The rhinoplasty process

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About the rhinoplasty process

In these toggles, we’ve provided some general information about the procedure. For specific information about how we can help you, contact us for a consultation.

I choose the technique of your rhinoplasty depending on your suitability for either open or closed surgery. 

Your suitability for an open or closed approach depends upon what exactly is required to refine your nose. I will explain the appropriate technique once I have assessed your nose, and we have discussed your goals.

The open rhinoplasty technique

I make a small incision across the strip of skin between your nostrils. I combine this incision with further incisions on the inside of the nostrils. The skin of the nasal tip is then carefully lifted, and the cartilages and bones of the nose are surgically corrected. At the end of the procedure, I redrape the skin and close the incisions with fine sutures. The small scar on the skin between the nostrils typically heals well and is barely perceptible in most cases.

I use this approach when significant alteration at the nasal tip is required or when grafts are needed. 

The closed rhinoplasty technique

I do not need to make any external incisions with this technique. I access the skin and the structures of the nose through incisions on the inside of the nostrils. Once I have corrected the cartilaginous and bony structures of the nose, I close the incisions with sutures. 

I commonly utilise this approach when the area of concern is the bony part or upper 2/3rds of your nose.

Before surgery

Before the day of surgery, I will take a detailed history from you; this will include your past medical history, medications, allergies, smoking habits, previous surgery and more.  I will also ask you about your complaints related to nasal breathing and your wishes regarding the external shape of your nose. 

I will then perform a clinical examination that will include inspection of the inside of the nose with an endoscope. This examination tells me about the condition of the midline partition of the nose (the nasal septum) and the mucosa on the side of the nasal air passage (the turbinate).  

I will also discuss in detail, which changes to the outside shape of the nose are realistic and how I can achieve them. I will take photographs of your nose before surgery in different planes. 

If you have previously undergone rhinoplasty and the cartilage obtainable from your nose is not sufficient for shaping and reconstructing your nose, I may need to harvest cartilage from your ear or rib.

After surgery

You can typically get up and walk around the evening of the surgery or the following morning. You will have a splint on your nose and may experience some bleeding from the nostrils; this typically subsides on its own or with Otrivine nasal sprays.

You should expect moderate swelling and some bruising of the skin following surgery. The degree of swelling differs from patient to patient. A cold mask may be placed over your eyes and above the splint to decrease swelling and bruising. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside in 7-14 days, although sometimes swelling can persist for up to 2 months.

You should expect to see the final appearance of your nose at the end of 1st year.

Postoperative care instructions

  • The first night keep your head elevated; the higher, the better. Sleeping in a recliner can help. You will need to keep your head elevated 30 degrees for the first week after surgery.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. 
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier at your bedside to help moisturize membranes in your nose and mouth.
  • Avoid any travel requiring rapid elevation changes, i.e., airline or mountain travel for 2-3 weeks.
  • Nasal saline mist spray must be used every 2-3 hours after surgery and can make your nose more comfortable after surgery.  These sprays are over-the-counter medications, and you can purchase them in any pharmacy.
  • You will need to perform nasal irrigations twice a day, the day after surgery.  At first, they will feel strange if you haven’t done them before.  Soon, however, they will become quite soothing as they clean out the debris left behind in your sinuses after surgery.  You can expect some bloody discharge with the irrigations for the first few days after surgery.
  • You can make up the mixture using this recipe: Mix ¼ teaspoon of non-iodised salt with a ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in 250mL of room temperature tap water. Use a squeeze bottle to flush the solution gently through one nostril and allow it to come out through the other nostril or from your mouth. Alternately, the ‘Sinus Rinse’ system by NeilMed is available at many pharmacies with prepared packets of salt-baking soda mixture.

What to avoid after surgery

  • If you are a smoker, please do not smoke for at least four weeks after surgery.
  • Nose Blowing and Straining:  You should avoid straining, heavy lifting (> 20 lbs) and nose blowing for at least 14 days after surgery.  Straining or nose blowing soon after surgery may cause bleeding.
  • If you have to sneeze, keep your mouth open to prevent nasal irritation.
Case 1 – Before and After Rhinoplasty

This young patient was concerned about the hump of his nose and their asymmetrical nostrils. He had difficulty breathing since his teenage years. He had a closed rhinoplasty to address these problems. The postoperative pictures were taken at three weeks from the date of surgery

Case 2 – Before and After Rhinoplasty

This patient was distressed with the large bulbous tip of her nose, the uneven profile and “masculine” angulation of her nose. She felt it was “too” big for her face.

