Rhinoplasty

This operation aims to reshape the nose for cosmetic purposes or following injury. The areas that are commonly corrected are humps on the bridge of the nose, wide or protruding tips to the nose or deviation of the nose. There may be associated breathing problems. Most rhinoplasty surgery can be performed through the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty). When a lot of changes are planned to the tip cartilages then an open rhinoplasty is performed.

Procedure in brief

Liposuction

The operation can be performed via incisions within the nostrils (closed) or by lifting the skin off the nasal tip (open approach) via an incision in the columella (skin bridge between the nostrils). The bridge can be flattened by removing cartilage and bone. The tip can be refined by reducing or re-shaping the fine nasal tip cartilages. When the central strut of the nose (the septum) needs straightening (giving breathing problems) the operation is referred to as a Septo-rhinoplasty.

Rinoplasty Facts

Scars

With closed rhinoplasty no external scars are seen. With open rhinoplasty a small stepped scar is placed in the columella (see above). The scar is a little pink in the first 1-2 months and then fades to white by 3-4 months.

Length of surgery and hospital stay

The operation takes 1-2 hours depending upon techniques used. Hospital stay is usually one night. A splint is removed after 1 week.

Time off work and recovery

Allow 1-2 weeks of ‘social down-time’ or off work. People vary in recovery. Most patients are very mobile after 1-2 days. You will be walking a distance at 3-5 days, swimming by 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) by 6 weeks. Driving is usually possible after 5-10 days.

Potential complications

This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients, most patients having no problems. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered skin sensation or variable scar quality. With Rhinoplasty surgery additional potential problems include bone or skin irregularity, nerve injury and altered breathing or smell.

What is covered in costs