What is a nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)?
Nose reshaping, also known as a rhinoplasty or nose job, is a common cosmetic operation done to alter the shape of your nose.
It is performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically done to modify your nose’s appearance, so you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem. Functional rhinoplasty is often done to help improve your breathing and nasal function due to structural issues.
This page explains everything you need to know about rhinoplasty, including information on surgery recovery timelines and whether surgery is the only option for altering your nose’s shape.
How much does nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) cost at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland?
The cost of nose reshaping will depend on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
What to expect during your initial consultation
During your initial consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will talk to you about your medical history, family history, and any relevant symptoms. They will need to know if you have any medical conditions or a history of nasal blockages, if you have had previous surgeries, and any medication you are currently taking. If you have haemophilia, you may not be a suitable candidate for a rhinoplasty.
Your consultant may also perform a physical examination to check features such as the thickness of your skin or the strength of the cartilage at the end of your nose. This is because these can affect the outcome of the surgery.
If the procedure is for cosmetic purposes, your consultant will also talk with you about the look you are aiming to achieve balanced with what they believe the realistic outcomes of procedure are going to be. They may show you examples of before and after photos, so you have an idea of what the results may look like.
This is an opportunity to ask your consultant any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and results.
How to prepare for your rhinoplasty operation
Before going through with the surgery, you may need to make preparations beforehand to ensure that you’re ready.
Two weeks before the procedure, you should stop taking NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal medications to reduce your risk of bleeding.
It is also important to stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake a few weeks before the procedure to reduce your risk of complications and limit delays in healing.
Your consultant will give you a guide on specific instructions you will have to follow before your appointment. It is important that you follow these to make sure there are no issues that may arise on the day of the surgery.
Find out more about the things you should know before having a nose job.
What happens during a rhinoplasty
Before the surgery begins, you will be given either local or general anaesthetic to ensure you are numbed or asleep for the procedure. The type of anaesthetic will depend on how the nose is being operated on. Your consultant will discuss which one will be recommended to you before going through with the procedure.
There are different methods of performing a rhinoplasty. They are as follows:
Closed rhinoplasty
This technique involves only making incisions (cuts) in the nostrils and internally make changes to cartilage bone to adjust the nose’s shape. It’s typically recommended for those who need minor revisions.
Open rhinoplasty
This technique is more invasive than closed surgery. It involves making an external cut to the skin in between your nostrils and lifting the skin to expose the bone and cartilage. This method is usually recommended for those who need major nose reshaping.
Another method is tip rhinoplasty, also known as tip plasty. This surgical method involves only altering the tip of the nose, without having to alter the rest of the nose. The cartilage is altered to refine the shape of the tip of the nose using the closed technique.
Once the nose has been reshaped, the area that has been cut will be closed with small stiches to ensure the skin stays in place.
Typically, a rhinoplasty takes between one to three hours to complete.
Once the procedure has been completed, you will be taken to the outpatient ward to recuperate and monitored by our health team to ensure you are okay after surgery.
Recovering from nose reshaping surgery
Nose reshaping surgery is usually a day case, meaning you can go home the same day as the procedure.
Your nose will be bandaged up and small plastic splints will be placed in your nose for protection and support. This will usually be in place for about a week. Gauze (packing) will also be placed inside your nose. These will stay in place for one to seven days after surgery depending on your surgeon’s instructions.
You will notice significant swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes for several weeks after the procedure. This a normal and expected after effect following the operation, so don’t be alarmed if you experience this yourself. It is advised not to use cold or ice pack on the area after surgery.
To ensure you have minimal chances of bleeding, you may be advised to follow these recommendations:
- Avoid intense physical activities
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Don’t take showers while you have bandages on your nose, choose taking baths instead
- Avoid making facial expressions, such as smiling or laughing
- When brushing your teeth, brush gently to avoid your upper lip from moving
- When sneezing or coughing, do these actions with your mouth open
- Don’t rest glasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least 4 weeks after surgery
It is advised to take two weeks off work after surgery. In terms of exercise, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. If you want to swim, you will be able to swim after four weeks.
If you are concerned about whether you can be intimate with a partner after the operation, it is advised to avoid sex for two weeks after surgery.
You probably won’t see full results until a year after the operation. This is because minor swelling is still present up to a year after the surgery and can alter the true look of your nose. Each person heals differently, so your timeline of recovery may vary.
Risks and complications of a rhinoplasty
Like all surgeries, rhinoplasty does carry some risk of complications. These can potentially include:
- Nosebleeds
- Skin discolouration
- Infections
- Alteration in your sense of smell
- Problems breathing through the nose
- Poor wound healing or scarring
- Pain or swelling that may last
- Permanent numbness in and around the nose
- A hole in your nasal septum (the skin between your nostrils)
Your consultant will advise you on the likelihood of these risks and can discuss with you any concerns you may have before the procedure.