Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

The appearance of the nose can be a significant source of distress as it is a very prominent facial feature. The shape of the nose may be unacceptable to patients due to its size, shape or projection.

Why do patients request a rhinoplasty?

Some people are unhappy with the shape of the nose because they feel that it is too big, it has a hump, it projects too far forward, the tip is droopy or too wide or that the nose is bent to one side. Others may have had a normal nose which has been distorted by an injury which can also result in obstruction of the nostrils resulting in snoring or difficulty in breathing.

What does the procedure for a rhinoplasty involve?

The procedure is usually done under general anaesthetic and requires a one or two night stay in hospital. The nose is reshaped through incisions which are for the most part on the inside of the nose and are therefore invisible. The surgeon reshapes the cartilage and bone. The incisions inside the nose are closed with dissolving sutures. A nasal pack is put into the nostrils and a plaster is applied to the outside of the nose.

What is the normal postoperative course?

Most patients have swelling and bruising of the eyelids following surgery which usually resolves within a fortnight. The nasal pack is normally removed within 24 to 48 hours following surgery and patients are discharged home with instructions regarding care of the plaster and cleaning of the nostrils.

If there are any external sutures they are removed around the fifth postoperative day. The plaster is removed seven to ten days following surgery and a follow-up appointment is arranged approximately four weeks later.

How much time do I need off work?

Most patients able to return to work two weeks following the operation.

What are the complications of this procedure?

Like any other operation rhinoplasty can result in complications such as bleeding, haematoma (blood clot under the skin), infection and a scar inside the nose. Your surgeon will discuss specific complications that can arise from rhinoplasty following your examination. Approximately 5% of patients who undergo rhinoplasty require a small secondary revision procedure for minor irregularities of bone or cartilage. This is usually undertaken a year after the first procedure if required.

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Nose Reshaping

“I had been unhappy with the size and shape of my nose for a long time before I seriously started investigating surgical options. I arranged a consultation with Mr Sood at the Nuffield Hospital in Brentwood to gain a better understanding of what a rhinoplasty procedure would involve, what side effects there may be and what result I could reasonably hope to achieve. I found Mr Sood very approachable and informative and he was able to provide me with all the information I needed to make an informed decision.

On the day of the surgery I was a little nervous but found that the friendly and professional nature of the staff at the hospital helped me to relax and made me feel that I was in safe hands. After the surgery I was surprised to find that I was in no pain, only a little discomfort from swollen eyes and from the difficulty in breathing due to the packing in my nose.

Although there was an immediately noticeable difference to my nose, as advised by Mr Sood, the swelling took around 12 months to completely subside. During my regular aftercare appointments I was able to see how my nose has changed since the appointment and to discuss the progress. The end result is better than I could have hoped for and my only regret is that I waited so long to have the surgery.”

KH

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