Treatment face
Closed rhinoplasty is a surgical technique used to reshape and refine the nose through incisions made entirely inside the nostrils. As there is no external incision across the columella, closed rhinoplasty does not leave a visible external scar.
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As a central feature of the face, the nose can significantly affect facial harmony and proportion. You may be unhappy with the appearance of your nasal bridge, tip or overall shape, or you may have underlying structural concerns that affect nasal breathing.
Closed rhinoplasty, also known as endonasal rhinoplasty, allows Mr Wilson to reshape the underlying cartilage and bone through internal incisions alone. This approach is often well suited to more straightforward changes, such as reducing a dorsal hump or making moderate adjustments to the nasal tip, without the need for an external incision.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, every rhinoplasty is individually planned around your facial anatomy, concerns and desired outcome. During your consultation, Mr Wilson will discuss whether a closed approach is appropriate for you, or whether your case would benefit from an open rhinoplasty technique instead.
About
A closed rhinoplasty, also referred to as endonasal rhinoplasty, is a form of rhinoplasty surgery in which all incisions are made inside the nostrils. Unlike an open approach, no incision is made across the columella, and the skin covering the nose is not lifted away from the underlying structure.
Working through these internal incisions, Mr Wilson accesses the nasal cartilage and bone to reshape, reduce or refine the nose according to your treatment plan. As the skin envelope and its attachments remain largely undisturbed, a closed approach is often used for preservation rhinoplasty techniques, where maintaining the natural ligament support of the nose is a priority.
Closed rhinoplasty may be used for primary aesthetic reshaping, functional correction combined with a septoplasty (closed septorhinoplasty), or straightforward revision cases, depending on your anatomy and the changes required.
Differences
The main difference between a closed and open rhinoplasty is how the surgeon accesses the nasal structures. In a closed rhinoplasty, every incision is made inside the nostrils, and the surgeon works without lifting the skin away from the framework beneath. In an open rhinoplasty, an additional incision is made across the columella, allowing the skin to be lifted for complete visibility of the cartilage and bone.
Closed rhinoplasty tends to be well suited to more moderate or straightforward changes, where the surgeon does not need full external visualisation to achieve a precise result. Open rhinoplasty is generally reserved for more complex primary cases, revision surgery, or where detailed grafting is required.
Mr Wilson, who specialises in preservation rhinoplasty and uses piezo-electric (ultrasonic) instrumentation, will recommend the most appropriate combination of approach and technique for your anatomy during consultation.
Concerns
Closed rhinoplasty can address a range of concerns related to the nose’s shape and structure. Depending on your anatomy and treatment goals, surgery may involve:
The precise changes possible will depend on your existing nasal structure, skin thickness and the extent of correction required. More complex or revision cases may be better suited to an open approach, which Mr Wilson can discuss with you.
benefits
For suitable patients, a closed approach can offer a more limited surgical footprint while still achieving meaningful changes to the nose’s shape.
Potential benefits of closed rhinoplasty may include:
The potential benefits of closed rhinoplasty vary between individuals. Your expected outcome will depend on your anatomy, the changes required, healing and other factors discussed during your consultation.
candidates
Closed rhinoplasty may suit adults concerned about the appearance or structure of their nose who are considering surgical reshaping.
You may be considered suitable for closed rhinoplasty if you:
Closed rhinoplasty is not usually recommended where extensive grafting, significant asymmetry correction, or complex revision surgery is required, as these cases often benefit from the greater visibility of an open approach.
Your suitability will be assessed during a consultation. Mr Wilson will consider your nasal anatomy, skin and soft tissue, medical history, previous surgery if applicable, and the changes you would like to make.
What to expect
Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation, during which Mr Wilson will assess your nasal anatomy, skin quality and breathing function, and discuss the changes you hope to achieve. Vectra 3D imaging may be used to help visualise potential outcomes and align expectations before any decision is made.
