Rhinoplasty

Undergoing a rhinoplasty can be a difficult decision.  However its important to have an in depth discussion with your surgeon. Carefully decide what areas need to be addressed with your surgeon.

 

Rhinoplasty

Undergoing a rhinoplasty can be a difficult decision.  However its important to have an in depth discussion with your surgeon. Carefully decide what areas need to be addressed with your surgeon. Sometimes what is achievable and what patients expect can be different therefore your discussion needs to be clear. 

 The nose is essentially composed of bone and cartilage with the skin draped over this solid infrastructure. A surgical rhinoplasty involves re-shaping this solid infrastructure and re draping the skin. As the skin still holds the shape of the pre surgical shape of the nose we need to wait for the skin to shrink-wrap to the new infrastructure for the results to be apparent.

Length of Procedure 

2-3 hrs depending of the extent of  surgery 

Length of Hospital Stay

0-1 day 

Risks Include

Swelling, scarring, asymmetry, numbness at tip, change in shape, requiring further surgery ( 10-20% of patients may require further surgery to change other other areas of the nose)   

Recommended Time Off

1-3 weeks

(Times are an estimate would change depending on the individual person and type of procedure)

First week after surgery 

Immediately after the operation the nose is surprisingly not too painful. It is generally a feeling of pressure or discomfort due to mouth breathing when sleeping at night but this will improve in the first few days

  • Simple painkillers like paracetamol or co-codamol is usually required for most patients.

  • Sleep with extra pillows so you are slightly more upright to help with the swelling.

  • Avoid bending over or heavy lifting.

  • You are likely to develop bruising around the eyes, which will settle with time.

  • The splint may loosen but try keeping it on until the time for removal

  • Take it easy and we would recommend taking two weeks of work.

7-10 days Splint Removal

When the splint is removed you will have some idea of what the nose will look like. But the skin still hasn't shrunk and soon after with swelling after the splint is removed and nose being exposed may make the nose look un-operated on. Most of the swelling goes down in the first 3 months however this can be longer if you have thick skin, scarring form previous surgery or a lot of work done. So don't be disheartened if the nose doesn't look much different in terms of size. If you've had work on the tip of your nose this may look slightly higher than expected. This will drop with time.

 

At two weeks you should be ‘restaurant ready’. There will be swelling, but from now on its about being patient until things settle. We would advise no contact sport or heavy exercise for the first 6-8 weeks until you see your surgeon.

2-3 Months

You will see your surgeon around this time to see how things are going and mainly for reassurance but your nose will still be swollen at this time

6-12 Months 

You and your surgeon will have a good idea of what the new nose will settle into. If there is significant swelling still your surgeon may consider steroid injections and night strapping. You may also at this point have a favorite side. But remember all noses, even seemingly perfect noses, are slightly different left to right and this is normal.

Cost

Hospital fee £2367

Anaesthetic fee £461 -£615

Surgeon fee £2950- £4500 (depending on complexity) 

Approximate Total

£5778 - £7482

Costs may vary according to patient complexity and hospital fees.

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