What Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery, more commonly known as nose augmentation/nose job, aims to change the shape of your nose to provide a more ‘desired’ look. It has become a highly popular procedure in the UK as it addresses a wide range of cosmetic and medical concerns from clients.
This guide from The McIndoe Centre will tell you everything you need to know about rhinoplasty surgery, including what it entails and how long the effects of the procedure last.
What Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery is a procedure that reshapes the nose. It can change the shape and size of the nose depending on the client's motives for getting the surgery. People undergo rhinoplasty surgery for one of two reasons. It is either cosmetic, or they have a medical problem where their nose needs reshaping to help them breathe. Some people may also require rhinoplasty surgery to repair birth defects or deformities from an injury.
Your nose consists of three structural elements: Bone, skin and cartilage. Rhinoplasty surgery can change/amend all three of these elements to give you the nose that you desire. It is a treatment that continues to grow in popularity as the results truly speak for themselves.
Types Of Rhinoplasty
There are four types of rhinoplasty in total. However, the two primary types include open and closed rhinoplasty. Let’s explore each type in some more detail below.
Open Rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty is used for major nose reshaping. Incisions are made to separate the nostrils so the skin and soft tissue can be lifted. This allows the surgeon to see the underlying structure of the nose.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Primarily used for minor nose reshaping, a closed rhinoplasty consists of small incisions made inside the nose to expose the bone and cartilage. The bone/cartilage can then be removed to reshape the nose. This procedure is mainly aimed at patients who need nasal bridge modifications.
Secondary Rhinoplasty
This surgery corrects problems that may develop after previous nose surgery. It can fix small or minor issues and can be done as an open or closed procedure.
How Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Work?
Rhinoplasty surgery works in several ways, depending on the aims of your procedure. For example, if you wanted to reduce the size of your nose, your surgeon would remove some of the bone and cartilage. To make the nose larger, cartilage would be taken from other areas of your body, like your ears, and used to build up your nose. This is called a graft. If you wanted to change the overall look of your nose, the nose bone would be broken during surgery, and the cartilage would then be rearranged.
Rhinoplasty surgery can take around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment area. Be aware that an open rhinoplasty will cut across the skin between the nostrils, while a closed rhinoplasty will make small cuts inside the nostrils. This leaves visibly less scarring. However, this procedure is not always available. Our specialists will help you feel at ease throughout your surgery and guide you through each step of the process to ensure you are comfortable and at ease.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Last For?
The effect of your rhinoplasty will vary depending on the type of surgery that you have. For example, surgical rhinoplasty is permanent. This is because it changes the structure/shape of your nose. Therefore, results typically last a lifetime. However, if the thought of a permanent result is too daunting, you can opt for a rhinoplasty filler instead. This usually lasts up to 18 months, and the effects can be reversed if you change your mind about the procedure further down the line. This can give you peace of mind that you do not have to commit to a permanent change straight away.
Rhinoplasty Before And After
For many, the results of rhinoplasty can be life-changing. The before and after will vary depending on your surgery goals. For example, your nose may have a dorsal hump. This bone/cartilage irregularity makes it look like your nose has a bump on its outline. Rhinoplasty surgery can eliminate these dorsal humps making your nose appear more slimline.
There are many physical benefits to this treatment, which is why so many people opt for this procedure. Familiarise yourself with the list of benefits below:
- Improves breathing
- Enhances self-esteem and confidence
- Minimises or increases the shape of the nose
- Positively affects your overall facial aesthetic
Rhinoplasty Recovery
You must take it easy after your rhinoplasty surgery. You will be required to take up to two weeks off work. After one week, if you don’t have dissolvable stitches, your stitches will be removed, and your splint may also be removed. Three weeks after surgery, you will notice that your bruising and swelling will diminish. After around 4-6 weeks, you should be able to return to strenuous activities like exercise. However, your surgeon will discuss this with you during your follow-up consultation. Take a look at our recovery do’s and don'ts below:
- DO prop your head up when resting.
- DON’T engage in strenuous activities during the first four weeks.
- DO avoid getting your splint wet.
- DON’T blow your nose until your splints have been removed.
For more information about the recovery and aftercare process, please take a look at our extensive rhinoplasty recovery guide.
At The McIndoe Centre, we provide all of our patients with the thorough aftercare advice and a list of aftercare services. Not only do we provide follow-up consultations to ensure your needs have been met, but we also provide medication to ease pain and swelling and nasal sprays. You can learn more about our patient experience by visiting our page.
Is Rhinoplasty Safe?
A rhinoplasty is a safe procedure. Although, like any procedure, there are a few factors that you must consider before going ahead. For example, you must be aware of the side effects - and understand that choosing an experienced surgeon minimises your risk of the procedure going wrong. You should always look for a surgeon who has the right credentials. Familiarise yourself with the list of potential risks and side effects below:
- Blocked nose
- Soreness/swelling
- Occasional nose bleeds
- Infection
- Difficulty breathing
- Altered sense of smell
Rhinoplasty Surgeon
You may be wondering – what should I look for in a rhinoplasty surgeon? You should always look for a surgeon and clinic who are CQC and GMC registered. Don't hesitate to look at online reviews to help you gauge whether a clinic has a reputable reputation. Look for a clinic that offers consultations like The McIndoe Centre. This allows you to ask questions and get a feel for the clinic. It is crucial to do your research before you undergo rhinoplasty surgery. Our highly-skilled surgeons at our clinic have years of experience and can deliver the exceptional results you deserve.
Why Choose The McIndoe Centre?
We are proud to say The McIndoe Centre is home to some of the UK’s most esteemed consultants. Not only are we surrounded by exceptional facilities, but we are committed to treating our patients with kindness and respect and giving them the treatment they deserve. We have provided many patients with high-quality rhinoplasty treatment over the years and continue to deliver exceptional results each day.
If you would like to speak to one of our friendly team members and book a consultation to discuss your rhinoplasty goals.
Find out more about the McIndoe Centre
We provide outstanding patient experiences
As a nationally recognised hospital of excellence in plastic, reconstructive, ophthalmic and maxillofacial surgery, we have demonstrated ourselves to be: effective, responsive, caring, safe and well-led. Recently rated ‘good’ by the CQC, we are committed to treating our patients and each other with kindness, respect and dignity resulting in life-changing outcomes.
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