Closed rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia, usually as a day case. Procedure time varies depending on the extent of reshaping required, though many closed rhinoplasty procedures are completed more quickly than open rhinoplasty procedures.
All incisions in a closed rhinoplasty are made inside the nostrils. No incision is made across the columella, meaning there is no external scar from the procedure.
Working through the internal incisions, Mr Wilson reshapes the cartilage and bone according to your treatment plan, which may include reducing a dorsal hump, refining the tip, or narrowing the bridge. Where preservation techniques are appropriate, the natural ligament support of the nose is maintained throughout.
Once reshaping is complete, the internal incisions are closed with dissolvable or fine sutures. A splint is usually fitted externally to support and protect the new shape as it begins to heal.
Recovery
Closed rhinoplasty recovery time varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of reshaping performed, individual healing and whether the procedure was combined with a septoplasty.
A splint is typically worn for around one week to support and protect the new shape. Swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes, are common in the first one to two weeks and gradually subside.
Most patients return to work and light daily activities after one to two weeks, once initial swelling has settled, and the splint has been removed. Strenuous exercise, contact sports and activities that risk impact to the nose should be avoided for several weeks, as advised by Mr Wilson.
As the skin envelope is less disturbed during a closed approach, some patients notice swelling settling a little sooner than with more extensive procedures, although this varies by individual. Early results are often visible from around three months, with the final shape typically settling over 12 to 18 months as the tissues mature.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments so Mr Wilson can monitor your healing and the developing result.
Risks & complications
As with any surgical procedure, closed rhinoplasty carries certain risks. While complications are uncommon, it is important to understand the possible risks before deciding whether the procedure is right for you.
Potential risks and complications may include:
Mr Wilson will discuss the risks most relevant to your anatomy, procedure and treatment plan during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
The cost of closed rhinoplasty in Bristol varies depending on factors including the extent of reshaping required, whether the procedure is combined with a septoplasty, and whether it is a primary or revision case. A personalised quote will be provided following your consultation, once Mr Wilson has assessed your anatomy and determined the most appropriate treatment plan.
Surgeon
Mr Paul Wilson is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with qualifications in both medicine and dental surgery. With extensive training in plastic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery, he brings a high level of expertise to facial aesthetics, body contouring and complex reconstructive procedures.
Mr Wilson is a member of the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe and the British Society of Rhinoplasty Surgeons and specialises in preservation rhinoplasty techniques and uses piezo-electric (ultrasonic) instrumentation to support precise, controlled reshaping and help optimise healing.
In both his NHS and private practice, Mr Wilson is known for his patient-focused approach, meticulous surgical planning, and commitment to achieving balanced, natural-looking results tailored to each individual.
As with any surgical procedure, closed rhinoplasty carries risks, results vary from person to person, and it isn’t suitable for everyone. That’s why every patient has a full consultation with Mr Wilson to discuss suitability, expectations and options before proceeding.
FAQ
A closed rhinoplasty, also known as endonasal rhinoplasty, is a form of rhinoplasty surgery performed entirely through incisions made inside the nostrils. No external incision is made, and the skin covering the nose is not lifted away from the underlying structure.
The two techniques differ in how much of the nasal structure the surgeon needs to see. A closed rhinoplasty is carried out entirely through the nostrils, with no incision on the outside of the nose. An open rhinoplasty adds a small incision across the columella, allowing the skin to be lifted for a clearer view of the cartilage and bone beneath. Closed rhinoplasty tends to suit more straightforward changes, while open rhinoplasty is often used for more complex or revision cases.
No external incision is made during a closed rhinoplasty, so there is no visible scarring from the procedure. Any incisions are made entirely inside the nostrils.
Most patients wear a splint for around a week and return to work and light activities within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Final results typically develop over 12 to 18 months as swelling settles and the tissues mature.
