Have you ever felt that your nose is too large, too small, or too pointed? Do you have trouble breathing? Have people told you that your nose does not fit your face?

The central location of the nose makes it one of the most noticeable facial features. The nose also performs vital body functions such as breathing, filtering air and smelling. It is made up of nasal bones and cartilage, which is supported by a midline wall called the nasal septum. The shape of each person’s nose depends on these structures and the skin covering it, as well as hereditary factors.

Surgery to modify the appearance of the nose or improve its function is known as rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty can change the shape of part of the nose or even the whole nose, making it more proportional with the rest of ones facial features. When rhinoplasty is combined with a procedure on the septum, to enhance nasal function, it is referred to as a Septorhinoplasty.

What results can I expect?

Compared to other forms of facial cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty is the most complex. The outcome of the surgery depends upon various factors such as skin texture, thickness of the skin, the symmetry of the nasal bones, healing ability, and the skill of the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Here, it is important to note that the final outcome of the surgery will only be visible after around 6-12 months, as approximately 10 percent of the final swelling usually takes some time to subside. 

Patients also need to have realistic expectations of what they can expect to achieve through rhinoplasty. It is not possible to get a ‘perfect’ nose through rhinoplasty, and patients need to understand that nose surgery can only enhance the appearance of their nose, and make it more proportionate to their other facial features. If you are expecting rhinoplasty to give you a ‘perfect’ nose, it is better not to undergo it, as your expectations of the final result may exceed what can be delivered through the surgery.

Some changes requested by patients are more achievable than others. According to various statistics, about 90 percent of patients who have undergone rhinoplasty are satisfied with the outcome. In cases, where the end result does not match the surgical goal, the patient may opt-in for a second rhinoplasty to correct the problem. This procedure is known as a revision rhinoplasty.

After the surgery, a patient may experience some discomfort, which can be controlled with analgesics and anaesthetics. For the first few weeks, the patient may have some bruising and swelling around the nose, which will go away with time. The nose may also feel blocked and crusty, for which the use of a saline spray may be advised. In most cases, dissolvable sutures are used for stitches, which will dissolve and fall out by themselves. It may take up to three months for the nose to lose its stiffness, and feel normal again.

Our Rhinoplasty specialise in Otology, Sinofacial pain, Voice disorders, Facial plastics, Head and neck surgery, abstructive Sleep Apnoea, Rhinoplasty, Nose Surgery.