Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
This webpage will give you information about a rhinoplasty.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty (or ‘nose job’) is a cosmetic operation to improve
the appearance of your nose. It involves operating on the bones and
cartilage that give your nose its shape and structure (see figure
1).
Figure 1 - The bones and cartilage that shape the nose
Sometimes a rhinoplasty is performed to improve how you breathe
through your nose.
What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty?
Most people who have a successful rhinoplasty are more
comfortable with their appearance. If the operation is successful,
your nose will be the size and shape you want, and it may relieve
any symptoms of a blocked nose.
Are there any alternatives to a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is the only way to change the appearance of your
nose.
If you have a blocked nose because your nasal bones are crooked
or damaged, or the bone and cartilage between your nostrils
(septum) is deviated (bent), you may be able to have a septoplasty
or submucous resection to improve how you breathe. A rhinoplasty
can be performed at the same time to change the appearance of your
nose.
What does the operation involve?
A rhinoplasty is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic.
Your surgeon can refine the tip of your nose by reducing the
cartilage. If you have a hump (dorsum) on your nose, they will
shave it down. Your surgeon can also straighten and narrow the
nasal bones by breaking and then setting them (infracture). Your
surgeon may need to rebuild part of your nose.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical site (wound)
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications
- Bruising and swelling
- Bleeding caused by infection
- Redness
- Unsightly scarring
- Injury to nerves
- Cosmetic problems
- Nasal obstruction
- Graft rejection
How soon will I recover?
If you had some packing in your nose, it will usually be removed
on the morning after your operation. Once this has been removed you
will be able to go home.
You will need to stay off work and away from groups of people
for two weeks to avoid catching a cold, which could result in an
infection. You should also avoid any exercise, hot baths and
bending down. Most swelling and bruising will usually have settled
after the third week.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
It can take many months for your nose to settle down and for the
final appearance to develop.
Summary
A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic operation to improve the appearance
of your nose. You should have realistic expectations about the
results.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS), Mr Eoin O'Broin MD
FRCS (Plast) and Mr Paul Roblin MSc FRCS (Plast)
Illustrations: Mr Eoin O'Broin MD FRCS (Plast)
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2011 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is produced
by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care
UK. The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.