Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) at Spire Harpenden Hospital

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.

If you decide to have your treatment with us, you will be looked after by an experienced multidisciplinary care team.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see and when you want. They’ll be with you every step of the way: from giving advice at your first consultation, through to offering on-going support after your surgery.

All of our consultant surgeons are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well equipped hospitals. 

A consultant surgeon’s reputation, qualifications and experience are vitally important, so we only work with consultant grade specialists. These are highly experienced consultants who have completed years of medical training.

All our consultants are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC), and many are also members of the UK’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgery associations.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

You must follow the specific advice on eating and drinking after midnight/on the day of your operation provided in your pre-operation information pack and during your pre-operative assessment appointment.

We understand that surgery can be a cause of anxiety – even if it’s a relatively straightforward procedure. That’s why our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you every step of the way.

Your consultant will have explored the different options with you at your previous consultations, as well as the look you want to achieve.

The most common operations are:

• reducing or increasing the size of your nose
• remodelling the shape of the tip, bridge and/or nostrils
• changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip

It may be possible for the doctor to operate entirely through the nostrils, which is called 'closed' rhinoplasty. Sometimes they need to make a small cut, known as 'open' rhinoplasty. They will advise you on this during your consultations. Whether you go under a general or local aesthetic will depend on the shape of your nose and which operation you choose.

The procedure usually takes up to three hours and you will spend a night or two in hospital.

If your operation has been planned as a day case, you will be able to go home once you have made a full recovery from the anaesthesia. 

After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

Pain relief

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.

Recovery time

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.

End results

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.

How your loved ones can help

Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks in case you don't feel up to it.

Looking after you

We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital. 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 we’re ready to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.