Rhinoplasty
Overview
Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape, size or proportion of the nose. It can address a dorsal hump, a wide or bulbous tip, asymmetry, or a deviated septum that restricts breathing. The procedure reshapes the underlying bone and cartilage, and is performed either through a small incision at the base of the nose (open) or entirely inside the nostrils (closed).
The different types of rhinoplasty
“Rhinoplasty” covers several distinct goals, and most consultations start by working out which one actually applies to you.
- Cosmetic rhinoplasty — reshaping the size, profile or tip of the nose for appearance alone, with no functional complaint.
- Functional rhinoplasty — correcting an internal breathing problem, often alongside a septoplasty, with cosmetic change as a secondary or absent goal.
- Septorhinoplasty — the combined procedure: reshaping the external nose and correcting a deviated septum in the same operation, which is the most common real-world scenario when both concerns are present.
- Tip rhinoplasty — a more limited procedure focused only on the tip (refining a bulbous, droopy or asymmetric tip) without altering the bridge, suited to patients whose only concern is the tip.
- Revision rhinoplasty — correcting the result of a previous rhinoplasty; technically more demanding and assessed as its own procedure due to scar tissue and altered anatomy.
Benefits of this treatment
Improved facial harmony
Reshaping the nose to better balance with the rest of the face is often the single change that affects how the whole face reads in photographs.
Improved breathing
When a deviated septum or narrow internal valve is corrected alongside the cosmetic reshaping, nasal breathing frequently improves too.
A permanent result
Once the bone and cartilage have healed into their new position, the change is permanent barring injury.
One procedure, two goals
Functional and cosmetic concerns are usually addressed in the same operation rather than as two separate surgeries.
How the procedure is performed
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1
15–20 minutes
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered and monitored throughout by an anaesthetist.
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2
10 minutes
Access
An incision is made either inside the nostrils (closed technique) or across the columella (open technique), depending on what the case needs.
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3
60–90 minutes
Reshaping
Bone and cartilage are reduced, grafted or repositioned to the planned shape, and any septal deviation is corrected at the same time.
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4
10 minutes
Splinting
An external splint and internal supports are placed to hold the new shape while the tissue heals.
Recovery and aftercare
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Days 1–3
The hardest days
Swelling and bruising peak, particularly around the eyes. Nasal congestion is normal until the splint comes off.
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Days 4–7
Splint removal
The external splint is removed, revealing a nose that is still swollen but recognisably reshaped.
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Week 2
Back in public
Most visible bruising has faded and many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work.
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Weeks 3–6
Settling in
Swelling continues to reduce, particularly at the tip, which is the slowest area to settle.
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Months 3–12
Final refinement
The last, subtle swelling resolves — tip definition especially can keep improving for a full year.
Risks and side effects
Swelling asymmetry
Minor asymmetry during healing is common and usually resolves as swelling settles evenly.
Numbness
The tip can feel numb or tight for several months while nerve sensation recovers.
Breathing changes
Temporary congestion is expected; rarely, internal scarring can affect the airway and need further treatment.
Revision
A small proportion of patients need a minor touch-up once the nose has fully settled, usually after 12 months.
Rarer complications
- Infection — Uncommon with appropriate antibiotic cover and sterile technique. Spreading redness, fever or increasing pain should be reported immediately.
- Septal perforation — A rare complication of septal work that can require further surgery to repair.
- Unsatisfactory result — A shape that does not match what was planned — best addressed by waiting for full healing before considering revision.
What it costs
What affects the price
Open vs closed technique
Open rhinoplasty takes longer and is typically priced higher than a closed approach for the same concern.
Primary vs revision
A revision case takes longer, is technically harder, and costs more than a first-time rhinoplasty.
Septal work
Correcting a deviated septum alongside the cosmetic reshaping adds to theatre time and cost.
Grafting
Cases needing cartilage grafts (from the septum, ear or rib) cost more than reshaping alone.
Frequently asked questions
No — a well-planned rhinoplasty changes the nose to suit the rest of your face, not the face itself. The aim is that people notice you look well, not that you had surgery.
Most people take 10–14 days, mainly to let visible bruising and swelling settle before returning to public-facing work.
Yes — the nose and chin are frequently assessed together in profile, and many patients have both addressed in a single procedure.
Typically not for around 4–6 weeks, since the frame rests directly on the area that is healing. Contact lenses are a good interim option.
Related
Treatments patients also consider
Breast Augmentation
Increasing breast size and improving shape using implants or fat transfer.
Face Lift Surgery
Repositioning of the deeper facial tissues and removal of lax skin to address sagging in the mid and lower face.
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Considering Rhinoplasty?
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