She had an open rhinoplasty to correct the defects. These pictures were taken at three weeks following the surgery when she had significant swelling. This settled down over the next month to give a further refined nasal tip and profile.

What is the most appropriate age for a cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Studies suggest that a minimum age of 17 years is preferred to perform rhinoplasty as the bony structures of the face near completion and will not change much after this age. 

Infrequently it may be justified to perform the surgery at an earlier time. If this is the case, I will talk to you about the possible need for a second operation in future years.

Will I be asleep during surgery? Do I need to stay in the hospital?

I perform the surgery while you are asleep under general anaesthesia. The operation is usually performed as an outpatient day-case procedure unless done later during the day, in which case you may need to stay overnight.

Will I have an outside cast, inside foil splints and inside packing after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?

At the end of the procedure, I will typically place small strips of adhesive tape over your nose and put a cast on these strips. You should leave the cast in place for at least 7 to 12 days after the surgery.  I do not usually place packing in the nostrils.

Will sutures be removed after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?

If you undergo an open rhinoplasty, I place sutures on the skin between your nostrils. I will remove these 5-10 days after surgery and close the incisions inside the nose with absorbable material that don’t need to be removed. 

How long will I need to take off work and sport following surgery of the nose (rhinoplasty)?

Generally speaking the swelling and bruising around your eyes and nose may last up to 2-3 weeks. Most patients take two weeks off work after nose surgery.  

You should refrain from exercise before removal of the cast and splints. Once I have removed these, you may resume light sport with less intensity. However, please avoid strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. You should avoid contact sports for at least one year.

Can I wear glasses after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?

After the cast on your nose has been removed, I would ask you to refrain from using glasses for four weeks. You may need to obtain contact lenses for this duration.

Can I sunbathe after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?

It is advisable to minimize sun exposure during the first year after rhinoplasty surgery, especially in the noon hours. Applying sunscreen and wearing a sun hat is urged. 

May I visit the sauna or steam bath after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)? 

I recommend avoiding these activities for about three months after surgery to allow the swelling to decrease more quickly.

Is nose surgery (Rhinoplasty) painful, and do I need pain medication?

After surgery, pain is mild to moderate for 1 to 3 days and is usually well managed with Paracetamol, Brufen or Codeine. You should not experience any severe pain, and if you do, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Should you go for a Rhinoplasty (nose job)?

A quality nose job can change the way you look and feel. Go for rhinoplasty if –

The shape of your nose makes you feel self-conscious

You feel your nose is too big or too small for your face. A little crooked to one side, maybe a bit bulbous at the tip or perhaps it protrudes up a bit too much or has a bump in the middle. Whatever be the reason, the shape of your nose irks you. We understand that you want to feel more confident about the way you look.

Time and age have changed the way your nose looks

Sadly, nothing can escape the signs of ageing, not even the shape of your nose. As time passes and you begin to age, your nose can transform. You don’t want the tip of your nose to look limp or hanging. Just like your youthful personality, you want to look younger on the outside too.

You’re unhappy with the results of your previous procedure

All you wanted from your rhinoplasty was a natural-looking nose, but the results didn’t turn out the way you had imagined. The changes were obvious to everyone who saw your nose, so you felt even more self-conscious than before and started to lose confidence. Now, you want your confidence back.

How would you look after rhinoplasty?

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What we offer

Patient receiving rhinoplasty in Northampton

1.  Rhinoplasty in London

Cosmetic nose surgery can change the shape, size and projection of the nose. As the main focal point of the face, our patients often feel their nose doesn’t fit the rest of their features and gain more confidence following rhinoplasty. Mr Supriya specialises in all aspects of nose surgery including; closed, open, reconstructive and preservation rhinoplasty as well as non-surgical nose jobs. As an ear, nose and throat Surgeon, he can also assess and correct breathing problems at the same time as achieving the desired cosmetic result.

Blepharoplasty in Northampton

2. Blepharoplasty in London

Removing excess skin from the eyelid or eye bag can give a more youthful appearance. Mr Supriya can perform specialist techniques in scarless blepharoplasty to give you the best results.

