Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping/Nose Job)

A Rhinoplasty procedure is the reshaping or resizing of the nose. It can be used to help rectify breathing difficulties, repair injuries and also correct defects. We do not recommend this procedure to anyone under the age of 16, because the nose is still growing before this point.

There are two types of rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty and a closed rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made in the bridge of tissue between you nostrils above your top lip. This may be used by the surgeon to get better access to the nose. It usually takes between one and three hours and it is performed under general anaesthetic. As a result of the anaesthesia, you will be required to have an overnight hospital stay.

In a closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside your nose to hide scarring. The nose cartilage and bone will be removed and/or reworked to create the new profile of the nose. Once this stage is complete, “surgical packing” may be applied to control the bleeding or alternatively an external splint will be fitted in order to protect the nose in the first few weeks following the surgery.

There will be bruising, swelling and tenderness following the procedure and you will find it difficult to breathe through the nose in the first two weeks or so. Breathing difficulties may continue past this point as it can take up to three months to heal fully. If you are still experiencing problems after this three month mark it is probably best to consult with your surgeon who can diagnose the problem.