Rhinoplasty

Why do patients request a rhinoplasty?
The usual reason for people wanting a rhinoplasty is they do not like the size and shape of their nose. The nose is too big, has a hump on it or the tip of the nose needs altering. Sometimes patients request a rhinoplasty if their nose is bent or they have problems breathing through it.

Are there any reasons not to have a rhinoplasty?
There are no specific reasons that patients cannot have a rhinoplasty. Past medical history, medication and allergies may mean that the risks of the operation are too great and outweigh the benefits.

What does the operation involve?
The operation is normally done under a general anaesthetic. There are two ways of doing the operation; through small cuts inside the nose called an endonasal operation or using a small cut across the columella (the piece of skin between the nostrils) and cuts inside the nose called an open-tip rhinoplasty.

The bones and cartilages of the nose are then altered to give the required shape. Sometimes in patients who have significant deformities or have had previous surgery tissue such as bone or cartilage needs to be taken from elsewhere in the body to give the desired result.

What you need to know

How long does the operation take?
The operation can take from 1 hour to 3 hours depending on the complexity of the operation.

How long am I in hospital?
The operation usually requires 1 night in hospital.

What happens when I go home?
During the operation packs are often placed in the nostril, before you go home these are usually removed. If a splint has been used to protect the bones of the nose this is removed after 7 days. At the same time any stitches that have been used are removed.

There can be a lot of swelling and bruising after the operation and this can take up to 2 weeks to settle.

How long do I need of work?
Patients usually take between 7-14 days off work to allow for some of the swelling to settle. Patients are back to normal activities after 4-6 weeks

Will the operation need redoing in the future?
It is unlikely that the operation will need repeating in the future if the initial result is satisfactory. However, rhinoplasty is a difficult operation to get perfect and up to 10% of patients require adjustment operations.

What are the risks and complications of the operation?

• Swelling and bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection/wound breakdown/skin loss
• Numbness
• Re-operation
• Poor result.