What is Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?

If you are interested in changing the shape of your nose then you might want to consider rhinoplasty. 

The data reveals a 102% rise in cosmetic procedures in 2022. 

Rhinoplasty has seen a 72% increase, and it is now the most popular cosmetic procedure in men.

These statistics show the appetite people have for this particular cosmetic surgery. In this article, we will look at what rhinoplasty is in more detail as well as the costs associated with it. 

Let’s get into it.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job or nasal rhinoplasty surgery, is a surgical procedure that is designed to change the shape of your nose. 

This procedure can be performed for two reasons:

• Aesthetic – To improve the balance of facial features. 
• Functional – If you struggle to breathe due to nasal obstruction or other issues you were either born with or developed. 

Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the bone, cartilage, or skin of the nose. In some cases, it may involve making alterations to all three. 

Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty techniques can be broadly categorised into two main approaches: 

Open Rhinoplasty Procedure

This technique involves making an incision across the columella.

This is the tissue that separates the nostrils, allowing the surgeon to lift the skin off the nasal structure and have a clear view of the underlying anatomy. 

This approach is often used for more complex cases where extensive reshaping is required. 

The open technique provides greater precision and control but results in a small, often barely visible scar on the columella.

Closed Rhinoplasty Procedure

Also known as endonasal rhinoplasty, this technique involves making all incisions within the nostrils, avoiding external scars. 

The surgeon works through these internal incisions to reshape the nose. 

This approach is generally used for less complex procedures and offers the advantage of reduced swelling and a shorter recovery time.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Here is a selection of other procedures that are used in rhinoplasty procedures:

Tipplasty (Nose Tip Rhinoplasty)

This is a specialised type of surgery focused solely on reshaping the nasal tip. It often involves adjustments to the cartilage.

This procedure is ideal if you’re unhappy with the proportion of the end of your nose in comparison to the rest of your facial features. 

Tipplasty can involve techniques such as:

• Cartilage Removal – To reduce the size or width of the tip.
• Cartilage Grafting – To add volume, enhance projection, or improve the shape.
• Suturing Techniques – To refine and reposition the existing cartilage for better definition and symmetry.

Septoplasty

A septoplasty procedure involves straightening out the septum. This is the part of the nose that separates the two nostrils and it is made from bone and cartilage. 

The septum is around 7cm long in adults.

If you have a deviated septum your nose can look crooked or bent. This can then block the airflow going into your lungs and cause breathing problems.  

Revision Rhinoplasty

It is a secondary surgical process which is done if you are unhappy with your first surgery. It is usually done if the patient thinks the first nose job did not meet their aesthetic or functional requirements. It is a bit more complicated process than the first surgery as it involves dealing with a scarred area and an altered nasal structure.

Aesthetic concerns include, over corrected or under corrected nose, disproportionate changes or a bent shape. Functional concerns include, breathing problems, healing complications, scarred tissues or changes caused by accidents/trauma.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty 

Non-surgical methods can be a great option for those who prefer less invasive techniques. The downside is that they have more limitations compared to their surgical counterparts. 

A great example of this would be if you wanted to reduce the size of your nose. 

Non-surgical treatments wouldn’t be a great option, but you could use injectable fillers as a way to smooth out bumps and alter parts of your nose. 

Non-surgical options are temporary and best suited for minor adjustments.

What is the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the rhinoplasty procedure:

1. Consultation and Planning

The process begins with a consultation where our surgeon evaluates your nasal structure, discusses your goals, and reviews your medical history.

Digital imaging can be used to show what the outcome of your surgery will look like. 

After the consultation, our surgeon will create a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and requirements.

Which will help you achieve the goals and aspirations for your surgery. 

2. Preoperative Preparation

You’ll undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests and sometimes a nasal endoscopy.

You are given preoperative instructions, including which medications to avoid and guidelines on eating and drinking before surgery.

This helps the surgery go as smoothly as possible and to ensure you’re comfortable throughout. 

3.  Anaesthesia

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your preference.

Our staff will carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

You’ll be under constant medical supervision ensuring your surgery can run just as planned. 

4. Incisions

Incisions are made inside the nostrils, resulting in no visible scars.

An additional small incision is made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). This allows better access to the nasal structures and is often used for more complex cases.

5. Reshaping the Nose Structure

Our surgeon may remove bone or cartilage to reduce the size of the nose. 

In some cases, cartilage grafts (often from the septum or ear) are used to augment nasal structures.

If you have a deviated septum causing breathing issues, your surgeon will straighten it and reduce projections inside the nose to improve airflow.

6. Closing the Incisions

The incisions are closed with sutures, which may be absorbable or need to be removed later.

Internal tubes or splints may be placed inside the nose to support the septum. 

External splints or bandages are applied to maintain the new shape during healing.

7. Recovery

After surgery, you are monitored as you wake from anaesthesia. In some cases, you can go home the same day you’ve had your surgery.

Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and remove any non-absorbable sutures and splints.

Swelling and bruising are common and can take several weeks to subside. Final results may not be fully visible until a year after surgery.

Cost of Rhinoplasty in the UK

The cost of rhinoplasty in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors such as:

• The complexity of the procedure. 
• The surgeon’s experience. 
• The location of the clinic.
• Whether it is being performed for cosmetic or medical reasons. 

Here is a look at the estimated costs of rhinoplasty surgery:

• Primary Rhinoplasty – The cost for a primary rhinoplasty (first-time surgery) in the UK typically ranges from £4,000 to £7,000.
• Revision Rhinoplasty – This can be more complex and expensive, ranging from £6,000 to £10,000.
• Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty – A non-surgical rhinoplasty, which uses fillers to temporarily alter the shape of the nose, can cost between £300 and £800.

These procedures will usually require a deposit and may also offer instalment plans. For more information on rhinoplasty pricing, you can check out our facial surgery prices.  

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Nose surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and lasts around 2 hours. This is normally followed by an overnight stay in hospital. Any incisions are sealed with soluble stitches which disappear within a week. If you have undergone open rhinoplasty then you may be left with some scarring, this is usually unnoticeable and your surgeon will discuss this with you before you decide to go ahead with your nose surgery.

It’s important to remember that recovery won’t be a quick process; your nose will be bruised and swollen after rhinoplasty and you may also experience bruising around your eyes.  

You may have dressings placed inside each nostril to stop you from breathing through your nose which may need to stay there for a week post-op and you will need to breathe through your mouth during this time. You’ll also have a splint over your nose to help support it, which MUST remain there for at least a week.

It will take at least 2 weeks before the bruising begins to fade and several months before your nose settles into its new shape and common side effects include a blocked and numbed nose and light nosebleeds for around a week post-op. Most patients take 7-10 days off work following their nose job and you will not be able to take part in sport or heavy exercise for around 6 weeks so make sure you take into consideration any short term plans.

Rhinoplasty at New Birkdale Clinic

Rhinoplasty is a relatively safe procedure which can give you amazing results both from an aesthetic point of view and also a functional one.

It is also a procedure that we offer here at New Birkdale Clinic. 

Our surgeons are among the most skilled in the world and they have consistently delivered successful results for our rhinoplasty patients.

Thanks to their innovative techniques, you can expect industry-leading results when choosing us as your cosmetic surgery.

Contact us if you want to know more about our rhinoplasty services.