Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The nose is the centre of the face and, as such, dictates your facial harmony. If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, experience bumps, a bulbous tip, a crooked nose, a deviated septum, or any number of cosmetic or functional concerns, then rhinoplasty surgery may be a solution for you.
Ms Nora Nugent performs nose surgery in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, to help patients achieve the aesthetic they desire and face their world with comfort and confidence.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic procedure performed to reshape your nose. This popular facial plastic surgery has both aesthetic and functional benefits and is capable of providing improved breathing in addition to a more pleasing nose shape. Many patients have overlapping functional and aesthetic reasons behind seeking rhinoplasty.
Ms Nugent will customise your rhinoplasty to suit your specific concerns and your nasal anatomy.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is known for its ability to:
- Improve the size and shape of the nose
- Correct imperfections such as crookedness, bumps, or a bulbous tip
- Create facial balance
- Significantly boost self-confidence
Functional rhinoplasty benefits include:
- Improved breathing
- May reduce snoring
- May alleviate sinus problems
- Correction of injuries that affect nasal function
Who Is Suitable for a Rhinoplasty?
If you are concerned by the appearance of your nose and/or have difficulty breathing, you may be suitable for a rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasties can be done to improve breathing, to reshape your nose after injury and to reshape your nose for aesthetic (cosmetic) reasons.
Good candidates are those in good general health who do not smoke and have realistic expectations for their results.
Caution!
If you smoke, are on blood-thinning medication, or have significant health problems, this will need to be assessed and you may be advised to wait or not to have a rhinoplasty. If you suffer from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, this may not be improved by a rhinoplasty.
To learn if you are a candidate for nose surgery, schedule a consultation with Ms Nugent today by calling 44 (0) 1892 619248.
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How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
There are many surgical approaches to the rhinoplasty procedure. Ms Nugent will choose the best one depending on your individual anatomy and goals.
The standard surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Rhinoplasty takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of surgery. If other procedures are planned at the same time, the overall surgery time is longer.
Closed Rhinoplasty
In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are placed inside your nostrils. Ms Nugent works through the nostrils to refine the nasal structures. This means no external scars, a faster recovery, and less swelling. Closed rhinoplasties are ideal for less complex procedures and subtle refinements.
Open Rhinoplasty
With an open rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils as well as across the columella (the central column of skin between the nostrils). This allows for better visualisation and manipulation of the nasal structures. The skin of your nose is lifted to allow access to the underlying nose structure (bone and cartilage). This is then reshaped to the desired dimensions and appearance. Open rhinoplasties are ideal for complex cases, revision rhinoplasties, and extensive reshaping.
Cartilage Grafts
Often, cartilage grafts from within the nose are used to support the new structure of your nose. Sometimes, it is necessary to use cartilage grafts from your ears or ribs if significant extra support is needed, e.g., in a secondary rhinoplasty. Finally, the skin is stitched back together, and usually, a supporting splint is placed on top of the nose to protect it during the early recovery.
Nasal packs may be placed in your nostrils but are not always needed. Drains are not used. Stitches are absorbable inside your nostrils or are removed from the columella after one week.
Combination surgery
Rhinoplasty can be done on its own or in combination with other procedures. Common combinations include breast augmentation, chin implants, and other facial rejuvenation procedures.
What Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?
After surgery, you will have gauze under your nose and a nasal splint in place. If nasal packs are used, they stay in place for 24 to 48 hours. You will need to wear the splint for one week. Rhinoplasty is a day-case procedure.
The following guidelines will help you have a smooth recovery:
- On average, two weeks off work are needed.
- You should not blow your nose.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity is allowed for six weeks.
- Reduce bending and stooping as much as possible, and sleep on extra pillows at night to help reduce swelling.
- Some forms of exercise can be restarted at four weeks.
- Most exercise is restarted at six weeks.
- Driving is not allowed until you are safe to perform an emergency stop.
What Results Can I Expect From Rhinoplasty?
Most patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery are delighted with their results and describe it as being transformative for them. Success depends on being prepared for your surgery, choosing the right procedure, the surgery itself, and recovering well. All steps in the journey are crucial!
Generally, bruising and swelling dissipate after a month. The final shape of your nose will gradually become apparent over the course of a year. Scars can take anywhere from a few months to two years to fade away.
As long as you don’t experience injury or damage to your nose, you can expect it will retain its enhanced appearance for the remainder of your life.
Rhinoplasty FAQ
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
Unfortunately, complications can occur after surgery, and patient awareness is critical. Ms Nugent will do her utmost to reduce your risk as much as she can. This includes the health and procedure advice she gives you before surgery, the care and precautions she takes during surgery, and the advice she gives you after surgery.
Some of the complications that can happen include slow healing, infection, bleeding, poor scarring, asymmetry, pain, numbness or sensitivity in the skin, failure to achieve or maintain as much change as expected, CSF leak, which can lead to meningitis, damage to skin or cartilage, breathing problems, septal perforation, loss of adequate nasal support, loss of smell.
Patient Resources for Rhinoplasty
Download the detailed information booklet on this page to read more and book a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances with Ms Nugent!
Download the detailed information booklet on this page to read more.
Download BookletBook a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances with Ms Nugent!
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Why Do People Have A Rhinoplasty