Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty – otherwise referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping surgery”– is an operation which involves reshaping or resizing the nose. As the nose is a central feature of the face, even minor changes can make a big impact. 

Mr Onur Gilleard has special expertise in all aspects of rhinoplasty surgery including open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, primary and revision rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty as well as rhinoplasty for men which can help men with any breathing problems, improve their aesthetics and balance in the face. With Mr Gilleard, you be rest assured in having one of the very best rhinoplasty surgeons in London to manage your care from start to finish.

We also offer an advanced method for rhinoplasty known as ultrasonic rhinoplasty. Open ultrasonic rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to sculpt the bone with the aid of high frequency ultrasonic oscillations. The surrounding soft tissue is untouched which means less bruising, less swelling and a quicker recovery. We are one of the few centres in the UK to offer this type of rhinoplasty.

For those who are not quite ready to undertake a surgical procedure or would like to gain an idea of how a surgical rhinoplasty could look, we also offer a non-surgical nose job, otherwise known as ‘rhinofiller’.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular surgeries in the UK. There are several common reasons why patients choose to have a rhinoplasty. These include:

Traumatic injuries of the nose: slips, trips and falls are common causes of injuries to the nose. To correct deformities to the nose, rhinoplasty will be required to restore the structure and function of the nose. 

Aesthetic: the nose plays a major role in balanced facial aesthetics. For patients who are unhappy with their nasal structure, this can be corrected with a rhinoplasty procedure.

Airflow through the nose: many patients experience problems with breathing through their nose and depend heavily on mouth breathing. Plastic surgeons have specialist expertise in correcting the airflow pathways of the nose. A rhinoplasty procedure can be performed with surgery of the partition of the nose or septum (septoplasty) to address airflow problems.

Whether you choose to have a rhinoplasty because of aesthetic reasons, previous trauma or airflow problems – there are some fundamental prerequisites to make sure you get the best possible outcome from your rhinoplasty procedure:

• Patients must be over the age of 18
• Healthy – physically and mentally
• A non-smoker
• Realistic expectations of what can be achieved
• Aware of the recovery process and the temporary period of soreness and discomfort which will develop after the procedure

Are you interested in undergoing a rhinoplasty but are not sure if you can afford it upfront? Take a look at what finance we have available.

You will initially be reviewed by a plastic surgeon or head and neck surgeon who is experienced in rhinoplasty surgery. Mr Onur Gilleard is a specialist rhinoplasty surgeon. Mr Gilleard will use Crisalix 3D imaging to map your nose in incredible detail. This way you have the opportunity to discuss directly with the surgeon who will perform your operation (if you go ahead) your ideas, concerns and expectations about the rhinoplasty procedure. The surgeon may also inform you of the risks which may occur if you choose to travel abroad for your rhinoplasty.

As part of the consultation, the surgeon will:

• Take a full history and examine you;
• Explain what the rhinoplasty surgery involves; and
• Perform 3D Crisalix imaging
• Will offer his/her professional opinion of what can/cannot be done to achieve the ideal aesthetic outcome

All rhinoplasty procedures at Centre for Surgery are conducted under our specialist general anaesthesia technique – known as ClearSleep™. In our experience, patients experience fewer side effects under ClearSleep™ technique than under traditional general anaesthesia. It also means that patients usually wake up quickly and are not required to stay overnight. They can recover in the comfort of their own home, which we believe leads to faster recovery and better outcomes. 

Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed in a number of different ways: the base of the nose can be narrowed, humps on the bridge can be removed, correcting flared nostrils or even refining the tip of the nose. 

The rhinoplasty procedure will in all cases be either closed or open. The surgeon will decide in consultation with you which is the best procedure for your case.

Closed rhinoplasty vs open rhinoplasty: 

Closed rhinoplasty – cuts will be concealed inside the nose

Open rhinoplasty – a small incision is performed on the area at the inferior aspect of the nose between the nostrils. This area is called the columella 

After you are asleep, the bones of the nose and the cartilaginous areas will be exposed. This allows the rhinoplasty surgeon to use specialised instruments to shape the nose. Some procedures may require the use of cartilage taken from other areas of the body such as the back of the ear or even from a very small area of the ribcage. This is required for the extra support to maintain the structure of the nose. Airflow issues are corrected by ensuring the septum of the nose is straightened up. Tiny stitches will be used to close up any incisions that were made. A special packing material will be placed to minimise the risk of bleeding, and a splint is worn for one week to facilitate proper healing.

After your rhinoplasty procedure, there will be bruising and swelling. In particular, the lower eyelids may look particularly bruised. This is normal and will subside with time.

To minimise the impact of the bruising and swelling, you should lie with head up in bed on a few pillows. We also highly recommend our patients to apply ice packs for the first 48 hours following the surgery.

You will be discharged the same day and you can rest in the comfort of your own home providing you have a responsible adult with you for at least 24 hours. Our medical team will phone you the next morning and you will see the surgeon one week later for removal of the splint. There will then be subsequent follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and progress.

Top tips for recovery

• Avoid bending and heavy lifting
• Avoid bumping the nose
• Avoid gym activities for two weeks
• Avoid showering – take a bath instead
• Avoid blowing your nose
• Avoid hard-to-chew foods for the first week or two
• Avoid glasses for six weeks after surgery
• Avoid excessive smiling or laughing
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid high sun exposure in the first several months following the surgery as the skin on the nose will be prone to sunburn
• Sleep promotes healing so take naps when you need to