a visualisation of what outcome you can expect will be made via Crysalix 4D imaging technology used at the Clinic to help you visualise this.

After that, several key measurements will be made of your nose, and standard clinical photography will be taken.

Finally, a comprehensive discussion regarding risks and complications will take place, alongside a discussion regarding the post-procedure and recovery phase. Your previous medical history will also be recorded (including previous surgery, medications, allergies etc.) and an assessment of your fitness for surgery.

If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed for surgery or otherwise following a two-week 'cooling-off' period.

Within this period you are welcome to come in and discuss your potential surgery with your surgeon as many times as you like.

You should expect your consultation to last a full hour, and you should factor coming in at least twice – the second time free of charge – to ensure that both you and your consultant are aligned on your expectations.

Some questions your consultant may ask you include:

  • What is the current state of your overall health?
  • What, if any, pre-existing health conditions do you have?
  • Can you provide a full and comprehensive description of your past medical history?
  • Can you provide a full and comprehensive description of your past surgical history?
  • Please can you provide a list of any medications you currently take, including prescription and over the counter drugs?
  • What is your current weekly level of alcohol consumption, smoking and recreational drug use?
  • Do you have any allergies that we should be aware of?
  • What are your overall goals for surgery?

Some questions you may ask your consultant include:

  • Is a surgical rhinoplasty procedure the right procedure for me?
  • If so, which surgical approach do you recommend as the right one for me?
  • If not, should I opt for a non surgical rhinoplasty alternative?
  • Will there be any pain after the surgery?
  • Will there be any scarring after the surgery and if so, where?
  • What is the recovery process? How long will it take for me to recover from my rhinoplasty?
  • Are my expectations realistic?
  • How many procedures of this type have you done before?
  • Have you got any before and after pictures of rhinoplasties that I can look at?
  • What happens if I am not happy with the results?

If you choose to proceed with surgery, the next time you come into the Clinic after your final consultation will be the day of your procedure.

Before admission the following behavioural changes are recommended / required:

  • In the 6 weeks before your procedure we recommend smoking is discontinued as patients who smoke have a higher risk of healing more slowly and complications
  • In the week before your procedure you must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin
  • In the 6 hours prior to surgery you must not consume food or any drink, other than small sips of clear fluid (e.g. still water, black coffee, black tea) which are allowed up to 2 hours before admission

On the day of your rhinoplasty procedure we ask that you arrive for your admission an hour before the agreed start time of surgery. At this point a nurse will come and record blood pressure and other relevant vitals, you will meet with your anaesthetist and your surgeon who will make the final mark-ups.

Rhinoplasty itself is straightforward and takes place under general anaesthetic over the course of between one and three hours. A Rhinoplasty can be 'open' or 'closed', dependent on where the incision is placed. Your surgeon will choose an incision site that minimises this scale and visibility of this site.

Following the procedure, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms for between two to three hours. Once our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete and you are safe to return home, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic accompanied by a friend or member of your family.

Once home you will have access to our dedicated oncall nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and pain control, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post operative phase.

A Rhinoplasty is one of the least painful procedures, although it is completely normal to feel that your nose is blocked up due to the swelling that you will experience following the procedure. This should subside after 7 – 10 days, after which you should expect some residual bruising. We advise total rest for several days after treatment, and recommend at least 2 weeks off work to allow adequately for this process. We also recommend avoiding UV light for 2 -4 weeks to aid the scarring process.

We ask that you come in and see our nursing team 1 week after surgery to ensure your incision sites have been properly reviewed. At this juncture we also recommend you meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing and scarring process.

You should see your results clearly at the 6 week mark, although on occasion it can take a little longer. We ask that you come in to see your surgeon after 6 weeks for a post procedure for a final check up.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is nose surgery designed to address aesthetic and functional issues relating to the variety of different nose shapes.

Nose shapes vary between individuals. Different nose shapes addressed by nose surgery include:

  • Large noses, nose tips or nostrils
  • Long noses, nose tips or nostrils
  • Asymmetrical noses, nose tips or nostrils
  • Bridged noses or bumpy noses
  • Deviated septums

The nose is the central feature of the face and can define the overall balance of the appearance. Nose surgery is able to address a variety of concerns via the technique’s nose contouring and nose reduction properties.

There are five types of nose operation that we offer at the Cadogan Clinic.

Closed Rhinoplasty - the most common type of nose operation. There are no external scars, as all incisions are done inside the nose. The soft tissues are lifted slightly upward, allowing access to the bone and cartilage. Closed rhinoplasty involves reduced nasal tissue irritation, less detectable scarring, shorter operating times and faster recovery.

Open Rhinoplasty - a more invasive nose operation widely used for patients who need more extensive nose contouring or nose reduction Your surgeon will make incisions in the columella, which is the skin between your nostrils beneath your nose. Following the incisions, the skin is lifted up allowing access inside the nasal cavity for your surgeon to perform reshaping. After the surgery is complete, the columella is sutured and the nose will be secured in place with tape and a splint to keep the nose in place. The splint will keep the nose in place during the healing process and normally will be removed after one week. Open rhinoplasty is excellent for patients with issues such as genetic or structural deformities, trauma to the nose requiring grafting and unsatisfactory results from a previous nose job.

Septo-Rhinoplasty – a septo-rhinoplasty is commonly done to improve the way you breathe through your nose. This is often done for patients who suffer from a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage and bone inside your nose that divides the nostrils. Your surgeon will make an incision in the mucosa (the lining inside your nose), and lift it off the bone and cartilage in order to remove any parts that are bent, putting them into a straight position allowing for clear breathing. This procedure will improve the way you breathe, and the appearance of your nose can be adjusted as well.

Rhino-tip Surgery - Rhino-tip surgery is done to change the shape of the nose by modifying the structure of the underlying cartilage. Most alterations are done from inside the nose so as to minimize any scarring. Your surgeon can create the perfect tip for your nose structure. Typical conditions include a big or crooked nose tip, flared nostrils or a hooked tip.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty - another very common form of rhinoplasty. It is non-surgical and non-invasive and involves an injectable filler being used to correct very minor imperfections. This is a popular choice for clients who need minimal changes to the shape of their nose. Keep in mind that over time the filler will begin to dissolve and you may need further treatments.

There is the pain of one or several very small needle pricks and that is about it. It is, after all, simply just another filler injection, using the same filler type and needle. There is no need for anaesthesia and there is no pain afterwards.

It is of interest to point out that a surgical Rhinoplasty is also virtually pain-free after surgery.

Do not be put off by pain. If you are uncertain about whether you will like the outcome, then the medical or non-surgical procedure could be a good choice for you.

It is important, nevertheless, that your surgeon is experienced and knows the anatomy, as there are risks particularly of skin loss or embolism with the apparently simpler non-surgical procedure.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty is a temporary procedure. You will need to schedule maintenance appointments to maintain your new look. The benefit of this is that you can make adjustments over time. Perhaps your desired look changes or it takes several sessions to dial in on exactly what you want to see.

To see if a non-surgical rhinoplasty is best for you, book a consultation with our team at the Cadogan Clinic so we can help determine your goals and recommend the best treatment.

Rhinoplasty is carried out with the patient only just asleep under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), and depending on your requirements, the surgeon may do any of the following:

Nose reduction - make the nose smaller by removing some cartilage and bone. This often involves rasping down the bridge of the nose and fracturing the nasal bones, where they join the face. The skin of the nostrils does not shrink to the same extent as the rest of the nose and there may be a necessity for reducing the base of the nostrils or the floor of the nose, by removing a wedge of tissue.

Nose reshaping - changing the shape of the nose by rearranging or adding to the cartilaginous and bony skeleton.

Nose proportions - changing the angle between the nose and top lip.

A rhinoplasty procedure starts from £6,900 at the Cadogan Clinic.

All costs quoted online are guide prices only, and subject to confirmation following your in person consultation. Given inevitable variations in facial anatomy between patients, nose job costs are also highly dependent on the complexity of the procedure required, and the technique employed.

Procedures in the UK are not subject to VAT as they are medical procedures.

At your initial rhinoplasty consultation, your surgeon will go through any pre-operative advice with you which will include eating well, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and avoiding aspirin and blood-thinning medication.

You will not be allowed food for 6 hours and water for 2 hours prior to your operation. You may choose to take Arnica tablets to reduce any bruising following your nose surgery. If you have any other questions or concerns then you will be able to address them during your consultation.

Contrary to popular expectation, Rhinoplasty involves virtually no pain following surgery. Whilst there may be some level of discomfort immediately following your procedure (and likely some symptoms such as a blocked nose etc.), pain levels will be modest.

