Rhinoplasty

Reshaping of the nose, for appearance, for breathing, or for both. Where breathing is the issue, correcting a deviated septum is often done at the same time.

What the operation involves

Two to three hours under general anaesthetic. An open approach uses a small incision across the columella and gives the surgeon direct sight; a closed approach works entirely inside the nostrils. Splints or soft packing may be used for the first week.

Recovery and what to expect

One night in hospital or a day case. Bruising around the eyes peaks at two to three days and largely settles within two weeks. The splint comes off at about a week.

The result takes a year

Most swelling resolves in weeks, but the fine definition of the tip continues to refine for twelve to eighteen months. The nose you fly home with is not the final result, and judging it too early causes a great deal of unnecessary worry.

Before you agree to anything

Ask to see the surgeon's own results on noses like yours, and be specific about what you want changed. Simulated images are a discussion tool, not a promise.

What we arrange around it

Around ten days, so the splint is removed and the wound checked before you fly.