Rhinoplasty rundown – your essential guide to getting a nose job

Aurora is now part of The Private Clinic, a nationwide group of clinics with over 35 years of experience specialising in Cosmetic Surgery and Skin and a Trust Pilot 5 star rating. For comprehensive information, before and after photos and costs on Rhinoplasty procedures click here

Our clinics are located in Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, London Harley Street, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton

Perhaps more than any other facial procedure, Rhinoplasty (aka ‘nose job’) has the power to completely transform your looks.

While a facelift may be fantastic for rejuvenating an ageing face, rhinoplasty can be revolutionary at any age.

Because the nose sits squarely in the centre of the face, it’s one of the first things people notice. So improving its shape can have a dramatic impact on your whole face.

BUT, and it’s a big BUT – if you’re considering a nose job, it’s unbelievably important to do your homework to give you the best chance of getting the results you dream of.

Unfortunately, compared with other cosmetic procedures, nose jobs have a particularly high revision rate. Around 25% of people who have the procedure go on to seek a second op – and in some cases, a third or more.

That’s because it’s one of the most technically challenging of all cosmetic procedures. So making sure you choose a suitably qualified surgeon with the right credentials is essential.

Read on for our guide to the important considerations when it comes to Rhinoplasty.

First things first, what can be achieved with a nose job?

Nose surgery can be used to increase, decrease or just reshape your nose. Bumps on the bridge can be smoothed; asymmetry, deviation and twisting can be corrected; and the shape of the tip and nostrils can be refined.

It’s also possible to change the angle between the nose and the upper lip (i.e. a drooping tip can be lifted), and if necessary, breathing difficulties can be corrected at the same time.

Are you sure it’s your nose you’d like to change?

Stay with us, this is important. Often, people look at photos of themselves and feel that their nose is too prominent, and set about researching nose jobs. But the size of the nose relative to the face – how well it ‘fits’ – is influenced by the proportions of the other features, particularly the chin.

A weak or receded chin can distort the facial harmony and make a nose look bigger than it actually is. In this case, augmenting the chin may be what’s needed to give the face better proportion, rather than reducing the nose.

If you’re not sure, you can check on a photo of yourself in profile. Ideally, the most prominent part of your upper lip should be roughly in line with the most projected part of your chin. If the chin is any more than around 5-6mm behind this point, it may be your chin that’s causing the imbalance. A good surgeon will be able to determine this for you.

Open vs closed Rhinoplasty – what’s the difference?

There are two approaches to rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made at the base of the tissue between your nostrils (the columella). This allows the surgeon better access to the underlying structure of the nose, and is usually used where more extensive cartilage work, for example grafts, are needed, or for a second or third revision where there is extensive scar tissue.

In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nose to hide scarring. Working through the nostrils, the surgeon will remove/reshape the cartilage and bone as appropriate to create the new shape.

Most surgeons usually have their own preferences, so it’s one of the key questions to ask at your consultation.

Bear in mind that with the open approach, the nose will stay swollen for a longer period of time after surgery. There will also be an external scar – but this will be well hidden, fade considerably over time until it becomes barely noticeable, and will only be seen if you lift your head back so someone can see the underside of your nose.

How can I find a good Rhinoplasty surgeon?

The BAAPS website allows you search for registered surgeons in your area and find their areas of specialism, so this is a great way to start your search.

All BAAPS Members are fully trained Plastic Surgeons who have undergone a rigorous training programme with six years’ training in recognised training centres, with regular assessment and examinations. So as a minimum, you know they have the necessary experience and qualifications.

But bear in mind a great plastic surgeon isn’t necessarily a great nose job surgeon. Do as much research as you can specifically around Rhinoplasty. Frequent cosmetic surgery forums and advice sites for patient testimonials and reviews, and look for before and after photos – particularly of people with similar noses to you.

Book consultations with the three best surgeons you find, and ask to see their before and after photos when you meet them.

How much does a nose job cost?

This varies considerably from clinic to clinic, and surgeon to surgeon. At our clinics, you can expect to pay from £5,145

One thing we must stress is NOT to choose your surgeon on price. A highly experienced surgeon who specialises in the procedure is likely to charge a little more, and because your nose is so prominent, you really don’t want to cut corners.

You can find out more about nose job surgery on our Rhinoplasty information pages. At Aurora Clinics part of The Private Clinic, we have a number of BAAPS registered surgeons experienced in Rhinoplasty surgery. To book a consultation, please call us on 0333 920 9135.