Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is a term used to improve the appearance of the nose. According to Mr Henley,

“The three most common concerns that people come to see me for are a bumps and irregularities on the bridge of the nose, a bulbous tip and a nose that is too large when compared to other facial features. The aim of surgery is to make your nose look more natural and ensure that it is in true harmony with the rest of your face. Even a small adjustment can make a big improvement in appearance – and give a boost to your self image and confidence too”.

Before your consultation, have a good look at your nose and decide which parts of it you do like and which parts you don’t. At your consultation Mr Henley will take photographs of your nose and discuss these in detail with you so that your concerns can be clearly identified and he can advise you regarding the benefits and limitations of surgery.

The procedure, usually performed under a general anaesthetic, takes between one to two hours to perform. At the end of the procedure, a splint is put on the outside of the nose which is left in place for about a week. This is to hold the bones in their new position whilst the immediate swelling settles. Packs may also be places in your nostrils for a few hours. When it comes to stitches, dissolving ones are usually used for the lining of the nose but any outside skin stitches will require removal at one week. 

Most people can go home the same day but if in any doubt an overnight stay is recommended.

Risks and side effects of surgery

Small nose bleeds are very common following this operation and whilst major bleeding can occur this is very rare. You should avoid blowing your nose for the first week to minimise this risk and be aware that there is risk of bleeding for approximately two and a half weeks following the surgery so be reasonable in your activities

Other risks include bleeding, wound infection, chest infection and blood clots in the leg (known as a deep vein thrombosis) although these are uncommon.

Very rarely, bones may dislodge or the cartilage and other tissues may alter their shape so unpredictable results are a possibility.  A second operation may be required to refine your results. In the world literature this can be a high as 15% but for Mr Henley the revision rate is less than 5%

Recovery

Mr Henley says, “Operations on the nose are not particularly painful which surprises most people. However, expect to be swollen, bruised around the eyes and cheek region and feeling “bunged up” for the first few days to two weeks”. Slight headaches are not uncommon either” 

You should be back to your normal routine within a week and be socially presentable within two to three weeks. Exercise can start again after three weeks with the exception of contact sports which should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Your nose will be numb for between six weeks and six months as the swelling in the skin slowly goes down.

The general shape of your new nose can be seen when the dressings are removed and you will be sporting your new look in about four weeks. Most of the swelling will have settled by six to nine months following the surgery but subtle changes will continue and the final result may not be achieved until 2 years following surgery..

Nose reshaping before and after surgery

Before surgery This patient came to see Mr Henley as she was unhappy with the shape of her nose in side profile.	One week after surgery Already, you can notice that the overall shape of the nose has changed. The hump on the nose is reduced. What is also noticeable is the bruising around the tip of the nose and the eyes which always happens following this operation.	Seven weeks after surgery The bruising has disappeared. The shape of the nose will continue to refine over the next 12 months.

Mr Henley would like to thank this patient for allowing her photographs to be displayed for the benefit of others who may be considering cosmetic surgery.

The information provided is intended to give a brief outline of the procedure. It is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a surgeon.