Rhinoplasty
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty alters the shape or size of the nose to make it more aesthetically pleasing. The most commonly performed operation is a reduction in the size of the nose. The bridge of the nose can be augmented if necessary and alterations can be made to the tip of the nose by adding or removing bone or cartilage.
Why have it?
The nose is one of the central characteristic features of the face and both men and women can be dissatisfied or self-conscious about their nose. This may be because of the size, shape or length of the nose, which may be inherited or as a result of trauma to the nose. Specific features of the nose that may be amenable to alteration are; a hump on the bridge of the nose, a thickened or wide nasal tip, a drooping nasal tip, a nose that is deviated off centre.
Reasons not to have it
The nose continues to grow until the age of 16, so it is unwise to operate until some time after this age.
Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding by preventing blood from clotting. If you are taking aspirin, you will be asked to stop this for at least ten days before the procedure.
Further information
Consultation
Many people are unhappy with their nose. When you come for a consultation it is extremely helpful to define the specific features of the nose that you are unhappy with and would like to alter. These may be purely cosmetic, but there also may be problems with your sense of smell or breathing. Importantly, Mr. Roblin will want to know about previous surgery or any trauma that you have had to your nose.
Mr. Roblin will also examine you. He will look at the overall proportion of your nose with the rest of your face. In addition, specific features such as a hump on the bridge of the nose, deviation of the nose, the nasal tip, and the opening of the nostrils. Armed with this information he will be able to advise on what is possible to correct and also what is not.
You will be asked about your medical history and general health, particularly information regarding heart disease, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis (clots in the leg).
Procedure
The majority of nasal surgery performed by Mr Roblin is through incisions that are inside the nose, so that no visible scars are left on the surface of the nose. Occasionally, when the tip of the nose has to be altered then a scar may be left on the underside of the nose. This scar is usually well hidden from the naked eye. If the nose is too large, bone and/or cartilage are removed. Following this the outer nasal walls are freed and moved to allow the nose to be reshaped. A splint is put on the nose at the end of surgery and worn for a 10 days to ensure the nose remains in the correct shape.
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1 hour.
Length of stay
1 night following the operation.
Risks/Possible complications
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Temporary numbness
Infrequent
- Bleeding (haematoma)
- Discomfort
Later (after one week):
Infrequent
- Unsightly scarring
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Incomplete improvement
General anaesthetic
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chest infection
- Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
Recovery
Immediately after the operation
- You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
- Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
After return home
- Socialising with friends at 1-2 weeks
- Return to work at 2 weeks
- Driving at 1-2 weeks
- Bruising up to 2-4 weeks
- Swelling at 8-12 weeks
- Return to gym and strenuous activity at 3-4 weeks
- Final result at 4-6 months