In this blog post, consultant surgeon Mr Adel Fattah answers the most common questions regarding rhinoplasty.
Q1: What exactly is a rhinoplasty?
A ‘nose job’ or rhinoplasty isn’t just one type of operation, it is a number of techniques tailored to your goals in order to change the appearance of the nose. The types of problems treated include improving airflow, straightening of the nose, reducing a hump, narrowing the nose or changing the shape of the tip. It may be performed closed (using incisions hidden in the nostrils) or open (using incisions in both nostrils and across the columella). Open rhinoplasty is used for more complex cases or if the tip of the nose requires refinement.
Q2: How long does it take?
It is typically performed as a day case surgery under general anaesthetic meaning that you will be able to go home a few hours after the operation provided your pain is controlled and you have a responsible adult with you. It takes from 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity ranging from reducing a mild hump to a major reconstructive rhinoplasty. Revision (Re-do) cases tend to take a little longer.
Q3: What should I expect after surgery?
When you awake you should be relatively pain free due to the long-acting local anaesthetic that is introduced to the nose while you are asleep. The main sensation will be a blocked nose, stuffiness and some soreness.
Q4: How long would I need off work?
You will need to take it easy after a rhinoplasty and I suggest you take at least two weeks off work if you want to conceal the surgery. You should expect swelling to increase for 48 hours after surgery and then subside over the following week. To minimise the swelling ensure you sleep propped up on 2 or 3 pillows. You may have swelling around the eyes and there may be some bruising, especially if the bones are reshaped.
Q5: What can I do to get the most out of my consultation?
The most important thing is to define exactly what it is you want to change and how you want to change it. When it comes to change, consider each part of the nose and whether it should be bigger or smaller, move up or down and so forth. I ask my patients for the three things they most want to change in order of importance to guide me. It also gives me a little insight into their perceptions.
Q6: Who should I see for a rhinoplasty?
Plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons all perform rhinoplasty and their surgical background doesn’t make their rhinoplasties any different. You should see a surgeon with experience of rhinoplasty and I suggest that you see more than one surgeon. Ideally, they should be FRCS(plast), FRCS(ORL/ENT) or FRCS(OMFS) and be full members of their respective societies: BAPRAS, ENT-UK or BAOMS.
There are many ways the same result can be achieved and you may find one surgeon’s method suits your lifestyle more than another. In the same way, find a surgeon you develop a good rapport with; the doctor patient relationship is important and as you will be seeing each other many times a good relationship pays dividends in terms of putting your mind at ease and giving you confidence in the advice you receive. You should feel relaxed enough to ask any questions you need before making a decision to have surgery.
Read more on our post How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon
Q7: What will I achieve?
Rhinoplasty is a little different from most other facial cosmetic surgery, as it will change your appearance rather than making you look younger. What is achieved is depends largely on your expectations. Major radical changes are difficult to achieve safely without complications and beware of the surgeon that suggests otherwise. In most cases, significant changes can be performed but the most important part of ensuring your satisfaction is the time spent before surgery discussing your individual needs and taking the time to get to know you and your goals.
Q8: Any last titbits of advice?
I often tell trainees “the safest patient is the one you haven’t operated on” meaning if you have any doubt about what you can achieve – don’t do it. Likewise, if you have any reservations, no matter how far down the road to surgery you are – raise these with your surgeon. It is at this point you’ll really know if you picked the right person for the job.
Here you can find our guide prices for nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
Read more cosmetic surgery blog posts to find answers from our consultants to the most common questions including: best place for breasts implants, breastfeeding and implants, cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery.
About Mr Adel Fattah
Mr Adel Fattah is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Renacres Hospital in Lancashire.
He is the first British-trained surgeon to have achieved Distinction for the post-graduate Diploma of Aesthetic Surgery from the University of London.
His professional memberships include the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), AO North America (cranio-maxillo-facial), Sir Charles Bell Society and Facial Palsy UK Medical Advisory Board.
He is committed to teaching and has taught alongside distinguished international faculty at facial aesthetic courses. His research is widely published, has been presented internationally and been awarded numerous prizes.
Read more about Mr Fattah's qualifications, background and clinical interests.
About Ramsay Health Care Cosmetic Services
Cosmetic Surgery from Ramsay is a leading provider of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments in
Bingley, Doncaster, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Chorley, Preston and Ormskirk.
Ramsay offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast uplift, eyelid reshaping, tummy tuck, apronectomy (mini tummy tuck), gynaecomastia surgery, nose reshaping, prominent ear correction and liposuction.
Also available are a number of cosmetic enhancing procedures that do not involve any incisions, surgery or general anaesthetics and include acne treatment, dermal fillers, skin resurfacing and laser hair removal.
Please contact us if you would like to make an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons.