Treatment face

Rhinoplasty Surgery in the UK

Refine the shape, balance and proportions of your nose with rhinoplasty. This specialised facial procedure is designed to enhance appearance, function or both with natural, long-lasting results.

If you’re unhappy with your nose’s size, shape, or symmetry, or have breathing difficulties, rhinoplasty may be an option. This procedure enhances facial harmony while preserving natural features, addressing both cosmetic and functional concerns for subtle, transformative results.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, our caring team of accredited professionals is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your journey.

About

What is rhinoplasty surgery?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery or a nose reshaping procedure, is a surgical treatment that alters the structure of the nose to improve its appearance, function, or both.

The procedure can refine the bridge, tip, nostrils and overall proportions of the nose, as well as correct internal structural issues that affect breathing.

Types

Types of rhinoplasty surgeries

There are many different types of rhinoplasty, as the procedure is highly personalised. The technique used depends on your facial anatomy, your goals and whether the focus is cosmetic, functional, or both. The main types include:

Open rhinoplasty

This approach is used for more complex nose reshaping where precise structural changes are required. It provides the surgeon with full visibility of the nasal framework, making it ideal for significant reshaping, correction of asymmetry, or revision surgery. Open rhinoplasty offers highly controlled results when more detailed work is needed.

Closed rhinoplasty

All incisions are made inside the nose, meaning there is no visible external scarring. This technique is typically suited for patients seeking a more subtle refinement of the nasal bridge or tip and usually involves a shorter recovery period.

Preservation rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty is the primary technique used by Mr Wilson for most rhinoplasty procedures. Rather than removing and rebuilding the nasal bridge, this approach preserves the existing structure while still altering the shape, projection and profile of the nose. By maintaining the natural framework of the nose, preservation rhinoplasty typically results in a more predictable outcome and reduces the likelihood of revision surgery. It’s particularly suited to patients who are happy with how their nose looks from the front but wish to improve their profile.

Piezo-surgery

Piezo-surgery is often employed in primary rhinoplasty to make precise bone cuts, known as osteotomies. The method uses a tool called a piezotome, which safeguards soft tissues while allowing for accurate shaping of the bone.

Other rhinoplasty surgeries

Rhinoplasty can be further broken down into specific nose surgeries that aim to modify various portions of the nose:

Radix Modification Rhinoplasty brings the radix (the area where the nasal bridge meets the forehead) into harmony with the bridge and tip.
Nasal Dorsum Rhinoplasty is a procedure that modifies the nose bridge.
Tip Modification Rhinoplasty can adjust the tip’s elevation, reduce its size or alter its definition and projection.
Nasal Base Rhinoplasty is a rhinoplasty procedure that alters the size and shape of the nostrils.
Lateral Osteotomy Rhinoplasty involves controlled fracturing of the nasal bones to narrow or widen the nose, or to straighten misalignment.
Premaxillary Augmentation Rhinoplasty uses implants at the base of the nose to increase the projection of the nasal tip or lengthen the upper lip.

benefits

What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty offers several benefits, including:

Improved shape and balance of the nose
Smoother nasal profile, including reduction of bumps or humps
Enhanced facial symmetry and harmony
Refinement of the nasal tip and nostrils
Correction of crooked or asymmetrical noses
Improved breathing by addressing internal structural problems
Increased confidence in facial appearance

candidates

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery?

A rhinoplasty may be suitable for individuals who:

Are in good overall health
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
Are unhappy with the size, shape, symmetry, or proportion of their nose
Wish to correct a nasal bump, crooked bridge, wide nostrils, or a downturned or bulbous tip
Experience breathing difficulties due to internal nasal structure issues
Have had previous trauma to their nose, leading to a crooked nose with breathing difficulties

What to expect

What to expect during a rhinoplasty?

Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your nose. This includes evaluating the nasal bridge, tip, nostrils and internal nasal structures that may affect breathing. They will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals and explain how rhinoplasty can reshape the nose to improve proportion, symmetry and airflow where required.

Your surgeon will also outline what to expect during recovery and will provide personalised advice on how to prepare for surgery. 3D images are also taken using Vectra software, allowing your surgeon to show you what your results might look like.

This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions and feel fully informed and confident before proceeding.

Anaesthesia and procedure time

A rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. When performed alone, the procedure usually takes 1.5 – 2 hours. The duration depends on how complex the changes are and whether the surgery addresses cosmetic reshaping, breathing correction, or both.
Your surgeon will confirm the expected duration of your procedure during your consultation, based on your individual treatment plan.

Surgery

During rhinoplasty, the surgeon carefully reshapes the bone, cartilage and soft tissues of the nose to achieve the desired appearance and improve function when required. The procedure may involve refining the nasal bridge, reshaping the tip, narrowing the nostrils, or correcting internal structures such as a deviated septum.

Incisions are made either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the narrow strip of skin between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty), depending on the complexity of the surgery and the level of precision required.

