Treatment face
Rhinoplasty Surgery in the UK
- Refine the shape, balance and proportions of your nose
- Enhance appearance
- Natural, long-lasting results
- Expert technique
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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.
Results
Before & After Gallery
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.
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.
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 rhinoplasty surgery is the right option for you.
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A bump on the bridge of the nose can change the entire facial profile.
For many patients, a dorsal hump is the feature they notice most in side-profile photos or from certain angles. It may be part of the natural nasal structure, or it may appear more pronounced after trauma or injury.
However, a dorsal hump is never treated as just a "bump".
The bridge, tip, septum, nasal bones, and facial proportions all need to be assessed together before any surgical plan is made.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, rhinoplasty planning focuses on refining the nasal profile in a way that remains balanced with the individual face.
Depending on the anatomy, this may involve preservation rhinoplasty or structural rhinoplasty.
The aim is not a perfect nose.
It is a considered, proportionate result that suits the patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalhump #rhinoplastybristol #preservationrhinoplasty #northwoodhospital
Open Septorhinoplasty | Before & After
This patient had previously undergone rhinoplasty and otoplasty at the age of 23, which included the reduction of a dorsal hump.
Over time, he began to notice increasing droopiness of the nasal tip. He had also broken his nose as a child during gymnastics, although his breathing was otherwise good.
On assessment, he presented with a long, straight nose and a dependent, droopy, and slightly asymmetric tip. There was a mild deviation of the nose to the left, but no remaining bony hump. The septum appeared straight.
One of the key findings was the acute angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Simply lifting the tip helped to improve the appearance of the nose and also made it appear straighter.
In this case, an open septorhinoplasty was performed under general anaesthetic.
Revision rhinoplasty requires careful planning, particularly when the nose has been previously operated on. The existing structure, scar tissue, tip support, and previous surgical changes all need to be considered before any further refinement is made.
The aim was to improve tip position and support, address the asymmetry, and create a more balanced nasal profile while working with the patient`s existing anatomy.
The result shown here is part of that process, with healing continuing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
When rhinoplasty does not go as expected, subsequent operations are rarely simple.
Revision rhinoplasty often involves navigating scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage support, and the outcomes of previous surgery.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains why patients seek him out for revision rhinoplasty and why this type of surgery demands meticulous planning, extensive experience, and candid discussions.
Additional support may sometimes be required, utilising cartilage from the ear or rib, fascia, or fat grafting.
This also underscores the importance of aftercare. Should concerns arise post-surgery, patients need assurance that they will receive proper review, support, and care.
Revision rhinoplasty is not merely about re-shaping the nose.
It involves comprehending previous interventions, assessing current possibilities, and meticulously planning the subsequent stage.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #bristolplasticsurgeon #northwoodhospital
A blocked nose is not always "just congestion".
A deviated septum can make one side of the nose feel constantly blocked, affect airflow, and make breathing feel uneven.
The septum is the internal wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal passages. When it sits off-centre, one side may become narrower, which can make breathing more difficult.
It is not always visible from the outside.
This is why assessment matters. The nose needs to be examined for both structure and function, especially when symptoms are linked with previous injury, nasal asymmetry, or ongoing obstruction.
Treatment may involve septoplasty to improve airflow, or septorhinoplasty when breathing concerns and external nasal shape need to be addressed together.
The aim is to understand what is causing the obstruction and choose the most suitable approach for the individual patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty | Before & After
This young patient desired refinement of her nasal profile and tip, aiming for a result that remained balanced with her facial features.
Her primary concerns included a prominent dorsum and a bulbous nasal tip.
In this case, an open tip rhinoplasty was performed, utilising piezo-electric surgery for surface reduction of the dorsum. A septal projection graft was also employed to support and define the nasal tip.
Piezo-electric surgery facilitates highly precise work on the nasal bones. This is particularly beneficial when reshaping the bridge of the nose, as it permits controlled refinement while preserving crucial surrounding structures.
The tip also necessitated meticulous planning. A bulbous tip is not merely reduced; it requires reshaping and support to ensure the final result remains stable as the nose heals.
This is where dorsal preservation rhinoplasty and tip definition must work in conjunction. The objective is not to create an entirely different nose, but to refine the existing structure in a manner that complements the individual`s face.
The result displayed here represents an stage of that process, with healing progressing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalpreservationrhinoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #piezoelectricsurgery #northwoodhospital
Rhinoplasty is not a single technique.
It is a series of decisions.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains the difference between structural rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty, and why preservation techniques have become such a valuable option in suitable primary cases.
The principle is simple: where possible, preserve the natural bridge of the nose rather than dismantling and rebuilding it.
For the right patient, this can allow refinement of the nasal profile while maintaining more of the existing nasal structure.
However, suitability is crucial.
If the nose is very crooked, has been previously broken, or the patient is concerned about the frontal view, a structural or hybrid approach may be more appropriate.
That is why consultation and assessment are so important.
The technique should fit the patient, not the other way around.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A second rhinoplasty is not simply a repeat of the first.
Revision rhinoplasty often means working with a nose that has already healed, scarred, and changed after previous surgery.
Sometimes the concern is visible; sometimes it is functional; often, it is both.
The nose may need more support, better definition, improved symmetry, or correction of breathing issues.
In some cases, grafting may be required to rebuild or strengthen areas that no longer have adequate support.
