COSMETIC SURGERY

Rhinoplasty (Plastic Surgery Nose)

This procedure aims to produce for each individual a natural, aesthetically pleasing nose in proportion with the face, with surgery tailored to achieve the best individual result rather than any idealised celebrity image. Rhinoplasty has evolved into a range of sophisticated and demanding techniques. It is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually involves an overnight hospital stay. Small mouldable splints (rather than packs in the nose) are now used and these remain in place for several days. Bruising around the eyes is normally minimal and swelling of the nose may last for some months before completely resolving.

Complications from the rhinoplasty operation are rare. However, minor irregularities and asymmetries can sometimes occur when all the swelling has resolved. This may require a small secondary adjustment in about 5% of patients.

Rhinoplasty or 'Septorhinoplasty' is also carried out for breathing problems when the internal cartilage of the nose is deviated or damaged. This can occur after nasal injuries but can be present from birth. Straightening the septum or improving nasal breathing requires a range of specific techniques. Although improvement is almost always possible, complete straightening of a severely deviated septum or nose cannot always be guaranteed.