Rhinoplasty has been popping up in conversation a lot recently. Though I’m thankfully to be happy with the nose the genetic lottery threw my way, many rhinoplasties are performed at cosmetic surgery clinics across the UK and can obviously change the size, shape and look of someone’s nose significantly. With quite a few friends considering going under the knife (why all at once? I have no idea!), I thought it would be a great time to look into the a few important things which some of my nearest and dearest (and many more of you out there) need to consider.
A little information can make you feel more confident and put your mind at ease when it comes to corrective surgery, so I enlisted the help of Transform surgeon Mr Pascal Lahoud to answer a few of his most frequently asked questions.
What should someone look for when choosing a surgeon?
Getting a nose job is a serious and often life-changing decision, so checking your surgeon’s qualifications and credentials is paramount. Registration with the General Medical Council is a must and it’s worth inquiring how many times they perform rhinoplasty surgery each year. View some before and after pictures if possible and don’t be afraid to ask a wide array of questions – a good surgeon won’t be afraid to answer them.
What are the different types of nose surgery?
Generally speaking there are two main nose surgery techniques; open or closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty tends to be used in more complex work such as reshaping the nose tip. With a closed rhinoplasty, any incisions tend to be made inside the nose. Your surgeon will help you achieve the results you want by discussing all options with you.
How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?
On the whole, most rhinoplasty procedures last between one and two hours – depending on the type and degree of shaping required. More complex operations may take slightly longer to perform, so it’s a good idea to discuss your individual circumstances with a highly-qualified surgeon.
Will you bruise and need time off work?
Rhinoplasty surgery can leave a certain amount of swelling and bruising, but the severity will differ from patient to patient. Bruising around the cheeks is most apparent during the three days following surgery and usually disappears within seven, so a week off work should be sufficient. In addition to bandages, a splint will also be put over the nose for seven to 10 days to assist with healing. Most people return to normal activity within a few days but it’s crucial that the nose is not hit or knocked in any way during the healing period.
How long will someone have to wait to see the final result?
Of course, one of the most exciting parts of surgery is seeing the results. The good news is, major changes will be immediately apparent and you will see the more subtle changes as your nose heals. The final result is usually visible around 12 months after surgery.
Could nose surgery really change the way someone feels about themselves? Surgery can have both physical and psychological effects. Many people report feeling more confident in their own skin, but patient testimonials give a deeper insight into why people choose to have work done and how it has changed their lives. Anna Wyeth, 31, from the Isle of Wight underwent nose surgery at a Transform clinic and here’s what she had to say:
‘It started during my teenage years’
I was becoming a woman and so naturally became more image conscious. Each time I looked at myself in the mirror my eyes were drawn to the hump on my nose. Being out in public was awful as it felt like people were talking to my nose – not me! My confidence was at an all-time low, but I was determined that one day I’d look in the mirror and be happy with the reflection.‘I’d had enough of hating my nose’
After ten years, enough was enough. I visited Transform to talk about my concerns and then booked myself in for rhinoplasty. My nerves were wracked when my surgery day arrived, but I was so excited that the wait was over, I was finally getting my new nose. The nurses and staff at the hospital were amazing at every step – they were really friendly and helped put my mind at ease. My surgeon, Mr Nathan, was great. He was so lovely and professional. He understood my feelings and what I wanted to achieve from surgery – it was comforting to know he didn’t see the operation as a “one-job-fits-all”.‘Looking in the mirror is now a habit’
Waking up I was tired and had some bruising, but the real thrill was to come when the bandages were removed a week later. I couldn’t contain my excitement and loved showing off my new nose to the clinic team. Now, at long last, I’m happy in my own skin. Where’s that mirror!?
Transform offers a wide range of surgical procedures, so visit their website for more information.