FAQs

How long does it take to recover

Recovering from rhinoplasty is often marked by only mild discomfort and mild congestion. Patients usually do not need strong medications for pain management. You can expect to have your splint and stitches removed in six days, and most patients return to work and normal activities in one week. You will want to avoid strenuous activities for two weeks following your surgery.

Is there an age limit on rhinoplasty?

No. The procedure is common in people in their 40s and 50s. It should be noted however that it may take longer for swelling to reduce in older age groups.

Am I a suitable candidate?

If your nose leaves you with no confidence and you are willing to have a surgical procedure, then rhinoplasty could be the option for you. During your consultation, we will discuss with you, your concerns and decide whether or not rhinoplasty will fulfil your expectations.

Do you carry out rhinoplasty on ‘ethnic’ noses?

Yes. Different ethnic groups, such as Asians or African-Americans, will often have a flat nasal bridge or wider nostrils. Enhancing the bridge of the nose can de-emphasize the tip, and sculpting or thinning the nostril or tip can improve the nose shape while maintaining the ethnic appearance.

Is rhinoplasty suitable for men and women?

Female noses tend to have a softer bridge and a slightly higher tip, while male noses have stronger bridges and lower tips. Recognising and being sensitive to these differences during your procedure will ensure that your nose presents the feminine or masculine qualities that you desire. During your consolation we will discuss things you may wish consider depending on your gender.

What are the different types of rhinoplasty?

Everyone’s nose is different and so is every rhinoplasty procedure. During your consultation, we will discuss the appropriate procedure for your desired outcome. This may include:

Primary Rhinoplasty – Your first nose job. This is the chance to properly plan and perform the procedure correctly to achieve your desired results. During primary rhinoplasty, the skin is easily lifted with hidden incisions. Your cartilage is sculpted. Then your skin is redraped and your incisions are carefully closed.
Revision Rhinoplasty – Redo-nose job. When your surgery with another surgeon did not produce satisfactory results. Scar tissue from your first surgery makes revision rhinoplasty more difficult. Our Surgeon may need to correct the removal of too much cartilage to give your nose a natural appearance instead of one that looks “operated on.”
Open or Closed Rhinoplasty – Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to make a small incision between the nostrils instead of just inside the nose like closed rhinoplasty. The open technique allows for more visibility and precision during surgery. The small scar from the incision disappears over time.
Rhinoplasty with Sinus Surgery or Septoplasty – Surgery to correct chronic sinus conditions or breathing issues can be combined with rhinoplasty to enhance the appearance of your nose at the same time.
Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty – Although surgery will give you the best results, we recognise that some patients are not ready for plastic surgery. You can achieve some enhancements with the dermal fillers which can be used to give your nose a smoother profile. Treatments generally last 9-12 months.

Aftercare

Departing Cosmedicare

You will be provided with:

Any medication required
Spare dressings
Follow up appointment

Instructions

Don’t drive home yourself – arrangements can be made for a private driver to take you home.
Rest as much as possible.
Start walking as soon as you can.
A balanced diet will be key!
Take your prescribed medication. Do not take any aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Avoid drinking and smoking.

Going back to work

You can usually return to work after 1-2 weeks off, however your plastic surgeon will be able to advise you better as each case is different.

Day to day activities

Showering. You may wash after you return home however it is important to keep your dressing and splint dry. You may need someone to help you wash your hair. Once the splint is removed, you should be able to shower normally without assistance.

Drive. You should not drive until your splint has been removed and the swelling around your eyes has reduced.

Sleep. Ensure you are comfortable and sleep on a couple of pillows.

Clothing. Wear clothes that can easily be slid over the head to avoid contact with the splint.

Exercise. Avoid contact sports for at least two months.

Other. Avoid blowing your nose for the first week and take care around young children to prevent them accidently knocking your nose.

Glasses and Contact lenses. Once your cast is removed, it would be beneficial to wear contact lenses as glasses can put weight on the bridge of the nose. Please bear in mind that contact lenses may also be uncomfortable initially due to swelling around the eyes.

When to Call

If your concerned something is not right you should call us if:

Your swelling is not healing.

You have redness along the incision (this could be an infection).

You are having symptoms from your prescribed medication.

You have a high temperature.

Your incisions are secreting discharge.

You have excessive bleeding.

Please call us on …..

What to expect?

By correcting the size and shape of your nose, you can greatly improve your facial appearance and the first impressions you make on others.

Analysing your nose and creating an ideal plan for your procedure are the most important parts of your rhinoplasty surgery. Our Consultant Plastic Surgeons will closely analyse your nose and use computer imaging to discuss the options for your surgery. Realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure are key to achieving satisfactory results.

Our team use their years of experience performing and refining their rhinoplasty techniques to give each patient exceptional results. They trained with nationally recognised rhinoplasty surgeons and perform nose surgeries weekly. Their experience allows them to concentrate on the intricate nature of the procedure and provide better results for you.

Risks

Common risks in rhinoplasty include bruising, swelling and infections (which can be dealt with antibiotics).

Please be aware that perfection is not always possible with rhinoplasty surgery and revision surgery will only be offered to correct complications and not minor imperfections.