Rhinoplasty: what the operation involves, risks and recovery

Reasons include a nose that looks different after injury, a bump or twist that causes distress, or breathing problems that come with a crooked nose. When both appearance and blockage are addressed, the operation is usually called septorhinoplasty.

ENT UK notes that thick skin limits what can be achieved, and that results depend on realistic expectations. The page also states rhinoplasty is not currently NHS-funded as a cosmetic operation, so the route is usually private unless there is a functional or reconstructive indication assessed by an NHS team.

It is wise to wait if you are in distress that reshaping may not solve, if your nose is still growing, or if you are not able to take the time off.

Consultations should include photographs, a discussion of what can and cannot be changed, and a conversation about risks and recovery. Take time between the consultation and the decision. Stop smoking and avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines in the run-up unless your surgeon tells you otherwise.

Arrange two weeks off work, plan to avoid sport for six weeks and avoid booking a flight within two weeks of surgery.

ENT UK describes general anaesthetic with cuts placed inside the nose, allowing the surgeon to lift the skin and reach the bone and cartilage beneath. A hairline fracture may be made in the nasal bones to reshape them, and bone or cartilage can be removed or added as grafts.

The nose is protected by an external splint and sometimes internal packs or splints; Cambridge says packs are usually removed the morning after surgery, and the external splint after one week.

ENT UK lists bleeding (within 6 to 8 hours or between 5 and 10 days), infection (rare but serious), a hole in the septum (very rare and often without symptoms), tooth numbness (very rare, usually resolving) and the possibility of further surgery in 5 to 10% of cases. Anaesthetic risks apply.

Beyond the physical risks, a result may not match what you had hoped for, which is why the consultation matters.

Bruising and swelling last one to two weeks, and blockage 10 to 14 days, per ENT UK. Cambridge says the external splint comes off after a week, you should not blow your nose for about a week, and it may take up to three months for the nose to settle down.

Work: ENT UK says one to two weeks at minimum; Cambridge says two. Sport: six weeks according to both. Flying: avoid for two weeks (Cambridge).

• Increasing blockage and soreness, or green smelly discharge: possible infection.

• Bleeding that does not stop with pressure: A&E or 999.

• High fever or severe headache.

• A sudden change in the shape of the nose after a knock.

• What can realistically change given my skin and structure?

• How often do your patients need revision?

• Will my breathing be affected?

• Can you show me photographs of results similar to what I want?

ENT UK states that rhinoplasty is not currently NHS-funded. Function-led operations such as septorhinoplasty for breathing may be commissioned in some areas, with strict criteria. Private surgery has no waiting list but the cost must be agreed in writing, including what happens if a revision is needed. Ask who will review you afterwards and how long cover lasts.