Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed to improve the appearance of the nose and improve breathing. The decision to undergo a rhinoplasty is often an emotional one and unlike many other surgeries that aim to reduce the signs of aging, a rhinoplasty can change the way you look. This can improve self-esteem and confidence. Lots of time is spent discussing your aims and assessing the balance between the nose and the rest of the face.
The Procedure
Through incisions in the nose the shape of the underlying skeleton is altered, this may involve repositioning the bones, reducing or increasing the cartilages of the nose. The soft tissues are then redraped over this reshaped framework. Goals include straightening of the nose, reducing a hump, narrowing the nose or changing the shape of the tip. It is typically performed as a day case surgery under general anaesthetic, meaning that you will be able to go home a few hours after the operation. The most important thing in rhinoplasty is to have clear aims regarding what you want to achieve.
Case study:
The patient came requesting rhinoplasty; A series of three consultations were undertaken to truly understand the aims that the patient wanted to achieve. At the first consultation the aims of the patient were explored and the feasibility of achieving them determined. A series of measurements was made and this was followed up with a detailed letter summarizing the discussion. At the second appointment the aims were reviewed, clinical photography was performed and the risks and benefits of surgery were outlined. This information was written down with a copy for the patient to take home to have time to reflect, research and write down questions. At the final consultation, the questions were answered and a formal surgical plan agreed together.
In my opinion Mr Fattah has a pleasant and caring personality and is truly interested in his patients and their welfare. He was recommended to me by another highly recommended plastic surgeon in relation to the specific rhinoplasty I required, due to an earlier septoplasty operation. Therefore his level of expertise was already clearly well known to his peers. He meticulously outlined his expectations for my operation and he very successfully met all my expectations. I now have a straight profile which has achieved the softening of my features, which was my intention. I had great confidence in Mr. Fattah from the outset and he has increased my confidence in return. Since first meeting Mr. Fattah I, and my parents, have been very impressed with his knowledge, openness, great attention to detail and truly professional approach.
AL, Rhinoplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
What about non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty uses facial fillers to change the profile of the nose. It is ideal for making a hump look smaller and can be offered as an alternative to the surgical procedure. It is performed in the clinic and takes only a few minutes, just like other filler injections. Although it is cheaper than surgery and the complications fewer, the results are temporary. Nonetheless, it may be a good way to see if reshaping the nose can achieve the result you want before making a big decision regarding surgery.
Is the recovery painful?
After surgery you should be relatively pain free due to the long-acting local anaesthetic that is introduced in and around the nose while you are asleep. The main sensation will be a blocked nose. Your nose will initially be swollen and this mainly resolves over 6 weeks but takes 6-12 months for the final result to appear. You must think medium to long-term with this operation so as not to be disappointed with the initial result.
Will you see my scars?
A rhinoplasty can be performed closed where the incisions are hidden in the nostrils, or open where there is an incision made across the columella, which may be visible only when looked from directly below. Open rhinoplasty is used for more complex cases or if the tip of the nose needs refinement.
I have already had a rhinoplasty performed but am unhappy with the result, am I able to have this procedure again?
Yes. Rhinoplasty revision can be performed it is technically demanding and therefore can take longer than a primary rhinoplasty. A detailed discussion about your aims will be required to ensure you are not disappointed again.
What is the recovery like and how long will I need to rest or take time off work?
If you wish to conceal the surgery, it is suggested that you take a minimum of two weeks off work to recover. As with many operations, swelling will generally increase over the first 48 hours, and then will subside over the following weeks. Expect the swelling to increase for a further 48 hours, it will then subside over the following week. To minimise the swelling, ensure you sleep propped up on 2 or 3 pillows. Conversely, bending down will increase swelling and raise the blood pressure in the face and may cause a small nose bleed in the first days after surgery. We recommend avoiding bending forward for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You may feel crusts inside the nose, these are best managed by placing Vaseline into the nostrils to soften them and ease their passage.
