A Patient’s Guide to Rhinoplasty Surgery at LFPS

If you’re considering a nose job or want to make an informed decision, I’m here to guide you. In this guide, we’ll delve into the different types of noses, shedding light on how your unique nose shape can influence both the procedure and the outcome.

In addition, I’ll answer the crucial question: how long will swelling last after a rhinoplasty? I’ll also walk you through rhinoplasty in London, Asian rhinoplasty, and the do’s and dont’s of summer rhinoplasty. 

Types of Nose and How It Can Affect Rhinoplasty Surgery

If you’re planning to have a nose job or rhinoplasty, knowing how nose shapes affect the surgery helps. In this section, I’ll talk about the types of noses and how they can affect surgery. 

Sniffing Out Nose Shapes: The 12 Most Common Nose Types

Each nose shape is unique to each person. These types of noses are defined primarily by your nasal bone structure and nasal cartilage. However, nose shapes can share a few features and characteristics to help you determine which type, while not exactly the same, closely resembles yours.

Fleshy Nose

The fleshy nose model group is the most common nose shape identified. It is also called “The Einstein” due to its bulbous appearance. A fleshy nose is distinguished by its big, projecting form. It can be small as well, as long as it has a chubby aspect rather than a bony one. In addition to Albert Einstein, several prominent people, like Prince Philip and Mark Ruffalo, have meaty noses.

Turned-Up Nose

The turned-up nose, also known as the celestial or upturned nose, is exactly what it sounds like: a petite nose with a dent in the middle of the bridge and a projecting lobule, or tip. Celebrities like Emma Stone have popularised the celestial nose, with cosmetic surgeons claiming that hers is one of the most often requested nose shapes among nose-reshaping surgery prospects.

Roman Nose

The Roman nose, like the less frequent Greek nose, is named after the noses found on the faces of numerous ancient Roman sculptures. The Roman nose is distinguished by its sloping curve that protrudes dramatically from the face. This nose type is large and often has a gentle curve.

Many with a strong profile feature this distinct European nose. Hollywood stars like Ryan Gosling and Tom Cruise are known to have this nose style. Around 9% of people globally have the Roman nose.

Bumpy Nose

Some call it a crooked nose, but it’s different. This nose shape is common and is found in about 9% of people. It stands out because of its ridge, which might be a small or prominent curve.

People with such noses often opt for rhinoplasty because it’s easier for doctors to fix this kind of nose by smoothing out the ridge.

Snub Nose

This nose is known for its slender and pointed appearance. If you have this nose, you’ll see it’s on the smaller side, slightly rounded, with a gentle upward tilt at its end.

It’s different from the celestial nose since it’s softer and more rounded, not sharp.

Hawk Nose

The hawk nose derives its name from its dramatic curving shape and prominent bridge, which mimics the bent beak of an eagle and other predatory birds. The hawk nose, also known as the beak nose, is a significant contributor to facial features with powerful profiles.

Crooked Nose

Crooked noses are frequently the result of a congenital deformity or a genetic condition that alters the way the nose grows. As a result, a crooked nose is more severe than a bumpy nose and may require surgical correction. A qualified surgeon, on the other hand, can aesthetically fix both sorts of nose deformities.

Greek Nose

The Greek nose, sometimes known as “the straight nose,” is often the envy of crooked-nosed people. This form of nose is distinguished by its extremely straight bridge, which is often devoid of humps or curves. It takes its name from the remarkably straight bridge seen in centuries-old Greek god sculptures.

Nubian Nose

The Nubian nose, also known as the wide nose, is most typically observed in people of African heritage and has a longer bridge with a wide base. According to plastic surgeons, people with Nubian noses are frequent recipients of plastic surgery, with patients frequently asking for narrowing operations.

East Asian Nose

Although it varies by country, the East Asian nose, distinguished by its narrow, flat shape with a shorter tip, is one of the most common nose shapes among East Asians. Many Asian patients, according to rhinoplasty surgeons, prefer a broadening of the nose to complement the rest of their face.

Nixon Nose

The Nixon nose, so named because it resembles the prominent feature found on the 37th President of the United States, is one of the least frequent nose shapes. This large nose shape is distinguished by a straight bridge that curls at the end with a broader tip.