Closed rhinoplasty is often suitable for patients seeking primary reshaping, such as reducing a mild to moderate dorsal hump or refining the nasal tip, or those considering preservation rhinoplasty. More complex or revision cases may be better suited to an open approach. Suitability is assessed individually during consultation with Mr Wilson.
Schedule your consultation
Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics for a combination of surgical expertise, honest guidance and a highly personalised approach to care. To get started, book a consultation with Mr Wilson at the Northwood Hospital, Bristol, or the London Welbeck Hospital, where he will assess your concerns, discuss your goals and determine whether closed rhinoplasty is the most appropriate option for you.
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An abdominoplasty is about more than removing excess skin.
Where rectus diastasis is present, the abdominal wall can be tightened by bringing the separated tissues back towards the midline. This creates a firmer internal foundation and can help improve the shape and support of the abdomen.
The procedure may also include removing excess skin and fat, reshaping the abdominal contour and repositioning the belly button where appropriate.
Every abdominoplasty is planned around the patient’s individual anatomy, concerns and goals. Not every patient will require the same elements of surgery.
Images shared with patient consent. Individual suitability, recovery and results vary. A consultation is required to discuss the most appropriate treatment for you.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#Abdominoplasty #TummyTuck #RectusDiastasis #paulwilsonaesthetics
“Can surgery make me look like my filter?”
It’s a question that comes up more often than you might think.
Bringing a filtered or AI edited image to a consultation can be helpful because it shows me what you are drawn to. The difficulty is that these images often change several things at once, including the eyes, nose, brows, jawline and skin. They do not take account of real anatomy or how the face moves.
Surgery works with living tissue, so a filtered image cannot be treated as an exact blueprint. It can, however, be a useful starting point for an honest conversation about what you would like to change and what may be achieved safely and naturally.
The aim should be a result that still looks like you.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#plasticsurgery #AestheticSurgery #PatientEducation #paulwilsonaesthetics
A patient journey following VASER liposuction to the neck.
These photographs show the progression from careful pre-operative planning and marking, through the early post-operative stage, to three weeks after surgery.
VASER liposuction uses ultrasound-assisted technology to target and remove localised areas of fat with precision. This can make it a suitable option for carefully selected patients seeking greater definition beneath the chin and along the neck and jawline.
At three weeks, healing is still at an early stage and some swelling may remain. The result will continue to settle and refine over the coming weeks and months. Our patient is already very pleased with her progress and the outcome so far.
Thank you to our lovely patient for kindly allowing us to share her journey.
Individual suitability, recovery and results vary. A consultation is required to discuss the most appropriate treatment for you.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#VASERLiposuction #NeckLiposuction #liposuction #PatientJourney #PaulWilsonAesthetics
A heartfelt patient review, shared in her own words. ✨
At just three days post-op, our patient describes the early changes she could already see, how emotional the experience felt and the care she received at Northwood Hospital.❤️🏥
Swipe to read her full review.
Recovery and results are individual, and this patient is still at a very early stage with swelling yet to settle.
Shared with our patient’s kind permission.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#PatientReview #Northwood_hospital #PaulWilsonAesthetics #Vaser
Three years on from breast reduction surgery ✨
Our patient has kindly allowed us to share her journey and these photographs, showing how she feels today following her procedure. It is wonderful to see her looking so happy and confident.
Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate the physical discomfort associated with disproportionately large breasts, while creating a shape that feels more comfortable and in proportion.
Thank you to our patient for allowing us to share her experience.
Every patient and outcome is individual. A full consultation is required to discuss suitability, potential risks and expected results.
Shared with our patient’s kind permission.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BreastReduction #breastsurgery #patientjourney #paulwilsonaesthetics
A very enjoyable day at the joint BAAPS & ESAPS 2026 Meeting in London! 🇬🇧
These meetings are always a valuable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and catch up with colleagues and industry partners.
It was good to spend time with the teams from VASER, MACOM and Silimed, as well as catching up with a fellow consultant friend from Truro, Cornwall.
