Rhinoplasty – 5 steps to a new nose

The reality is, rhinoplasty is great and suitable for some patients, but not for others.
A lot of it comes down to personal preference and life goals.
Below we discuss the process and correct information on rhinoplasty in 5 simple steps that are easy to digest.
Our aim is to make things as clear as possible so that we can put rumours to bed and help create a more truthful environment for those considering this procedure.

Step 1 – Consultation

• The aim with rhinoplasty is to sculpt the nose so that the patients feels better about themselves, boosts self confidence and balances a person’s face.
• This can be achieved by sitting down with a consultant and discussing any issues, what the end result will be and what procedures are available for each individual.
• A consultation is the first step in any rhinoplasty procedure, where both the patient and surgeon can table their ideas and discuss procedure information.
• Here the patient can look at photographs and talk about what the operation involves, including the risks and concerns.
• With modern technology, it is sometimes possible to see what you could look like by morphing the new shape nose on to a current patient photograph.
• Patients are also shown before and after shots of other patients with similar issues and end goals.
• It is also an important during this step to find out if you are an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty – not all patients will be.

Step 2 – Ideal Candidate

Not every patient is an ideal candidate for a nose job. However, the following short checklist will help patients understand if the procedure is right for them:

– Patient has a bump at the nose bridge
– Patient has a nose that is too narrow or wide
– Patient’s nose is not symmetrical
– Patient has a round or bulbous nose tip
– Patient has a nose tip that droops / hooks
– Patient has trouble with their airways

• It is important to note that most patients have not reached nasal maturity until at least the age of 15.
• Surgery before the nose is mature enough is not considered. This is because the nose is still changing and growing.

Step 3 – Preparation

• With most cosmetic surgery procedures, preparation is key to smooth surgery and good recovery.
• It is important to try and minimise side effects of surgery, including bleeding, bruises and swelling.
• Patients are often advised to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake for around 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Step 4 – Procedure

• To perform rhinoplasty, incisions are made either inside or outside the nose. In some cases incisions will be made internally and externally.
• The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that no overnight stay in hospital is required. However, in some cases an overnight stay may be required.
• Internal incision rhinoplasty is known as closed surgery, whereas external incision rhinoplasty is known as open surgery.
• In open rhinoplasty, a small scar may be visible after surgery. Often incisions are made on the columella – the bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils at the base of the nose.
• Whilst incision specifics can be discussed during a consultation, ultimately a surgeon will advise on the procedure that is right for you and the modifications required.

Step 5 – Recovery

• Recovery from rhinoplasty depends on the type of procedure and how extensive the surgery is.
• For most nose procedure to average downtime for a patient is one to two weeks.
• The split can often be removed from the nose after the first week post surgery and patients can go out in public with little bruising.
• Recovery from rhinoplasty is considered both short term and long term.
• The short term recovery follows immediately after the procedure, however, long term healing can continue for 12+ months. This is because the skin on the nose shrinks and adapts to a new shape.
• Pain that is felt from undergoing rhinoplasty surgery is usually reported as being well managed with prescription painkillers.

To know more about rhinoplasty or nose correction, please visit: https://www.manchesterprivatehospital.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery/nose-surgery/