If you have made the decision to undergo surgery to reshape your nose, it’s not surprising you may have several concerns alongside anticipation for the increased confidence you’ll feel once your facial features are brought into greater harmony and balance. A common question that patients ask is whether rhinoplasty is painful and what they should expect in the days, weeks, and months following their operation.

Understanding the rhinoplasty procedure

The first factor to bear in mind is the extent of the procedure as every patient may require slightly different techniques depending on what they are hoping to achieve.

Whether you’ve always been unhappy with the appearance of your nose or it has been injured at some point, there are several concerns that can be improved with a rhinoplasty. These include:

• Your nose is not the right size or proportion for your face
• There is a bump on the bridge
• The angle of the nose is not in harmony with your other facial features
• The nose and/or nostrils appear too wide
• The tip of the nose is bulbous, protruding, drooping or oversized
• The nostrils can appear too pinched
• The nose is crooked or noticeably asymmetrical
• You may have breathing issues as a result of the internal structures of the nose

A closed rhinoplasty involves making two incisions inside the nose, through which Mr Juling Ong will be able to make the necessary changes to the cartilage and bone. An open rhinoplasty. also involves making a small incision between the nostrils, known as a trans-columellar incision. Juling is then able to unveil the nose and adjust the substructures before the skin is redraped over.

A closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scarring and typically has a quicker recovery time, but an open rhinoplasty allows for more precise alterations to the internal structures of the nose if required.

Both a closed and open rhinoplasty are performed under a general anaesthetic so there is no pain experienced during your procedure, but what about afterwards?

Your rhinoplasty recovery

In the first few days after your rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll experience swelling, bruising and potentially some minor bleeding. Every patient’s pain threshold varies, but most patients report fairly mild discomfort after surgery.

Most patients find the sensation of being ‘bunged up’ more disorientating. The swelling can force you to breathe through your mouth and this may last a few days, leaving you with a dry throat and lips. You may also experience some pressure in your ears and head as a result of the congestion. For most patients, though, all this is easily managed with over-the-counter medications.

For more advice on the rhinoplasty procedure, call 020 7927 6528 to arrange a consultation with Mr Juling Ong.