Once you arrive at the clinic for your nose reshaping surgery, you will be taken downstairs by our friendly nurses to be prepped for surgery and meet the anaesthetist. You will also have another chat with the surgeon, as this is the final point when the surgeon needs to know exactly what you require. Once you have had your operation, you will recuperate in our recovery room and when you have eaten a few hours later and you are ready, your surgeon will discharge you with some post-operative advice. A friend or relative is able to collect you and take you home. Before leaving the clinic our nursing staff will ensure you have everything you need including a post-operative appointment time and they are likely to give you some spare gauze to keep under the nostrils to catch any drips.

Rhinoplasty is one of our most popular treatments at Cadogan Clinic, and any risks associated with nose reshaping are the same as with any other surgical procedure that involves a general anaesthetic. Any specific risks will be discussed by your surgeon who will explain the nose surgery process in detail and answer your specific concerns.

Some possible risks can include:

  • Anesthesia risks, as with any surgery there are risks with using anesthesia.
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing or scarring
  • Change in skin sensation; possible numbness or pain
  • Nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum). However, keep in mind that this is very rare. Additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the septum but it may be impossible to correct this complication
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
  • Skin discolouration and swelling
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

The best way to avoid risks with surgery is to follow the proper aftercare instructions given to you by your surgeon. Many of these risks are rare.

As always with cosmetic surgery, it is essential that the surgeon, not only understands exactly what you are looking for, and can deliver it, but psychologically it is necessary to be as certain as one can be that this desired result actually satisfies the patient.

We usually recommend our rhinoplasty patients to take at least one week off work, as you will be wearing a splint for up to ten days. There is no reason however, why you should not be working from home. There may be some bleeding from the nostrils overnight or for longer if the septum or turbinate's have required treatment. You are likely to have some swelling and bruising below the eyes, if the nasal bones have been fractured. This is completely normal and will subside within the ten days. We also tell patients to avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks following the operation.

The sort of sutures or stitches used during your rhinoplasty will be determined by the specific procedure you undergo and your surgeon's preferences. Some sutures are soluble, which means they will dissolve and be absorbed by the body over time. The surgeon may need to remove other stitches after a particular amount of time.

It is critical to follow your surgeon's instructions for suture care and removal. It is also important to keep the area clean and refrain from engaging in any activity that could put a strain on the sutures or induce bleeding.

To allow the nose to recover correctly after rhinoplasty, it is crucial to avoid blowing the nose for the first several weeks. Blowing your nose might cause bleeding and place undue strain on the surgical site. When it is safe to blow your nose, your surgeon will give you specific recommendations based on the technique utilised and your individual healing process.

After a rhinoplasty, exercise should be done cautiously. Your surgeon will advise you on when it is okay to start exercising again. 

Running, weightlifting, or playing contact sports are examples of vigorous physical activity that should be avoided for at least two to three weeks after surgery. This will allow enough time for the surgical site to recover and for the swelling to subside. Walking or light stretching is a good way to introduce exercise back into your daily routine, this helps to promote circulation and speed up the healing process. 

Following your surgeon's instructions is essential. Before starting any kind of physical activity again, you should always talk to your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.

There are two parts to this answer. How long does it take to resume full normal activities and how long does it take for the nose to reach its final state? There is a huge time difference between the two. There is also individual variation.

Patients are usually surprised that the operation is virtually painless. We use Total IntraVenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) and therefore you wake up quickly from the operation and will not feel sick. You will be ready to go home within an hour or two. Expect some bleeding from the nostrils and you will find a gauze dressing strapped under the nose. This will be changed as necessary by the nurse whilst you are in the hospital and by yourself at home.

The bleeding usually stops by the next morning and be replaced by a clear ooze which tends to coagulate around the nostrils and internal sutures. Just keep this clear on the outside with tap water. The inside is unimportant. The nurse will deal with this when you come back at a week. The internal sutures dissolve on their own, but she will remove any skin sutures at the same time.

There is often bruising around the eyes. It is not painful. It appears quickly after surgery but settles equally quickly. The last remnants under the eyes go by 10 days.

Most patients, where the bones are fractured, will have a plastic or plaster of Paris splint over the nose, which is removed in 7 to 10 days. This is the moment of revelation. However, the nose is not how it will finally end up. It will be swollen and without definition. The tip, in particular, may at this stage appear unchanged. The actual final shape will take 6 to 12 months to settle. You will get some idea when this is, when the skin feels normal and all stiffness has gone. You need to be patient.

You are not ill after surgery, just a little bruised with a splint. You should not exercise for a couple of weeks, but you can do most other things if you don’t mind people seeing you. It is the same splint for a broken nose, and this would be the obvious white lie to explain it.