Bulbous Nose

This rare nose shape is characterised by its rounded, curved tip, which typically protrudes outward to create a bulbous, circular silhouette at the bottom of the nose. The bulbous nose shape is found in less than 0.5% of the population.

Find out more in our detailed blog post on types of nose and how it can affect rhinoplasty surgery.

How Long Will Swelling Last After a Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a life-changing procedure that entails some downtime. Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal, so you shouldn’t worry much about it.

But how long does swelling last? Are there any other risks associated with rhinoplasty?

In this section, I will talk about how long swelling after rhinoplasty lasts and the risks linked to rhinoplasty. I will also walk you through the whole process and explain when you should consult an expert rhinoplasty surgeon.  

What Happens Before a Nose Job

I will examine your skin, especially the skin on your nose. I will also consider other parts you would like to modify. I will then develop a plan tailored for you. 

Before you undergo the procedure, you must set up a consultation with me. It’s important to discuss vital factors that will determine whether the surgery will work well for you such as the right age for a nose job. 

In general, the consultation includes:

• Your Medical History

I will ask questions about your medical history. This includes any history of nasal obstruction, previous surgeries, or any medications you take. 

• Discussion of Your Expectations

We have to talk about your goals and motivations for the surgery. In return, I will discuss and explain what rhinoplasty can and can’t do for you. 

The discussion will also include what type of nose job results you can expect. Feeling a bit self-conscious is normal when discussing your appearance. However, you must be open with me about your desires and goals for surgery.

• Brief Physical Examination

I will conduct a brief physical examination of your face. This includes examining your nose, how it looks according to other parts of your face, and how the other parts of your face look relative to your nose. 

I might recommend other procedures such as chin augmentation surgery if you have a small chin. It’s because a small chin creates the illusion of a larger nose. 

Once we agree with everything discussed, you can set an appointment for your nose job. 

Before the surgery, I will take photographs of different angles of your nose. Computer software may be used to manipulate the photos to show you what kinds of nose job results are possible. I will then use the photos for before-and-after assessments. 

The photos will also be used as a reference during surgery and for long-term reviews. Essentially, the photos taken allow a specific discussion about your goals for the surgery.

Once your surgery is scheduled, you need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You must also have someone help you with personal care tasks as you recover from surgery.

What Happens During a Nose Job

The procedure for rhinoplasty does not have an ordered series of steps. Every surgery is unique and customised for each patient. It’s done this way to cater to the specific anatomy and goals of the person getting the surgery.

In my clinic, a nose job transformation involves sedation anaesthesia. How long the procedure will last highly depends on how complex the surgery will be. 

During the surgery, you will be totally unconscious.

The procedure may be done inside your nose. It can also be done through a small external cut or incision at the base of your nose. This incision can be usually found between the nostrils. 

During the procedure, I will readjust the bone beneath your skin. This also includes the cartilage underneath.

The shape of your nasal bones or cartilage can be modified in several ways. This depends on how much needs to be removed or added. Things to consider also include the structure of your nose and the best nose job for your nose shape. 

After changes are made, I will place back the skin of the nose. This includes the tissues. After everything’s placed back, the incisions made in your nose will be stitched up.

If you have a deviated septum or a bent or crooked wall between the two sides of the nose, deviated septum surgery will be done on you. This can help improve your breathing.

You will be placed in a recovery room after the surgery. The staff will monitor your return to wakefulness. You can get discharged within the day of the operation, as rhinoplasty usually doesn’t require an overnight stay.

What Happens After a Nose Job

You need to rest after the surgery. Your head should be elevated and be higher than your chest. This helps reduce bleeding and swelling. 

Due to swelling, your nose might become congested. 

Most of the time, the internal dressings remain in place for at least one to seven days after surgery. The splint serves as protection and support. Usually, it’s kept in place for about one week.

Some common things you might experience a few days after the surgery would be slight bleeding and drainage of mucus or blood. This might also happen after removing the dressing. 

A drip pad which is a small piece of gauze held in place with tape might be placed under your nose. The pad will absorb the drainage or any discharge coming from your nose. 

However, you have to make sure to change the gauze as instructed. You must also avoid tightly placing the drip pad against your nose.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

Receiving plastic surgery is a personal decision. You also need to decide if the procedure’s benefits will help you achieve your goals. Additionally, you need to consider the risks and potential complications associated with rhinoplasty.