Patient getting otoplasty treatment in London

3. Otoplasty in London

Sticking out ears can cause a lack of self-esteem in some patients. Mr Supriya can perform classical otoplasty where the ears are pinned back to change the appearance of over-projected ears. This is a simple procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia. He can also reduce the size of the ear by removing a portion of the ear lobe with no visible scarring.

Rhinoplasty can help you escape self-consciousness and reveal the real you

Take the first step and get a video consultation where you’ll meet expert facial surgeon, Mr Mrinal Supriya, who will help you discover which treatment will give you the wonderful natural results you desire

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Hear what our patients have to say

Our reputation rests on the experience of our patients

“Mr. Supriya operated on my daughter Mia earlier this year carrying out a septoplasty and surgery to both turbinates. I am a nurse myself and have worked for many years in the operating theatre and cosmetic industry so I am used to dealing with surgeons. Mr Supriya is an amazing person, not only a very competent surgeon but a very kind caring man who put himself out completely to help and accommodate Mia for her surgery. For the first time in 12 years Mia can breathe properly so to say we are grateful is an understatement.”
S.A., Septoplasty

“I was there for my medical examination. From setting up appointments, registration, consultation and check up process, all staff and Mrinal himself were exceptional. I would highly recommend the clinic and I am very happy with the results of my treatment.”

M. R., Deep Plane Facelift

“I have received only what I can describe as world class treatment from Mr Supriya. His care & professionalism has been a comfort for me from day one.”

A. C., Rhinoplasty

“Dr Supriya was very friendly, professional, and put me at ease straight away. He spent time talking to me about specifically what I wanted and gave me his honest advice. Consultations were always very positive, and I didn’t feel nervous for my surgery.”

K. T., Facelift
“The result from my surgery was fantastic – it was exactly what I wanted. I had an open septorhinoplasty, and as soon as I came out of surgery I could breathe much better than before. To my surprise, I didn’t experience any noticeable facial bruising or swelling at any point in my recovery.”
G. E., Septorhinoplasty

“The results were so natural-looking that no one at work could tell I had anything done! I am delighted with my experience overall, and would certainly recommend Dr Supriya to anyone interested in cosmetic surgery, particularly rhinoplasty.”

G. v.H., Rhinoplasty

“My experience has been amazing from the first consultation till the surgery and even after the surgery. The support and care given by Steve (Patient Coordinator) and my surgeon Dr Mrinal Supriya has been amazing and comforting. I am very pleased with the results so far and I couldn’t be happier.”

C. T., Septorhinoplasty

Even more information about the rhinoplasty process

In these posts, we explore the finer details about the procedures we offer

Scarless Blepharoplasty

Discover the benefits of rhinoplasty in London. Mrinal Supriya explains how your life can change after a nose job. Learn more...

Facelifts

Discover the benefits of rhinoplasty in London. Mrinal Supriya explains how your life can change after a nose job. Learn more...

Affiliations and memberships

We’re proud to be associated with these reputable professional associations

Take the first step from self-conscious to self-confident

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Read more about Rhinoplasty

I’m an expert in this area and have all of the answers to any questions you might have. However, If you’d like to continue learning about rhinoplasty, open up the toggles below to read more.

For an official overview of the treatment and to find out why patients have rhinoplasty, click here.

The NHS has provided useful information on rhinoplasty, including the cost and where to go to have the procedure. Click here for more information.

For an overview of the rhinoplasty procedure, and to find out what rhinoplasty could do for you, please read this useful article here. 

Mr Mrinal Supriya | Facial Cosmetic Surgeon

FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS

About the expert

Mr Mrinal Supriya is a Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon with a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the clinical director for head and neck service in Northamptonshire and works as an ENT Consultant. He is the lead head and neck robotic surgeon at the University hospital of Northamptonshire (2023). Previously, he held the post of ENT, Head and Neck consultant at St.George’s University Hospital, London and at Ninewells University Hospital, Dundee.

Mr Supriya has previously worked in top hospitals around the world, including the UK, Australia and USA. He has also spent time with Dr Andrew Jacono who has been named one of the top face lift surgeons in the USA.

Mr Supriya is among the 30 surgeons (2022), who are certified by The Royal College of Surgeon to provide facial cosmetic surgery in UK.

Learn more about me