Closure

Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed using fine sutures. A splint is placed over the nose to protect the new contours and support healing. Soft plastic splints may also be used to stabilise the nasal structures during the early healing phase.

Recovery

Recovery and results of a rhinoplasty

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the extent of surgery and whether the procedure was focused on cosmetic reshaping, functional breathing correction, or both.

What to expect

When you wake from surgery, small internal nasal packs may be in place to support the tissues during the early stages of healing.

If the nasal bones have been repositioned, a protective splint or cast will be fitted over the nose to support healing and maintain the newly refined shape. This is typically worn for around one week.

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for the first few days and usually peak by day two or three. Bruising around the eyes is common and usually fades within 10 to 14 days.

Swelling resolves gradually in stages. Most of the swelling settles within the first three to four weeks, allowing the new shape of the nose to become clearly visible. However, finer swelling, particularly at the tip of the nose, can take several months to fully subside. The final definition continues to refine subtly over time as healing progresses.

Activity and movement

Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to support circulation and reduce the risk of complications. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending and activities that significantly raise your heart rate should be avoided for at least two weeks, or as advised by your surgeon. Contact sports and any activity that risks nasal impact should be avoided for several weeks.

Follow-up care and long-term results

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing and remove splints or sutures if required. As swelling continues to resolve, the nose’s shape becomes more refined over the following months.
Final rhinoplasty results are typically visible between three and six months, with continued subtle refinement for up to 15 months. Results are long-lasting and permanent once healing is complete.

Risks & complications

Risks and potential complications of a rhinoplasty

As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries certain risks. These may include:

Infection
Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
Delayed wound healing
Prolonged swelling
Changes in skin sensation, including numbness
Asymmetry or irregularities in nasal shape
Breathing difficulties (temporary or, rarely, long-term)
Adverse reaction to anaesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed before making any decisions.

Fees

What is the cost of a rhinoplasty?

The cost of a rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the surgery and whether it is performed for cosmetic, functional (such as correcting breathing issues), or a combination of both reasons. A personalised quote will be provided following your consultation and surgical assessment.

Results

Rhinoplasty before and after photos

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhinoplasty surgery dangerous?

When performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty is considered a safe procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia, but serious complications are rare.

How long does a rhinoplasty take to heal?

Initial healing usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, with most bruising and swelling resolving during this time. However, full healing is a gradual process. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take up to 15 months to completely settle, with final results continuing to refine over this period.

How long after a rhinoplasty can I work out?

Light walking is encouraged within the first few days after surgery to support circulation.
However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that significantly raise your heart rate should be avoided for at least 2–3 weeks. Contact sports or activities that risk nasal impact should be avoided for 6 weeks or longer, depending on your surgeon’s guidance.

How do I clear a blocked nose after a rhinoplasty?

Nasal congestion is very common after rhinoplasty due to swelling and internal healing. Saline nasal sprays are usually recommended to gently keep the nasal passages moist and clear. You should avoid forcefully blowing your nose until your surgeon confirms it is safe, as this can disrupt healing during the early recovery phase.

How do I sleep after a rhinoplasty?

You will need to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few weeks after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and protects the nose from accidental pressure. Extra pillows or a wedge pillow can help maintain the correct sleeping position.

How long after rhinoplasty can I wear glasses?

Glasses should not rest on the bridge of the nose for at least 4 to 6 weeks, as pressure can interfere with bone healing and affect the final shape. If glasses are essential, your surgeon may recommend taping them to your forehead or propping them up on your cheeks.

Are there ways to reduce the healing period and minimise bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty surgery?

The best way to minimise bruising after rhinoplasty is not to use any products containing aspirin for at least 2 weeks, instead, Mr. Wilson recommends the following: Arnica gel which helps minimise swelling after cosmetic surgery and promotes healing; Vitamin C, daily for 2-3 weeks following surgery which helps promote healing; and Zinc, once a day, for 2-3 weeks following cosmetic surgery, which helps with bruising and promotes tissue repair. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets such as Ibuprofen 200mg three times a day will also help reduce the inflammation. A cooled topical gel shield can also be applied with care not to displace the nasal splint.

Are there alternatives to rhinoplasty?

No alternative can match the permanent structural changes achieved with rhinoplasty. Non-surgical options, such as injectable fillers, can offer temporary cosmetic enhancement for minor concerns, but they cannot reshape bone or cartilage, correct significant deformities, or address breathing problems. For lasting improvement in either appearance or nasal function, surgery remains the only effective option.

What if I have previously undergone rhinoplasty

Secondary rhinoplasty can be performed to address concerns arising from an earlier procedure, whether they are aesthetic or functional in nature. This often necessitates additional cartilage grafts, and the surgery typically lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Schedule your consultation

Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics

Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics not only for the team’s surgical expertise, but also for their thoughtful, honest and patient-centred approach to aesthetic care. To get started, book a consultation where our team will discuss your concerns, outline your goals and determine if a deep plane facelift is the right option for you.