Risks for rhinoplasty surgery include:

• Swelling
• Risks associated with anaesthesia 
• Changes in the sensation of the skin
• Numbness
• Pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Infection
• Scarring
• Poor wound healing
• Discolouration of the skin
• Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
• Although rare, nasal septal perforation or a hole in the nasal septum might still be possible. 

How Long Does a Nose Job Take to Heal: Nose Job Recovery Time 

So how long does a nose job take to heal?

Your nose job recovery time can take weeks. It will take at least six months to one year after the operation before you can completely get the final nose job results.

If you plan to get a nose job, you should also plan to take a break from work, school, or any other obligations. While recovering, you should avoid any strenuous activities that may delay your recovery. 

During the first week, you will gradually feel better. A week after the surgery, most patients feel like being themselves again.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal. It could take months for the swelling to be completely gone. However, the majority of the people would not even notice it after a couple of months.

You can expect these things to occur while you’re recovering from your nose job surgery:

Week 1

• The swelling starts to subside. 

About 80% of the swelling will start to subside a week after the operation. Although it starts to subside, your swollen nose tip will be there for a few months.

• The condition of bruising will improve. 

After the surgery, most patients will experience minimal nose job bruising. A week after the surgery, the bruises will start to become less noticeable. To avoid making the bruises become worse, you should avoid any form of exercise for at least three weeks.

• You won’t feel pain. 

The day after your surgery, you’re less likely to feel any pain. Normally, patients will experience minimal pain within a period of 24 hours.

• Your nose will be less congested. 

Right after the operation, your nose will feel blocked or congested. A week after the operation, your nose will feel less congested.

• Your nose will feel numb. 

You might not be able to feel the tip of your nose after the operation. The numbing feeling may also affect your upper lip.

• Scars will be less noticeable. 

Scars acquired from incisions will be under your nose. However, a week after the operation, the scars will become less noticeable.

• Your nose might be dry. 

Your nose might become dry after the operation if your skin is sensitive. In order to combat this, you can use saline spray.

• You can use makeup. 

A week after the surgery, a non-irritating concealer might be used to hide your scars.

Week 2

• Swelling will continue.

Swelling will continue. However, your swollen nose tip won’t be as intense as the week after the operation.

• Bruising will completely subside. 

Any nose job bruising, except those under your eyes, will completely subside.

• Nasal congestion will continue to improve. 

Compared to the week after the operation, your nose will feel less blocked and congested during this week.

• Scars will become less noticeable.

Although scars will still be present, they will be less noticeable. Applying makeup will help cover those up.

Week 3

• Swelling will continue to subside.

Swelling won’t be as noticeable as it was. However, changes in your nose won’t be that visible yet. In order to further reduce swelling, you can take the anti-inflammatory medications that I prescribed.

• Your scars won’t be visible from afar. 

Your scars will be noticeable at close range. However, if you wear makeup, they will not be visible anymore.

Week 4

• Fine changes will start to show. 

Fine changes in the nose will be visible, regardless of the swelling.

• Your nose won’t be dry.

The dryness of your nose will continue to subside. However, it may also still continue for a month.

• Your sense of smell will go back to normal. 

If you experienced a change in your sense of smell after the operation, your sense of smell should be back to normal at this stage.

Week 6

• Bruising under your eyes continues to subside. 

Six weeks after your surgery, no form of bruising will be seen under your eyes at close range.

• Your scars might completely disappear. 

As long as there are no other complications, your scars should completely heal at this point.

• Your sense of smell will be fully revived. 

You will be able to smell things the way you did, prior to the surgery.

Two to Three Months

• There won’t be any form of dryness.

The dryness brought by the surgery will completely subside after three to six months.

• Swelling will completely subside. 

Swelling will completely subside and your nose will completely heal at this stage.

Seeking Relief for Swelling After Rhinoplasty

To minimise the risks of bleeding and swelling, I will give you some precautions to follow. This may be applicable for several weeks after surgery. 

