Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)

You will experience some pain, swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes immediately after the procedure.

We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you’ve left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

Allow two weeks off of work. You should be able to do normal physical tasks after a couple of days but avoid strenuous exercise or those that may knock your nose for four to six weeks. You may also find that your nose bleeds for a few days after you get home and you might have some pain, although painkillers will help with this.

There will be bruising and swelling, particularly around your eyes, which can take about three weeks to settle. Your nose will feel numb and stiff. The numbness usually disappears within a couple of months, but the stiffness is likely to be permanent and your nose may feel unnaturally hard.

Most closed rhinoplasty operations will take around two weeks to settle but if your nose is broken (as part of a re-shaping process) there will be some bruising around the eyes for longer. Open surgery will usually take four to six weeks to heal.

Most of the improvements will be obvious after swelling has reduced but, because of the way your other facial features affect how your nose looks, some will evolve over the course of time. Your surgeon will discuss end results with you in depth.

At Sussex Premier Health, your procedure will be performed by your consultant surgeon.

People choose rhinoplasty for many reasons. For some, their nose has been damaged in some way – broken while playing a high impact sport, for example – and their breathing may be restricted.

Others have always been unhappy about the way their nose looks and this has affected their confidence. They have realised that this is a relatively straightforward procedure and have reached a point in life where they’ve decided to do something about it.

It’s important to consider exactly what it is that you don’t like about your nose while you’re in discussions with your chosen consultant. A size reduction may be all that you need but for some people, their other facial features have a big effect on the way their nose looks, so it may take some time to make a decision about which procedure is right for you. Your surgeon will take the time to discuss all the different options – pros and cons, as well as what is realistic for you – with you beforehand. Recovery time will depend on the operation you choose but will commonly vary from two to six weeks.

After you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us.

Our consultants will typically want to see you after your operation to see how you are doing. An appointment will be made with you before you leave hospital.

On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health.

Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.

Our self-pay team will be able to give you a guide price for nose reshaping surgery.

To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.