Rhinoplasty still remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the UK. This type of procedure is commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’ or ‘nose reshaping’ and works by enhancing the proportions of your nose. While it is commonly identified as a cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty can rectify problems with breathing and similar structural defects within the nose (either because of genetics or accidents/injuries).
What Can Rhinoplasty Treat?
Being a predominantly cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty helps reconstruct the nose to achieve facial symmetry and balance. The overall aim of rhinoplasty surgery is to reshape the nose to fit the patient’s aesthetic desires and requirements.
Below is a list of what rhinoplasty can treat:
- Reshaping the nose in relation to facial symmetry
- Nose width, bridge, and nostrils can be reshaped
- Bumps and depressions can easily be minimised
- Large nostrils can be reshaped in-line with your face.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Once your surgery is complete, you may feel some slight discomfort around the operated area (nose, cheeks and below the eyes). You will be required to remain in hospital overnight so our team can monitor and assess your recovery process. Before you leave, you will speak with your consultant; here you will be able to ask any questions regarding your recovery process. Your consultant will also remove any remaining stitches post-surgery and as part of our patient promise, you will be prescribed medication for two weeks after your surgery.
Once you leave our care, it’s strongly advised that you take at least one week off work. Adhering to our set recovery plan is essential to help you get the most out of your procedure. Avoid any strenuous activities as this can cause stress to the operated area and affect the overall outcome of your surgery. It is absolutely essential you do not knock your face immediately after surgery as this could severely hinder your healing process.
What Does a Nose Job Involve?
It’s advised you wear loose clothing on the day of your surgery to ensure you’re nose isn’t impacted by any removed clothing (buttoned or zipped shirts).
Depending on your individual requirements, your rhinoplasty procedure will differ. Your nose can be reshaped in several different ways, and this is something you will discuss with your surgeon. Bridge reshaping, removing bumps, protrusions and nostril reshaping will be discussed.
The procedure itself involves your surgeon identifying and accessing your nasal shaft internals. This may require a small incision to be made to the nostril base to allow the bone structure and tissue to be easily reshaped to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
Rhinoplasty procedures can take anywhere between one and three hours depending on the extent of your requirements. Post-surgery, your surgeon will apply a splint to your nose. This is to help it heal correctly and retain its new shape. You can expect to wear the splint for approximately one week.
Nose Job Recovery Time
Everyone’s rhinoplasty recovery time will differ somewhat, but you should make a full recovery between one to two months. We have outlined a short guide detailing your nose recovery process:
After One Day
Once you have returned home from the hospital, it’s likely you will encounter bruising and swelling. However, minor discomfort is to be expected.
Day Two-Three
Bruising and swelling will still be present, but the medication prescribed by your consultant will help with this.
One Week-Two Weeks
Stitches will be removed or dissolved depending on your specific course of treatment. Bruising should now be minimal. Two to Four Weeks
Bruising and swelling should now be unnoticeable and nasal breathing should be much easier.
Two Months +
Your nose should be taking shape now. Breathing through your nose should be easy and all swelling and bruising should be completely gone.
After One 1 Year
Enjoy your final result.
Rhinoplasty Care After Surgery
It’s strongly advised that your arrange for someone to pick you up after your nose job procedure and someone to monitor your recovery process immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will hand you an aftercare guide tailored to your specific requirements before you leave our care. The aftercare package demonstrates helpful aids to speed up your recovery process, and it’s essential you follow this handbook.
Plastic Surgeons for Rhinoplasty
At The McIndoe Centre, choosing your consultant couldn’t be easier. Our consultants offer a 1-to-1 consultation process where you will be able to ask any questions regarding the surgery and learn about the procedure itself and your aftercare. You can find out more about our consultants by viewing our Consultants page.
This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Siva Kumar MBBS BMed.Sci(Hons) MRCS MBA FRCS(Plast.), Consultant Plastic, Burns & Reconstructive Surgeon.