I will advise you to:

• Avoid any strenuous activities. This includes aerobics and jogging.
• Consume fibre-rich foods including fruits and vegetables. 
• Avoid blowing your nose.
• Extreme facial expressions shall be avoided in the meantime.
• Gently brush your teeth. As much as possible, limit the movement of your upper lip.
• Wear clothes that fasten in the front. Avoid any pull clothing. This includes shirts and sweaters. Any clothing that goes over your head should be avoided.
• Avoid wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses. This should be done for at least four weeks after the surgery. This prevents putting pressure on your nose. 
• Whenever you’re outside, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Permanent discolouration of the skin of your nose may be caused by too much exposure to the sun.
• Limit your sodium intake so the swelling heals faster. 

When to Consult a Doctor

You must be aware of possible complications while you recover so you can tell your doctor about them.

Warning signs include more swelling, bruising, and pain than usual or expected. Other warning signs include fever, more bleeding, and more drainage from the incisions or your nose. Call your cosmetic doctor if you experience one or more of these problems.

Find out more in our detailed blog post on how long will swelling last after rhinoplasty.

How Much Does a Rhinoplasty Surgery in London Cost?

The price of a nose job varies depending on many factors. These include the fee of the rhinoplasty surgeons, the type of surgical procedure, location, and facility type.

For instance, if the facial plastic surgeon has more experience, you will have to pay more. If your cosmetic nasal surgery calls for more complex techniques like septorhinoplasty and manipulation of soft tissues, you will likely pay more.

Most patients will also need to correct deformities and enter with thinner skin. The nasal packs used after surgery can contribute to the cost as well.

In London, the price of nasal surgery usually starts at £5,000. It can go up to £30,000, especially if you get revision rhinoplasty.

If you want to know exactly how much a nose job will cost you, contact us here.

How Much Is a Nose Job Consultation UK?

Since plastic surgeons set consult costs, they vary greatly. Consultations cost around £80 to £300. Most London clinic surgeons who charge for consultations will deduct the price from your treatment.

You shouldn’t feel pushed to choose a surgeon merely to avoid losing this money. Remember, £250 is a little thing to pay if a doctor can provide the results you seek.

Asian Rhinoplasty: What You Need to Know

A rhinoplasty is a big decision, and rightfully so. The surgery has the ability to severely transform your appearance, affecting more than just your nose. 

It’s true; a nose job can add structure and definition to your entire face and can re-adjust the look of your surrounding features. It is for this reason that you should always consult a specialist- a surgeon with extensive experience in treating a range of patients. In this way, your surgeon will know precisely how to adjust his or her technique to design a nose job best suited for you.  

Specifically, a good surgeon will have the ability to conform the new nose in line with particular cultural and ethnic connotations that come alongside a person’s look. When conducting an Asian rhinoplasty, for example, the doctor should be aware of the common ailments patients seek to change and should have experience in correcting those distinct conditions. 

In Asian rhinoplasty, the implications are vastly different from those that are included in a traditional Caucasian rhinoplasty or African American rhinoplasty. Over the years, I have learned to polish and refine my approach to this nose job accordingly. Among the most popular adjustments that I have witnessed in past Asian rhinoplasty patients include:

• An enlarged nose with or without the presence of a nasal bump that can be reduced and made more feminine with surgery
• A large or wide nasal tip that can be shaped and refined with surgery
• A high nasal bridge that affects both a person’s frontal appearance and their side profile, can be reduced in size to be in proportion with facial features
• Thicker skin, which can result in increased swelling can require reduction during rhinoplasty.

Each of these changes requires a particular set of knowledge and skills on the part of the surgeon. Throughout my professional career, I have honed the techniques of surgery I employ when performing an Asian rhinoplasty to heed the most natural results. I know that patients are often concerned with avoiding a nose that looks “fake,” but this generalisation can mean something different for every nose and within every ethnic makeup. 

So, when looking to enhance the look of the patient’s nose with an Asian rhinoplasty, I am dedicated to achieving natural results while maintaining my patients’ ethnic identity. I want to give you a better version of your same nose so that the surgery will not be obvious to either people that you know or to people that you may meet after your nose job.   

If you are thinking about undergoing an Asian rhinoplasty, I will be happy to consult with you in my London office. This is your one-on-one time to ask me any questions about your Asian rhinoplasty and to address any concerns about moving forward with your procedure. To schedule your appointment, simply call 020 8748 2860.

