Rhinoplasty (nose job)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

If you are paying for your own treatment you may want to consider spreading the cost through finance, tailored to your needs. Chrysalis Finance offer a range of payment options, find out more here: Chrysalis Finance – Spread The Cost Of Your Treatment