Concierge facial-plastic surgery · UK
Rhinoplasty - airway and aesthetics, one plan.
Open, closed, preservation, ultrasonic and revision rhinoplasty with a rhinoplasty-only consultant surgeon - the septum, the turbinates and the profile addressed together, not in three different operations.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A rhinoplasty-only surgeon, in theatre
A named consultant plastic or facial-plastic surgeon whose practice is rhinoplasty - not a general aesthetics list. Case volume tracks directly with cosmetic and airway outcomes.
- 02
Airway and aesthetics on the same plan
A septum that deviates, turbinates that block, and a dorsum that needs refining are one operation, not three. We plan the breathing and the profile together at the first consultation.
- 03
Independent, and free
We take no fee from any clinic, so the recommendation - and whether a non-surgical option, septoplasty alone, or full rhinoplasty fits you - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private rhinoplasty costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner facial-plastic units. Send the details and photographs and we quote firm figures across two or three surgeons.
In short
Primary open rhinoplasty in our network: £8,500–£13,500, home the next morning.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary open rhinoplasty (aesthetic) | £8,500–£13,500 | 2–3 hours | 1 night |
| Primary closed rhinoplasty | £7,500–£12,500 | 1.5–2.5 hours | Day-case or 1 night |
| Septorhinoplasty (functional + aesthetic) | £9,500–£15,000 | 2.5–3.5 hours | 1 night |
| Ultrasonic (piezoelectric) rhinoplasty | £10,500–£16,000 | 2.5–3.5 hours | 1 night |
| Preservation rhinoplasty (dorsum-preserving) | £10,000–£15,500 | 2.5–3.5 hours | 1 night |
| Revision rhinoplasty | £12,000–£22,000 | 3–5 hours | 1–2 nights |
| Ethnic rhinoplasty (tip refinement + augmentation) | £10,500–£17,000 | 3–4 hours | 1 night |
| Consultation only | £220–£400 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by surgeon, by hospital and by the extent of septal, turbinate and graft work. Revision, ultrasonic and preservation techniques sit at the top of the range. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A cosmetic list where breathing is an afterthought is a poor place to reshape your nose.
The best rhinoplasty results plan the septum, the turbinates and the profile as one operation - not sequentially, and never in a walk-in aesthetics clinic.
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One operation, one surgeon
A rhinoplasty-only consultant addresses cartilage, bone, septum and turbinates in a single sitting. Splitting them across appointments doubles the recovery.
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Photographs, morph, cooling-off - every time
A written quote, morph imaging and a GMC-mandated cooling-off period are not optional. If a clinic skips them, walk away.
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A published revision policy
Even in the best hands, a small revision is sometimes needed. A named policy up front is the mark of a serious surgeon - not a scandal to hide.
The journey
From enquiry to final photograph - what happens, in order.
One surgeon from consultation through splint removal, six-week review and long-term follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before
Consultation, morph, cooling-off
Phase 2 · On the day
Theatre and overnight stay
Phase 3 · After
Splint removal, review, refinement
- 01
Before
You tell us what you want to change
A short, confidential form with two or three photos. Aesthetic goals, breathing symptoms, any prior surgery or nasal trauma.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right approach (open, closed, preservation, ultrasonic), whether septoplasty and turbinate reduction are needed, and an indicative price.
- 03
Before
Consultation and imaging morph
A 45–60 minute face-to-face consultation with 3D or 2D morph imaging, airway examination and, where indicated, a CT sinus scan.
- 04
Before
Cooling-off period, then consent
A GMC-mandated cooling-off period. Written quote, aftercare plan, expected downtime and revision policy - before you sign anything.
- 05
On the day
Admission and surgery
Same-day admission, GA in theatre. 2–4 hours in most primary cases, longer for revision or complex airway work. Overnight stay for most patients.
- 06
On the day
Recovery and discharge
One night in most cases. External splint or cast for 5–7 days, internal splints if the septum was addressed. Written aftercare in hand.
- 07
After
Review, tape-off and long-term follow-up
Splint removal at day 7. Photograph reviews at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Final refinement of the tip usually settles by 12–18 months.
