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Rhinoplasty 101: Everything You Need to Know About Nose Reshaping

Many people who aren’t happy with the way their nose looks choose to undergo rhinoplasty surgery - also known as a nose job

It’s a very popular surgery that has the ability to create a more symmetrical facial structure, as well as boost confidence. From the first consultation to aftercare, here’s everything you need to know about rhinoplasty surgery.

April 20th, 2023 |Ask an Expert

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the process of altering the shape of the nose by either surgically reshaping the bone, tissue, and cartilage of the nose.

The bridge, septum, tip, length, and dimensions of the nose can all be changed with a nose job

People choose to have a nose job for a variety of reasons, but it’s most commonly done to correct inherited bumps or a misshapen nose as a result of an injury. 

The surgeon will work with the patient to design a nose that’s in proportion to their facial structure and in line with their desired look.

Nose Jobs with MYA

Here at MYA, we believe cosmetic surgery is a collaborative effort. Without your input, we won’t be able to create a look that’s in line with your wishes. 

This is why we have a thorough consultation process to make sure we understand what you want to achieve from rhinoplasty, which also gives you the chance to learn more about what the procedure entails. 

Nose job eligibility 

To be eligible for a nose job in the UK, you must be over 18 years old.

If you are under 18 and interested in rhinoplasty, we recommend doing as much research as possible about the procedure and discussing it with your friends and family until you are of age. 

How much does a nose job cost?

With MYA, the cost of a rhinoplasty starts at £6,995. 

As the cost is tailored to individual requirements, it can vary from patient to patient, but the total cost of your procedure will be explained at your surgeon consultation. 

Nose job eConsult

Our FREE rhinoplasty eConsult service is the first stage of your rhinoplasty journey. Patients can speak directly to our expert team of advisors via a secure and private video call - no need to travel to one of our clinical hubs. 

During your eConsult, you can discuss the often personal and emotional reasons you are considering a rhinoplasty procedure from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Our specialist-trained eConsult advisors will guide you through the process of a rhinoplasty procedure and discuss the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Our advisors have a wealth of knowledge and have helped many rhinoplasty patients over the years; they understand that the process can be a little overwhelming at times, but your consultation is a safe space for you to discuss all your questions and concerns. 

You will also have the opportunity to look at rhinoplasty before and after photos and discuss which surgeon is the right fit for you and your requirements.

Nose job surgeon consultation 

When the initial consultation is complete, it’s time for an in-person consultation with one of our rhinoplasty surgeons. 

You will meet your chosen rhinoplasty surgeon at one of our local clinical hubs. Your surgery consultation provides an opportunity for you to express your areas of concern and discuss the outcome you are hoping to achieve with rhinoplasty surgery.

The surgeon will examine your nose to assess your physical requirements and will then explain the risks, limitations, and benefits of rhinoplasty surgery and what to expect during recovery.

All GMC-registered MYA Surgeons are highly experienced and specialise in cosmetic surgery. They are highly skilled in this field and will be able to make appropriate recommendations regarding your suitability for rhinoplasty (or related) surgery. Patients are entitled to have a second surgeon consultation ahead of their operation if needed.

This will cost £25(non-refundable) - this will be deducted from the total cost of the surgery if you choose to go ahead with the procedure within 12 months of this consultation. 

Your surgeon consultation will take place at a MYA clinical hub, where you will be physically examined to ensure you’re suitable for the procedure. 

The surgeon will discuss the patient’s desired look and talk through any risks and limitations of the surgery, along with providing more information about aftercare and life after a nose job

Within 24 hours of this consultation, patients will meet with a surgeon clinic coordinator to discuss the next steps. 

Nose job nurse vitals appointment 

Your nurse vitals appointment will typically take place on the same day as the surgeon consultation at a MYA clinical hub. 

During your nurse vitals appointment, a nurse will:

  • Review your medical history

  • Book an ePre-op appointment

  • Take your ‘before’ pictures

  • Check your vitals and blood pressure

Nose job nurse ePre-op appointment

The final stage of the consultation process is a video call with a MYA nurse to ensure patients are prepared for procedure day. 

The nurse will run through your medical history in detail and inform patients of pre-operative actions they need to take, like quitting smoking. 

They will also run through the do’s and don'ts for the run-up to your procedure, as well as explain aftercare information.