You can view before and after nose job images in our Before and After Nose Job Gallery on this page.

At your consultation, your consultant will also share more extensive examples of rhinoplasty before and after results they have achieved.

We feel strongly that you can best understand what might be possible for you and your nose by reviewing the results of previous nose contouring and nose reduction operations.

It is very rare to be able to get your nose job on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic surgery. It may occasionally be possible to get your rhinoplasty on the NHS if it is ascertained that the surgery is for medical reasons, but this is very rare.

Before you decide to go ahead with your rhinoplasty, it is important that you choose a surgeon who is experienced and qualified to carry out this particular type of surgery. A good surgeon should be able to explain the procedure in great depth, as well as the recovery period and any potential risks or complications. They will also be honest about potential outcomes and help you to manage your expectations.

You should check that the surgeon is a specialist in rhinoplasty. When you have your initial consultation, make sure the surgeon has an extensive portfolio of rhinoplasty before and after photographs that they can share with you so you can get a good idea of how the results of your surgery will look. Be sure to check out testimonials from previous patients.

A good rhinoplasty surgeon will strive for the most natural-looking results possible and will always put the patient’s mental and physical wellbeing ahead of everything else. If you are not physically and psychologically fit and healthy, an ethical surgeon will not attempt to perform the procedure.

And finally, you should always check that your rhinoplasty surgeon is on the General Medical Council (GMC) register for otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), plastic surgery or maxillofacial surgery. This means you can be sure you are seeing a surgeon who really is an expert in their field.

While the surgery is largely focused on the nose, the structures surrounding the nose, particularly the vocal cords, can be affected. Alterations to the nasal passages, as well as swelling in the throat, can cause temporary changes in the voice, such as hoarseness or a nasal tone. However, these changes are usually brief and will go away after a few weeks when the swelling goes down.

More significant modifications to the nasal passageways or alterations to the cartilage that supports the vocal cords may result in more permanent changes to the voice in rare situations. Before undertaking the treatment, it is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing several times while you sleep. This can be caused by a number of reasons, including structural abnormalities within the nose.

A septoplasty treatment can be done to cure your sleep apnea if it is caused by a deviated septum, which is a condition in which the wall that separates the nostrils is bent or crooked. The surgery opens the nasal airways and improves breathing.

However, it is crucial to note that nasal structural abnormalities may not cause all cases of sleep apnea, and rhinoplasty alone may not be enough to treat your condition. A sleep specialist or pulmonologist should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two separate surgical procedures that deal with various concerns within the nose.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical treatment used to alter the shape of the nose for cosmetic or medical reasons. This can include reducing the size of the nose, altering the contour of the tip, or narrowing the nostrils. Septoplasty, on the other hand, is a surgical operation that straightens out a deviated septum. A deviated septum is when the wall that divides the nostrils is curved or crooked. This might lead to breathing difficulties and recurring sinus infections. Septoplasty is a procedure used to straighten the septum and enhance nose function.

While the two operations can be combined to address both cosmetic and functional difficulties, they are different surgical procedures. It’s important to discuss your options with your surgeon to know which procedure is best for you. 

If rhinoplasty is performed to fix a structural condition within the nose that is causing difficulties breathing, it will help with your breathing. This can include problems such as a deviated septum, a nasal obstruction, or scars or deformities from a past injury. By addressing these difficulties, nasal passageways can be expanded and airflow increased.

It is important to remember that nasal structural abnormalities do not cause all breathing difficulties, and a proper diagnosis by an otolaryngologist or pulmonologist is required before performing surgery.

Due to the nose's prominence and position as the face's focal point, changes to the nose may have an impact on how the face looks as a whole. However, the goal of a proper rhinoplasty is to achieve balance and harmony with the rest of the facial features, rather than to make significant alterations to the face.

In order to develop a plan that will achieve the desired results while maintaining natural proportions and symmetry, a qualified and experienced surgeon will take into account your unique facial proportions as well as any goals and expected outcomes. To ensure that the results are natural and harmonious with the rest of the face, they will also consider your age, skin type, and ethnicity.

Realistic expectations for the procedure's results are also essential.


A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

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Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

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A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

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We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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What are the risks?

Complications are rare although, as with all surgery, possible. Your surgeon will discuss each of these risks comprehensively at your consultation. Read our FAQ section for more information.


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Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.



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2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

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2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

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2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

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2020

My Face My Body

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2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

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2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

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