Procedure guide · Plastic and ENT surgery
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape or repair the nose. MedlinePlus says it can change appearance, ease breathing problems or correct an injury or birth defect. Swelling settles slowly. MedlinePlus says the final result may take a year or longer to show. Plan your trip and expectations around that.
What is rhinoplasty?
MedlinePlus explains that surgery may reduce the size of the nose, reshape the tip or bridge, narrow the nostrils or change the angle with the upper lip. In the closed approach the cut is made inside the nostrils. In the open approach a cut is also made at the base of the nose. This is often used for tip work or revision surgery. Small cuts may be made to reshape bone. A splint outside the nose and soft packing inside may hold the new shape.
It can be done under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic. MedlinePlus says most people go home the same day. Complex cases may need a short hospital stay.
Who may be suitable?
MedlinePlus notes that surgeons generally prefer to wait until the nasal bone has stopped growing. That is around 15 to 16 for girls and a little later for boys. Your surgeon will ask about breathing, previous injuries or surgery, and what you hope to change. The NHS advises asking yourself why you want a cosmetic procedure. It also suggests talking to a GP or mental health professional first.
MedlinePlus lists risks. They include worse breathing through the nose, contour problems, loss of nasal support and the need for further surgery. Small burst blood vessels may leave permanent tiny red spots on the skin.
What will a surgeon usually ask for?
Most surgeons ask for clear photographs of the nose from the front, sides and below. Tell them about any breathing problems, allergies, nasal injuries or previous nose surgery. Send operation notes if you have them. List all medicines and supplements, and say whether you smoke. MedlinePlus notes that blood thinners and smoking may need to stop before surgery. Ask the clinic what else it needs.
Have two consultations
The NHS advises two consultations with the surgeon before cosmetic surgery abroad. This gives time to think. Make sure the surgeon speaks a language you understand well.
How do you plan the trip?
The stages are a remote review, an in-person consultation and surgery. Early recovery with packing and splint care follows, then removal of the splint. Swelling and bruising are expected at first. MedlinePlus says headaches are common early on. The NHS advises against treating the trip as a holiday. It also warns that flying after surgery raises the risk of blood clots. Bring someone to accompany you. Your surgeon decides when it is safe to fly and what follow-up you need at home.
What should you ask the surgeon?
- Will you use an open or closed approach, and why?
- Will the surgery also address my breathing?
- Can you show me realistic before-and-after examples of similar work?
- Who will remove the splint and packing?
- What happens if I need revision surgery after I go home?
- Does your insurance cover correcting a complication?
Questions people ask
When will I see the final result of rhinoplasty?
MedlinePlus says most swelling improves over the first few months. The tip may stay swollen or numb for several months. Seeing the final result may take a year or longer.
Will rhinoplasty leave scars?
MedlinePlus says cuts made inside the nose leave no visible scars. With the open approach or nostril narrowing, small scars may remain at the base of the nose. These are rarely visible.
Can rhinoplasty help with breathing?
MedlinePlus says rhinoplasty can relieve some nasal breathing problems. It also lists worse breathing through the nose as a possible risk. Tell your surgeon about any breathing problems so they can be assessed before surgery.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.