Rhinoplasty (nose job) | HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Rhinoplasty (nose job)

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What is a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty (or ‘nose job’) is an operation to change the appearance of your nose. Sometimes a rhinoplasty is performed to improve how you breathe through your nose. It involves operating on the bones and cartilage that give your nose its shape and structure.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Most people who have a successful rhinoplasty are more comfortable with their appearance. Your nose should be the size and shape you want, and it may relieve any symptoms of a blocked nose.

Are there any alternatives to a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is the only way to change the appearance of your nose. If you have a blocked nose because your nasal bones are crooked or damaged, or the cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils (septum) is deviated (bent), you may be able to have a septoplasty to improve how you breathe.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.

Your surgeon can refine the tip of your nose by removing some of the cartilage. If you have a hump (dorsum) on your nose, they can remove it or shave it down. Your surgeon will usually need to break the base of the bones on the side of your nose so they can narrow and set them (infracture). This will also allow your surgeon to straighten your nose.

Your surgeon may need to support or rebuild part of your nose using a cartilage graft, a bone graft or an artificial implant.

Your surgeon may pack the inside of your nose to prevent bleeding, and place a splint and strapping on the outside of your nose for support.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

If you had some packing in your nose, it will usually be removed the next morning.

You will need to stay off work and away from groups of people for 2 weeks. This is to avoid catching a cold, which could result in an infection.

Your surgeon will remove the splint and strapping after a week.

Do not exercise, have a hot bath or bend down for 2 weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

It can take many months for your nose to settle and for the final appearance to develop.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Bruising of your nose and under your eyes
Swelling of your nose
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Redness
Bleeding caused by infection
Damage to nerves that supply the skin at the tip of your nose
Nasal obstruction
Cosmetic problems
Graft rejection
Problems at the donor site
Reduced sense of smell
Toxic shock syndrome, which is an infection of your bloodstream

Availability

Private

Pricing*

Consultant

£2706

Anaesthetist

£656

Hospital

£3888

Prices start from

£7250

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A rhinoplasty is an operation to change the appearance of your nose and sometimes to improve how you breathe through your nose.

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Could not fault anything about my stay in St Hughs. Everybody was wonderful. Thank you all.

Everybody was kind, considerate and a jolly bunch, which helps to put you at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that they know what they are doing. 5 stars.

All staff extremely kind, patient and friendly. A credit to the hospital. Thank you.

Very good hospital and very good staff. I have never met so many caring people in one place. The nursing was 1st class. The encouragement to walk was also very good.

I had an amazing experience during my time at St Hugh’s Hospital, from my initial consultation to the aftercare following my procedure. Communication with the cosmetic nurse was brilliant; every member of staff I met was kind respectful, caring and polite. My surgeon was fantastic, so professional and kind, I trusted his knowledge completely.