Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Harley Street, London

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) in London

The nose is the most central and defining feature of the face. Along with its prominent role in facial aesthetics, the nose is the primary organ of smell and functions as a vital part of the respiratory system. At Westminster Medical Group, our goal with each patient’s rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is to create natural, long-lasting results that improve the shape, size, and distinction of the nose.

Dr Sebastian Deme is highly experienced in rhinoplasty and has  vast expertise in nasal function, as well as nasal and facial aesthetics, which means that your new nose will not only look better, but it will also breathe better in addition. We perform both closed/endonasal (without an external incision) and open/external rhinoplasty. Which approach works best for you depends on your unique anatomy and functional and aesthetic goals. We work closely with you to determine which surgical option is most appropriate.

While the majority of rhinoplasties are elective cosmetic procedures, there are also a significant number of surgeries that are performed to improve breathing or repair the nasal structure after an injury. Patients still look like themselves after the procedure, but their facial features are more natural and symmetrical.

About Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery

Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.K and U.S. According to the latest statistics more than 200,000 people receive a nose job each year in the U.K & U.S alone.

Rhinoplasty changes the shape of the nose by modifying the bone and cartilage of the nasal framework. After accessing the framework through carefully concealed incisions, the bone of the upper portion of the nose is sculpted and smoothed. The cartilage in the lower portion of the nasal framework is then carefully reshaped in order to bring all the dimensions of the nose into harmony. The nasal septum is straightened and reshaped to improve breathing. Any necessary grafts are used to support and contour the final result. 

Rhinoplasty can be used to:

  • Change the size and shape of the nose
  • Modify the bridge of the nose
  • Increase or decrease the size of the nostril openings
  • Balance the facial features
  • Improve nasal breathing for patients with chronic sinus problems or anatomical problems
  • Reconstruct previously injured or disfigured noses from accidents or nasal disease 

Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures

Rhinoplasty typically addresses both the inside of the nose (the septum) and the outside (the nasal framework or skeleton). There are two types of nose jobs: primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.

  • Primary rhinoplasty: this surgery is performed for the first time to address cosmetic concerns and/or nasal breathing.
  • Revision rhinoplasty: this procedure is performed to address concerns or deformities resulting from prior nose surgeries.

Open and Closed Rhinoplasty Techniques

Our expert facial plastic surgeons specialize in numerous techniques including both open (external) and closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty procedures. We will discuss which procedure can help you best achieve your goals during your surgical consultation.

  • Closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty: During this closed surgical approach, all of the incisions are made inside the nose. The advantage of this approach is the lack of an external scar and the relatively shorter duration of the operation.
  • Open (external) rhinoplasty: Unlike the endonasal option, in this open approach, a small incision is added at the base of the nose to increase the surgical field of vision. This approach allows for better visualization of the nasal anatomy and more complex alterations and grafting to be performed.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Nasal Sinus Expertise

At Westminster Medical Group, we can take care of patients with specific concerns related to their nasal breathing, nasal allergies, sinus disease, or deformity after cancer treatments, we work closely with WMG’s widely recognised experts here on Harley Street. We can even perform combined surgeries when appropriate. 

Adolescent Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a common procedure among teenagers and youth. However, if a nose job is being elected for cosmetic reasons, younger patients should wait until they stop growing and their nasal bone has reached its adult size. Typically, for girls this occurs after puberty around age 15, while boys may need to wait longer until they are 17 or 18 years or older. If the surgical procedure is being performed to correct a breathing problem or repair the bone after an injury, it can be performed before the patient is fully grown.

Before and After Surgery Care

Patients interested in cosmetic treatments at Westminster Medical Group can start with an extensive consultation to identify areas of concern and review their goals. Our surgeons then develop an individualized treatment plan. 

Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia at our London clinic or with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Prior to surgery patients are given instructions regarding medications and how to prepare for their recovery. After surgery, patients are usually given a short course of antibiotics and mild pain medication as some mild discomfort may persist for the first few days.

The majority of swelling subsides within the first two weeks, although it may take up to a year for all the swelling to fully fade. Patients should expect to return to work or school within one to two weeks after surgery. We do ask that patients avoid strenuous activities for two weeks after surgery.

What is a Rhinoplasty procedure ?

Rhinoplasty is the reconstructive surgery of the nose. Surgical intervention is often used to alleviate certain medical conditions and to aesthetically alter a nose that is unattractive to the recipient. It is the most defining and centrally located feature on the face, and it is also the primary organ that is responsible for sense of smell, and to aid additional breathing. The aesthetic design of the nose can dramatically add or detract from the natural facial features, which is why so many patients dislike this functional organ and want to reconfigure the shape or size.

Rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a ‘Nose job’, is completed to create a natural looking nose that is in proportion to the face, and that gives long lasting results to improve the size and overall appearance, including opening the nasal cavities. Not only will the nose look better; but the patient will breathe better, and certainly if the corrective surgery is to repair an injury or alleviate a medical condition. The patient still looks the same after the procedure, with a small enhancement to their face overall, as the nose blends in discreetly rather than being the dominant feature.

Make an appointment or contact us to get more information.

How is a Rhinoplasty procedure performed?

The shape and size of a nose is transformed by the modification of bone and cartilage in the nasal cavities, also called cosmetic surgery.

Closed / endonasal surgery is performed without an external incision. The incisions are made on the inside of the nose with the advantage of there being no visible scar in appearance post surgery.
 
Open / external rhinoplasty is completed with an external incision, as a small incision is made to allow a greater surgical field of vision, with minimal scarring. Once the framework of cartilage has been accessed the upper portion of bone is resculpted and smoothed. The cartilage in the lower portion of the nose is also reshaped to bring the dimensions together, and the nasal septum is straightened and reshaped to improve breathing.

The approach of surgery chosen is determined by your individual anatomy, the function required, and the aesthetic goals. The main reasons for Rhinoplasty are listed below:

Types of Rhinoplasty procedure

Primary rhinoplasty is performed on patients who are addressing cosmetic reconfiguration and nasal breathing improvements for the first time.

Revision rhinoplasty is performed as a secondary procedure on patients who have already received nose surgery, and wish to address secondary deformities or concerns.

Adolescent rhinoplasty is commonly performed on young people and teenagers to correct an injury such as a broken bone or to aid breathing. It can be performed from a very young age. If Rhinoplasty in teenagers is required for cosmetic reasons, young patients should wait until they are of an age where their nose stops growing, typically for girls after puberty at age 15, and boys may need to wait until they are age 18.

After a Rhinoplasty procedure

The majority of Rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. If the patient is unable to have a general anaesthetic, and the procedure is minor, then this can be managed with a combination of sedation and local anaesthetic which makes the recovery time quicker before the patient can go home. Patients are usually given a course of antibiotics to take for the first few days, and mild pain relief is always advised as there will be some discomfort for the first few days.

The majority of swelling will subside during the first two weeks and the patients will be advised to rest and not to do any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for this period. Facial swelling may persist for several months as the cartilage settles into its new position, and you will be invited to follow up appointments with your surgeon to check on post surgical progression.