How to prepare for rhinoplasty surgery

Preparing for surgery is slightly different for every procedure. While your MYA nurse will go through an individual plan for your unique case, the general rules of preparing for rhinoplasty surgery are: 

  • Do not smoke for at least two weeks before surgery 

  • You must arrange a chaperone for someone to pick you up from the hospital following your surgery 

  • Do not eat (including chewing gum) for at least 6 hours prior to surgery 

  • Only drink small sips (30ml per hour) of clear, still water up to 2 hours prior to admission 

  • Pack loose, comfy clothing for after the surgery (for rhinoplasty surgery, we recommend zip-up tops and jackets to avoid knocking the nose)

You must also remove: 

  • Piercings

  • Nail polish (including acrylics)

  • Fake tan

  • Eyelashes

  • Hair extensions

On the day of surgery, you cannot wear: 

  • Makeup

  • Moisturiser 

  • Deodorant 

  • Any skin or bodycare products 

The day of rhinoplasty surgery

You will be admitted to your MYA hospital on the day of your rhinoplasty surgery. Once admitted, you will be taken to the ward and given your hospital gown to change into. Patients will be asked to take a nicotine and pregnancy test prior to admission. 

Patients are not taken straight into surgery on admission to the hospital, as there can be a wait of up to 6 hours depending on the surgery list scheduled that day. Your hospital team will keep you updated on your operation time and will be able to answer any questions you may have on the day. 

Your nose job will be performed under general anaesthetic. This will be administered by inserting a needle into the back of your hand, it will take about 30 seconds for the anaesthetic to start taking effect. If you are worried about needles, speak to your MYA nurse, who will inform the anaesthetist and hospital before surgery.

Before being taken into theatre, you will meet your anaesthetist and surgeon on the ward. They will gain your written consent to operate, answer any further questions you have, and run through the process of the day.

Your rhinoplasty procedure will take between 1-4 hours, depending on your physical requirements and your surgeon’s chosen rhinoplasty technique.

  • Closed rhinoplasty procedure - Performed from inside the nostrils, without any external incisions.

  • Open rhinoplasty procedure - Performed by making a small incision on either side of the nostrils and elevating the skin to access inside the nose.

When your surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room to come around from your anaesthetic, with any pain and/or sickness being closely managed.

You will be taken back to the ward with a splint (commonly known as a cast)  over the bridge of your nose, and a pad under your nostrils secured by tape to catch any fluid or blood. You should expect packing in your nose, which feels similar to having a blocked nose. 

The packing will be removed by a nurse 24-48 hrs after surgery. You will be required to wear the nasal splint for 7–10 days post-surgery until it’s removed by a MYA nurse during your post-op appointment at a MYA clinical hub.

You will remain on the ward to rest and recover for a couple of hours; the hospital team will then bring you some food and something to drink. Depending on whether you booked an overnight stay at the hospital or you’re a day case, you will be able to leave the hospital once you have been checked over by your surgeon and the medical team is happy to discharge you. You will also be prescribed pain relief medication to take home with you.

Recovery 

Every patient’s rhinoplasty recovery timeline is different. In general, you will typically feel a little bit sore and uncomfortable following surgery - pain relief will be prescribed as required to ease any discomfort. It is important to attend all your post-op appointments at your local MYA clinical hub for a nurse to monitor your healing and deliver wound care. 

Rhinoplasty patients should expect some bruising to the face, which is completely normal, and should subside after 7-14 days. Swelling usually takes 1-12 weeks to reduce; healing will evolve over several months, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final nose result.

Following your surgery, you’ll experience swelling on and around the nose. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, to encourage healing after a nose job, check out our guide on how to reduce swelling after a rhinoplasty for expert tips from the MYA team. 

Patients must not get their incisions wet for 7 days post-op and avoid hot showers and warm temperatures, as the steam and perspiration can cause the nose splint to loosen. Patients can wash around the area but should avoid the area itself. 

A MYA nurse will remove your splint at around 7-10 days at your post-op appointment.

What are the temporary life changes following a rhinoplasty?

Patients need to be aware of a few temporary lifestyle changes that need to be made following a rhinoplasty procedure. Patients are advised to:

  • Not wear glasses or sunglasses for 6 months post-op to avoid any damage to the nose, as the nasal bone is not fully healed and remains soft during this time frame.  

  • Not blow their nose for 6 weeks. 

  • Be cautious when sneezing, avoid aggressive sneezing, and try to sneeze through their mouth. 

  • Breathe through the mouth and drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dry and dehydrated. 

  • Sleep propped upright and avoid sleeping on their side for a minimum of 6 weeks. 

  • Not fly, swim, or do any physical sport or exercise for 6-8 weeks post-op. Heavy lifting and contact sports can be resumed between 6 months-1 year post-op. Individual circumstances should be discussed with your MYA Surgeon. 

  • Keep safe by always following the instructions provided by your MYA Surgeon and healthcare team. 

Check out our top tips for rhinoplasty recovery for expert advice from the MYA team. 

Contact MYA

Interested in getting a rhinoplasty? Book a consultation today to speak with one of our experts. 

While you wait for more information, make sure to check out our patient stories and look through the MYA Forum for real-life patient experiences.

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