What is Rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes. The procedure is not always cosmetic and is commonly performed for congenital defects, nose trauma and for breathing problems. The nose can be reshaped by altering the bone and cartilage to create an aesthetic, functional and proportional nose. Whether correcting a prominent dorsal hump, refining the nasal tip, or improving overall symmetry, rhinoplasty requires meticulous planning and surgical precision to achieve natural-looking results that complement the patient’s facial features.

What to expect during your consultation?

Your consultation will include the following: 

• Discussion about your aims and expectations 

• Questions about your general health and past medical history

• Examination of the inside of the nose and a number of measurements

• Clinical photography

• Understand what can be achieved with surgery. Sometimes digital simulation can be used to simulate what can be achieved with surgery

• What to expect after surgery and recovery

What types of Rhinoplasty are available?

There are two types of surgical Rhinoplasties available including:

Open approach: An open rhinoplasty involves a small cut(s) that is made to the outside of the nose, usually at the end of the nasal septum and inside the nostrils. 

Advantages include: 

1.  Better visualisation of the nasal structures
2.  Better precision in reshaping of the cartilages 
3. Better control in difficult cases 
4. Potentially lower rate of revision (i.e. late corrective surgery)

Disadvantages: 

1. Visible scar: In the vast majority of patients this is not an issue

Closed approach: A closed rhinoplasty involves surgical cuts that are entirely inside the nostril and the nasal septum. 

Advantages Include: 

1. No scar on the outside 
2. Gives enough access to reshaping the bony part of the nose if this is the only issue.

Disadvantages Include: 

1. Less precision in reshaping the tip of the nose
2. Less control in difficult cases 
3. Higher rate of revision surgery 

Alar base reduction (reduction of tip base)

Sometimes the nostrils are too wide, and they need to be narrowed to bring the nasal tip to harmony. This will mean two additional small scars on either side of the nostrils’ bases near the cheek skin. This is an additional procedure that can be done at the same time with a surgical rhinoplasty (either open or close approaches).

What Non-Surgical options are available?

Liquid Rhinoplasty: This is achieved by using filler injections. 

Advantages: 

1. No anaesthetic required 

2. Can be done in a clinic room 

3. Immediate transformation of shape with minimal or no swelling 

4. No down time 

5. Reversible if shape is not satisfactory 

6. Could be done before surgical rhinoplasty if the patient is not sure about the shape they desire. 

Disadvantages: 

1. It is limited to correcting humps, tip projection/droopiness and some asymmetries of the back of the nose. 

2. Not a permanent solution and top ups may be required after 12 months. 

3. High risk of vascular occlusion which may require emergency treatment to prevent skin necrosis (injury to the skin).

To book a consultation for any of our Rhinoplasty options please contact the clinic on 0121 456 7930, or click here to book online.