Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reshape and refine the appearance of the nose. Often referred to as a “nose reshaping” procedure, rhinoplasty can alter the size, shape and proportions of the nose to create better facial balance and harmony while maintaining natural-looking results.

The procedure can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns including a prominent nasal hump, a drooping or enlarged nasal tip, nasal asymmetry, excessive width, or irregularities resulting from injury or previous surgery. Rhinoplasty may also be performed to improve overall facial proportions and patient confidence.

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgery may involve reshaping bone, cartilage, or soft tissue to achieve the desired result. Recovery varies between individuals, but some swelling, bruising and temporary nasal congestion are expected during the healing process.

For patients seeking long-term improvement in the appearance of the nose, rhinoplasty offers a highly individualised surgical solution designed to enhance facial aesthetics while preserving natural function.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients seeking cosmetic improvement of the nose or correction of visible nasal deformity.

Common indications include:

• Prominent nasal hump or dorsal bump
• Enlarged, drooping or poorly defined nasal tip
• Nasal asymmetry or disproportion
• Wide nostrils or broad nasal bridge
• Post-traumatic nasal deformity
• Revision surgery following previous rhinoplasty
• Congenital nasal irregularities.

Recovery Timeline

This is likely to vary with provider.

• Hospital stay: Usually day surgery or overnight stay
• Initial recovery:
  • External nasal splint usually removed after 7–10 days
  • Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes for 1–2 weeks.
  • Return to light activities: Usually after 1–2 weeks.
• Full recovery:
  • Most swelling improves within 4–6 weeks
  • Final nasal contour and definition continue to refine over 6–12 months.

Benefits

• Improves nasal shape, symmetry and facial harmony
• Refines the bridge, tip and overall nasal proportions
• Corrects visible deformities caused by injury or previous surgery
• Provides long-term aesthetic enhancement
• Can significantly improve self-confidence and body image.

Risks

• Bleeding or infection
• Swelling and bruising
• Temporary numbness around the nose or upper lip
• Breathing difficulty due to swelling during recovery
• Irregular healing or asymmetry
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome → possible need for revision surgery.

This is just an outline. Your specialist plastic or ENT surgeon will discuss these issues in more detail, explain the expected outcomes and risks, and ensure that there is fully informed consent before treatment.

Rhinoplasty is a highly individualised cosmetic procedure that aims to improve facial balance and nasal aesthetics - successful outcomes depend on careful surgical planning, precise technique, realistic expectations and appropriate healing time.