Looking forward to the rest of the scientific programme over the next couple of days! 🩺✨
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeons #paulwilsonaesthetics
We do not always have the opportunity to capture the first time a patient sees the result of their surgery, but when we do, it can be incredibly special.
This patient underwent forehead reduction surgery, and this was the moment she saw her new hairline for the first time. The happiness in her reaction says everything.
Moments like this remind us that surgery can mean far more to a patient than the physical change alone.
This was an early postoperative reveal and the patients healing continued for her over the following months.
Shared with our patient’s kind permission.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#hairlinelowering #foreheadreduction
#patientjourney
#paulwilsonaesthetics
Not every question is easy to ask.
Some can feel personal, awkward or even a little embarrassing, but they are often the questions that matter most.
A few honest answers to things patients sometimes hesitate to say out loud.
There is no such thing as the wrong question in a consultation. It is important to understand what surgery involves, what recovery may really be like and how it could affect your everyday life.
Clear, straightforward answers allow patients to consider their options properly and make decisions in their own time.
If you are considering surgery but are not yet ready for an in-person appointment, we also offer introductory virtual consultations. This can be a helpful first step and an opportunity to talk through your initial questions.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#patienteducation #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #paulwilsonaesthetics
One result, seen from different angles.
With septo-rhinoplasty, it is important to consider how the nose sits within the whole face, not only how it looks from the side.
In this case, surgery addressed the dorsal hump and tip projection while maintaining a result that remained in keeping with the patient’s natural features.
The profile shows the change most clearly, while the oblique views demonstrate how the new shape complements this lovely patient’s natural features.
Swipe to see the result from each angle.
Photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#rhinoplasty #septorhinoplasty #septoplasty #paulwilsonaesthetics
Weight loss affects every body differently.
For some people, the biggest change is around the face and neck. For others, it may be the upper arms, breasts, abdomen or thighs. Sometimes it is one area; sometimes several.
Surgery after significant weight loss is never one-size-fits-all. Depending on your anatomy and concerns, options may include a facelift and neck lift, brachioplasty, thigh lift, abdominoplasty or breast surgery. VASER may also be considered for targeted body contouring where appropriate.
The aim is to address the changes that weight loss can leave behind and create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
Swipe through to explore some of the areas that can be affected.
All photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#surgeryafterweightloss #weightlosssuccess #glp1 #weightlosssurgery #paulwilsonaesthetics
This lovely 30-year-old patient came to see me hoping to move from an AA cup towards natural B/C cup proportions.
Her priority was to add shape and volume while keeping the result balanced with her slim frame.
We used Vectra 3D imaging during the planning process and selected 295cc high-profile Silimed True Texture Natural-Biodiesign implants.
The photographs show her before surgery and at 12 months, once the implants had settled and the result had matured.
Implant selection is about much more than volume alone. Chest width, existing breast tissue, body proportions and the patient’s preferred look all need to be considered carefully.
Every patient and every result is different. A consultation is needed to discuss what may be suitable for you.
Photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BreastAugmentation #BreastImplants #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Thinking about breast augmentation? Your consultation with Mr Paul Wilson is the first step.
Mr Wilson will talk you through your goals, expectations and the options available to you. Every patient’s breast anatomy is different, so the choice of implant needs to be tailored to your individual shape, proportions and desired result. You will have the opportunity to discuss different implant types, sizes and profiles, as well as what to expect from surgery and recovery.
Vectra 3D imaging will also be used during your consultation to help visualise how different implant sizes and shapes may look on your individual frame. It’s a useful tool for discussing your options and ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
It’s also a chance to ask questions, understand your options and feel fully informed before making any decision—there’s no pressure to decide on the day.
To book a consultation, please contact us using the details below:
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#breastaugmentation #paulwilsonaesthetics #northwoodhospital #londonwelbeckhospital
