Nose Reshaping

Rhinoplasty re-shapes, decreases or increases the size of your nose. It is a common cosmetic procedure and can be performed to help if you have breathing difficulties.

What is it?

• Nose reshaping is a surgical procedure to re-shape or resize the nose.
• It is also used to improve some breathing difficulties, repair injuries and correct defects.
• Nose reshaping is not recommended for children under the age of 16 because the nose is still growing until then.

Closed rhinoplasty involves - What is involved?

• A small incision being made inside your nose in order to hide scarring.
• The nose cartilage and bone will be removed and/or reworked in order to sculpt a new nose profile.
• Once re-shaping is complete, surgical packing may be applied to help control the bleeding, or an external splint fitted to protect your new nose for the first week following your operation.

Open rhinoplasty involves - What is involved?

• A small incision being made to the bridge of tissue between your nostrils just above your top lip.
• Your surgeon may decide to use this procedure to allow better access to your nose.
• The operation can take between one to three hours to complete, depending on the amount of re-shaping needed.
• You will be given a general anaesthetic and you will need to stay overnight in hospital.

Your recovery

• Most people return to normal activity within one to two weeks. However, swelling could affect your ability to breathe through your nose for up to three months after your operation.
• In the first seven to ten days it is advisable not to sneeze or blow your nose as this could effect the healing process.

Possible side effects

• During the first 24-48 hours, you may find breathing through your nose difficult.
• If your procedure involved bone work then you will have a splint across your nose for about a week.
• In the days following your operation you can expect bruising, swelling and mild tenderness.

Your results

• Nose reshaping surgery produces permanent results.
• However, your nose, just like the rest of your face will continue to age in the normal way.