Typical end-to-end: 8–12 weeks from consultation to surgery, and 12–18 months to final result.
When it helps
When rhinoplasty is the right choice.
The reasons we see most, plus the one red flag that means psychology review before surgery.
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Dorsal hump you have never liked
A prominent bridge from a natural profile or old fracture - refined with rasp, osteotomy or preservation technique.
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Bulbous, drooping or asymmetric tip
A tip that widens on smiling, hangs at rest or sits off-centre - the most technical part of rhinoplasty and the most rewarding when done well.
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Deviated septum with blocked breathing
A crooked septum causing one-sided nasal obstruction, snoring or exercise intolerance - septoplasty at the same operation.
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Post-traumatic deformity
A previous nasal fracture that healed crooked, with or without airway compromise. Best addressed by a rhinoplasty surgeon, not a routine ENT list.
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Nostril asymmetry or wide base
Alar base reduction or asymmetry correction - often the small change that finishes the whole result.
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Ethnic rhinoplasty
Refinement that preserves cultural identity - tip definition, dorsal augmentation with cartilage or diced fascia, and nostril narrowing where wanted.
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Revision after a previous rhinoplasty
A prior surgery you are unhappy with, or one that has developed asymmetry over time. Wait at least 12 months before revision to let tissue settle.
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Red flag: rhinoplasty for body dysmorphia
Repeated dissatisfaction with a normal-appearing nose, or seven-figure focus on a millimetre change - a psychology review before, not after, surgery.
Technique options
The right technique depends on your anatomy - not fashion.
Each approach, honestly explained - from open and closed to preservation, ultrasonic and non-surgical.
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Open rhinoplasty
A small columellar incision plus internal incisions. Full exposure of the tip cartilages - best for complex tips, revision cases and ethnic work. Tiny scar that fades within a year.
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Closed rhinoplasty
All incisions inside the nostrils. No external scar. Faster recovery but less exposure - best for straightforward dorsal work in experienced hands.
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Preservation rhinoplasty
A newer approach that preserves the dorsal aesthetic lines rather than removing and rebuilding them. Elegant for suitable noses; not for every case.
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Ultrasonic (piezoelectric) rhinoplasty
Uses ultrasonic energy for bone work rather than a chisel. Less bruising and swelling for many patients, particularly with fine or thin skin.
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Septorhinoplasty
Combines septoplasty (straightening the septum) with rhinoplasty (reshaping the external nose). Standard where breathing and appearance are both concerns.
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Ethnic rhinoplasty
Techniques adapted to nasal anatomy in patients of Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, African-Caribbean and other backgrounds - refining rather than Westernising.
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Revision rhinoplasty
Second or later procedure to correct a previous result. Longer, more complex and usually needs cartilage grafts from the ear or rib.
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Non-surgical (liquid) rhinoplasty
Hyaluronic acid filler for small dorsal irregularities or asymmetries. Real limitations, real risks - see the separate non-surgical rhinoplasty page.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of rhinoplasty surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant plastic and facial-plastic surgeons across London and the major UK cities whose practice is predominantly rhinoplasty. Introductions are made privately.
Selection criteria
How we choose every rhinoplasty surgeon in our network.
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Consultant plastic or facial-plastic surgeons whose practice is predominantly rhinoplasty
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BAAPS, BAPRAS or ISAPS membership with a substantial audited rhinoplasty series
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On-site ENT input for septal and airway work at the same operation
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Photographic imaging and morph software at every consultation with a documented cooling-off period
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Rhinoplasty is a well-established operation. The things worth planning are the splint week, the six-week photograph, and the long-term settling of the tip.
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GA in a licensed theatre
Under general anaesthetic in a Care Quality Commission-registered hospital. Overnight admission for most cases, day-case for straightforward closed work.
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Swelling and bruising are the main downtime
Bruising around the eyes for 7–14 days. Dorsal splint for 5–7 days. Return to office work at 10–14 days, exercise at 6 weeks.
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Bleeding and infection are uncommon
Nose bleeds in the first 48 hours are the main concern - usually settle with head elevation and pinching. Infection under 1 percent with prophylactic antibiotics.
