Septorhinoplasty surgery works by enhancing the overall appearance of your nose. It also involves straightening the nasal septum to restore its healthy function.

Our specialist surgeons perform septorhinoplasty under a general anaesthetic. The operation takes between 75 and 90 minutes. 

It is usually a day case procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in our hospital overnight.

Your surgeon will make an incision inside the nose. This means that any scars will be invisible. 

They will trim and reposition the bone and cartilage of the nose to straighten the septum. Several structural problems can push the septum off centre. 

Your surgeon can straighten any crooked nasal bones and insert cartilage grafts to correct the deviation.

They will also alter the bone and cartilage that make up the nose's structure based on the look you want to achieve. They can reduce the size of the nose and sculpt the shape. 

If the tip is too big or bulbous, the surgeon will trim the cartilage in the area. If the bridge is wide or prominent, they will plane this down to improve the profile. 

If any areas are small, flat, or out of proportion, they will use cartilage grafts to build these sections. In more complex cases, we can rebuild the nose to create a new shape.

Once they have created your desired nose structure, the surgeon will stretch the tissues over the nose with stitches in place. 

Finally, they may place dressings inside the nose, to prevent bleeding and apply a splint to the outside of the nose. 

This will protect the nose, reduce swelling, and maintain the shape as it heals.

If you've always been unhappy with your nose, or an injury has changed its appearance, septorhinoplasty might be an option.

Benefits of septorhinoplasty surgery include:

• Improving the overall shape
• Correct distortion
• Cure any breathing difficulties
• Improve symmetry and restore your facial harmony

Your surgeon will discuss what results you can expect to receive from septorhinoplasty.

After your septorhinoplasty surgery, you will be taken into our dedicated recovery area, where the expert theatre staff will be on hand to monitor you as you wake up.

You will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. However, you will need someone to escort you home as you will be unable to drive. 

Your care team will advise you about your recovery and arrange follow-up to assess your progress.

Swelling and any nasal dressings can make it difficult to breathe through your nose during the first few days. 

You can usually remove the dressings inside the nose on the day after your operation. 

We advise keeping your head raised by using extra pillows at night, and to avoid blowing your nose.

This will encourage healing and prevent the build up of excess fluids.

Bruising and swelling on the nose and under your eyes are normal following surgery. This should gradually settle. It can take several months to see the final results of your operation.

It's essential to take time to rest and recover. So we recommend you avoid work, exercise, hot baths, and bending down for around two weeks. 

It’s also sensible to avoid crowds because getting a cold can increase the risk of infection. After this time, you can gradually resume your normal activities.

Your surgeon and the team at The London Clinic are always available to offer support and guidance. We will be a helping hand during your septorhinoplasty recovery. 

Septorhinoplasty is considered a low-risk procedure with fewer side effects compared to other forms of surgery.

The most common temporary side effects of septorhinoplasty surgery are:

• Bruising

• Pain

• Swelling

• Soreness and tenderness 

Rare complications of septorhinoplasty surgery can include:

• Scar tissue inside your nose which blocks airflow

• An abscess between the layers of your septum

• Damage to nerves that supply the skin at the tip of your nose

• A hole in the septum

• Reduced sense of smell

• Unhappiness with the cosmetic results.

Your surgeon and care team will discuss these risks with you and make sure you’re well informed about your surgery before you have it.

You can feel confident and reassured that you know exactly what to expect before making any decisions.