Concerns With Teenage Rhinoplasty

In addition to waiting until the right time to have teen rhinoplasty done, patients must also think carefully about the reasons and potential consequences of cosmetic surgery for teens.

Following a teen nose job, there is a two-week healing period that might result in missed school days and absence from activities like gym and sports for up to two months. If this interferes with your teen’s schedule, he or she might benefit from arranging the rhinoplasty to be performed during the summer months. The mental maturity of a teen is also very important when considering rhinoplasty. If you feel that your teen isn’t emotionally prepared, it’s best to wait.

What Are the Benefits of Teenage Rhinoplasty?

If you and your teen are ready to have rhinoplasty or simply want more information about the procedure, you’ll love learning about the many benefits. Distinguished surgeon Dr. De Silva can restore nasal symmetry and target a variety of concerns to boost confidence and self-esteem. 

His team at the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in London would be delighted to speak with you about teenage rhinoplasty or other surgical options you may be considering.

Summer Rhinoplasty Do’s and Dont’s

Rhinoplasty is the name given to cosmetic surgeries related to the nose. Informally, this procedure is known as the “nose job” or “nose reshaping.” There are many reasons why people choose to have their noses reshaped. Some people have a slightly protruding “hump” on the bridge of their nose, others have a long and hanging apex (tip), and then some may have large and unattractive nostrils. These are just some of the reasons that hanker people to have rhinoplasties. Of course, besides cosmetic reasons, there can be medical needs to have this procedure performed, as well.

How popular has nose job become now? Very popular! According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2014 alone, there were more than 200,000 nose reshaping procedures performed which makes it the second most prevalent plastic surgery procedure in the United States after breast augmentation. The developments in the plastic surgery industry have enabled surgeons to perform varying levels of rhinoplasties. While some are major surgeries involving a thorough reconstruction of the bones in the nose, others can be very minor, non-invasive, and even non-surgical.

As is the case with any surgery, you need some time to recover and see the full-fledged final results. And rhinoplasty is no different in that sense. However, it is important to mention that with many people being out in the sun during the summer months, the recovery period can cause adverse effects on the final outcome if one is not careful.

This leads us to the question: What are some do’s and don’ts of summer rhinoplasty?

Unlike winter when the sun is shaded by some clouds and the sunlight is dullish, during the summer, the rays of the sun are very strong which can pose some risks to rhinoplasty patients. Having rhinoplasty done during the summertime can put a dampener on things if one will be outdoors a lot because the effects of the sun will slow down the recovery rate significantly.

That’s not to say it cannot be done in the summer. Instead, it’s only just a recommendation to have it done in the winter months instead. But if one does decide to go for it during the summer months, then it helps to know the precautions one needs to be aware of.

Following are some of the things you need to avoid:

• Direct sunlight – UV rays can damage normal skin, so post-surgery skin is even more sensitive to it. That means getting a tan is something out of the question because it can permanently damage your skin.
• Wearing glasses – all forms of glasses should be avoided for at least six weeks after rhinoplasty because the nose is still in a delicate state during this time. Thus, any pressure placed on it from the glasses can distort the unset facial tissue and ruin the end result.
• Swimming – swimming should be avoided for about three weeks (or however long the doctor advises) because the impact of the water can distort the nose’s shape before it has had time to set properly.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the things you should apply in your life after a nose-reshaping procedure:

• Use a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen – this will help protect your sensitive skin on the nose from burning and causing any adverse effects.
• Wear a hat – this is probably common sense, but wearing a hat can shield your face from harmful sun rays, especially on those searing hot summer days.

Dr.Julian De Silva is an expert in facial cosmetic surgeries, including various forms of rhinoplasties. I can address all your questions and concerns if you are planning on having a rhinoplasty. My office can be reached through the contact page on this website.

Conclusion

I hope this blog has been helpful. Whether you’re considering rhinoplasty or about to get one, this guide is here to make things simpler.

Remember, every rhinoplasty journey is unique, but this guide is designed to help you at every step. If you have more questions or are ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with me. I can give you personalised advice and answer any other questions you might have.

Getting a nose job is all about helping you feel more confident and happy. Contact us to book a consultation now and start your journey to a better, more confident you. All the best!