This is why secondary rhinoplasty needs time, experience, and a very clear plan.
The goal is not to chase perfection.
It is to make the next operation as careful, realistic, and considered as possible.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #secondaryrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #northwoodhospital
Preservation Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty | Before & After
This patient presented with a previously fractured septum, leading to breathing difficulties, a dorsal hump, and a bulbous nasal tip.
In such cases, rhinoplasty extends beyond merely altering the external appearance of the nose; the internal structure is equally crucial.
The procedure performed was a preservation rhinoplasty with septoplasty. The objective was to enhance the shape of the nose while simultaneously addressing the septum, which had been impacting her breathing.
A preservation approach involves meticulously working with the existing nasal structure rather than simply excising tissue. The bridge, tip, septum, and overall support of the nose all require integrated consideration.
What has been particularly gratifying in this case is the post-operative feedback from the patient. She expressed continued satisfaction with her result, consistently recommends Mr Wilson, and feels the surgery made a significant difference to her. She also noted that while she occasionally experiences some breathing difficulty, she was informed that her nose had been considerably improved from its initial state.
Such feedback is always valued, as rhinoplasty is a protracted process. The outcome encompasses not only the day of surgery but also the planning, healing, trust, and long-term results.
Patient images and feedback shared with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #preservationrhinoplasty #septoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #northwoodhospital
Mommy Makeover | Mastopexy + Full Abdominoplasty
After two pregnancies, this patient was left with skin laxity and a change in shape to both her breasts and tummy — despite returning to a stable, healthy weight. She was happy with her breast volume but troubled by the drooping and excess skin, and by the loose skin and stretch marks across her abdomen.
We planned a combined approach:
🔹 Mastopexy (breast uplift) — excess skin removed and the nipple repositioned higher to lift and reshape the breast, while keeping her own natural volume, exactly as she wanted. This uses an “anchor” pattern scar.
🔹 Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) — removal of the loose skin and stretch marks below the belly button, with repair of the separated tummy muscles (diastasis recti) that so commonly follow pregnancy.
Because she’s naturally slim and athletic, no liposuction was needed — tightening the muscle separation and removing the skin overhang simply revealed the toned, defined abdomen that was already there. She’s especially delighted with her new core definition. 💪
Every patient and every result is individual. Surgery carries risks, and a full consultation is essential to understand whether a procedure is right for you.
📍 Surgery by Paul Wilson @ Northwood Hospital, Bristol Consultations via the link in bio.
#MommyMakeover #Abdominoplasty #TummyTuck #Mastopexy #BreastUplift PlasticSurgery CosmeticSurgery BristolSurgeon PaulWilsonAesthetics NorthwoodHospital PostPregnancyBody DiastasisRecti
Breast Augmentation
A natural increase in volume — restoring shape after hypomastia
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. It’s a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw — but for many women it affects how comfortable and confident they feel in their own body.
This patient, a mum of two with a completed family, had thought about augmentation for several years. Her request was simple and one I hear often: a natural, modest increase in volume and improved shape — not a dramatic change. On examination she had reduced upper-pole fullness in both breasts with good underlying symmetry.
Rather than reaching for a number, we planned this properly. Measurements, 2D and 3D imaging morphed to her chosen implant, external sizers tried on in clinic, and a home rice test to let her feel the volume for herself. Her choice: a 275cc round, moderate-profile Mentor micro-textured implant, placed subfascially through an inframammary incision — a plan designed to add soft upper-pole fullness in proportion to her petite frame.
You can see in the lateral and oblique views how the goal was balance, not bulk.
The psychological side matters just as much. In appropriately assessed patients, augmentation for hypomastia is consistently associated with improvements in body image, self-confidence and quality of life — and that outcome means as much to me as the surgical one.
Shared with this patient’s full consent.
Results vary from person to person. This is educational and not a recommendation to undergo surgery — any decision should follow a personal consultation.
📍 Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
📞 Phone: +44 7480 125890
🌐 Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
Breast Augmentation
A natural increase in volume — restoring shape after hypomastia.
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. It`s a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw — but for many women it affects how comfortable and confident they feel in their own body.
This patient, a mum of two with a completed family, had thought about augmentation for several years. Her request was simple and one I hear often: a natural, modest increase in volume and improved shape — not a dramatic change. On examination she had reduced upper-pole fullness in both breasts with good underlying symmetry.
Rather than reaching for a number, we planned this properly. Measurements, 2D and 3D imaging morphed to her chosen implant, external sizers tried on in clinic, and a home rice test to let her feel the volume for herself. Her choice: a 275cc round, moderate-profile silicone micro-textured implant, placed subfascially through an inframammary incision — a plan designed to add soft upper-pole fullness in proportion to her petite frame.
You can see in the lateral and oblique views how the goal was balance, not bulk.
The psychological side matters just as much. In appropriately assessed patients, augmentation for hypomastia is consistently associated with improvements in body image, self-confidence and quality of life — and that outcome means as much to me as the surgical one.
Shared with this patient`s full consent.
Results vary from person to person. This is educational and not a recommendation to undergo surgery — any decision should follow a personal consultation.
📍 Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
📞 Phone: +44 7480 125890
🌐 Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
Happy Friday! Cycle to work day! #paulwilsonaesthetics #northwoodhospital #cycletowork #happyfriday #starbucks
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