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Numbness and altered smell are usually temporary
Tip numbness and reduced sense of smell are common for a few weeks. Persistent change is rare but should be mentioned in consent.
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The final result takes a year - sometimes longer
The bony framework settles in 6–8 weeks; the tip continues refining for 12–18 months in primary cases and up to 24 months in revision.
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Revision rate - the honest number
Even in the best hands, roughly 5–10 percent of primary rhinoplasty patients ask for a small revision. A named revision policy up front is a marker of a serious surgeon.
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Breathing can improve, but is not guaranteed
Septoplasty and turbinate reduction at the same operation are the reliable way to improve airflow - cosmetic-only work can occasionally worsen breathing if the framework is over-narrowed.
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Skin type matters - thin, average, thick
Thick sebaceous skin sets a ceiling on how refined a tip can look. Honest counselling about your skin envelope before surgery avoids disappointment after.
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Red flags after surgery
Fever, severe pain, spreading redness, heavy bleeding or breathlessness need the same-day team or A&E, not a routine call.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever approach was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note and the six-week photograph, just ask.
- 01 Header
Procedure and approach
What was done - open or closed, preservation, ultrasonic - with any septal, turbinate or graft work spelled out.
- 02 Technique
Grafts, osteotomies and sutures
Where cartilage was taken from (septum, ear, rib), how the bones were reshaped, and any spreader, alar or shield grafts placed.
- 03 Findings
Anatomical notes
What was seen inside - septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, cartilage quality - and any deviations from the planned approach.
- 04 Impression
Aftercare and review plan
Read this first: splint removal date, activity restrictions, photograph review timetable and when the tip is expected to settle.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty is self-pay. Septoplasty and functional septorhinoplasty for documented airway obstruction are usually covered on standard policies. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about rhinoplasty.
Quick answers on techniques, recovery, breathing, revision and cost.
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What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty reshapes the external appearance of the nose - the bridge, the tip, the nostrils. Septoplasty straightens the internal septum to improve breathing. Septorhinoplasty does both at once, which is the standard when you want a cosmetic change and also breathe better.
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What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty makes a small incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) plus internal incisions, giving the surgeon full view of the tip cartilages. Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nostrils, so there is no external scar. Both give excellent results in experienced hands - the choice depends on the complexity of the tip and any revision work.
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How long is recovery from rhinoplasty?
A splint sits on the bridge for 5–7 days. Bruising around the eyes fades over 10–14 days. Most people return to office work by two weeks and exercise by six weeks. The tip continues refining for 12–18 months, and swelling in thick skin settles slowest.
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How much does a private rhinoplasty cost in the UK?
Roughly £7,500–£12,500 for primary closed, £8,500–£13,500 for primary open, £9,500–£15,000 for septorhinoplasty, £10,500–£17,000 for ethnic rhinoplasty, and £12,000–£22,000 for revision. Ultrasonic and preservation techniques sit at the top of the primary range. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Will insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by UK private insurers. Septoplasty and functional septorhinoplasty for genuine breathing problems are usually covered on standard outpatient and inpatient policies, provided documented obstruction and a specialist referral are in place. Combined cosmetic and functional cases split into a covered functional portion and a self-pay cosmetic portion.
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Can breathing get worse after rhinoplasty?
Rarely, if the framework is over-narrowed in cosmetic-only work. Preservation and functional-first techniques - spreader grafts, careful osteotomies, septal straightening - protect and often improve breathing. A rhinoplasty surgeon plans this from the first consultation.
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What is preservation rhinoplasty and is it better?
Preservation rhinoplasty is a newer family of techniques that preserves the natural dorsal aesthetic lines rather than removing and rebuilding them. In suitable noses it gives elegant, natural results and less swelling. It is not the right choice for every nose - a surgeon comfortable in both traditional and preservation techniques will pick what fits your anatomy, not what is fashionable.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Non-surgical rhinoplasty
Filler-based refinement without an operation.
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Nose reshaping
The broader nose reshaping overview.
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Ear correction
Pinnaplasty and prominent-ear surgery.
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Cosmetic surgery
All cosmetic surgical treatments.
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Dermal fillers
Non-surgical facial contouring.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more