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rhinoplasty faqs



Am I a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty has always been, and remains, one of the most popular and commonly performed cosmetic surgeries available. Many people are unhappy with the shape and/or size of their nose – not just because of the feature itself, but because a disproportionate nose can affect the way the face looks as a whole and compromises normal and balanced facial features. By amending the appearance of the nose, the patient generally looks a lot more conventionally attractive, as well as feeling much better and less self-conscious about the way they look.

Rhinoplasty techniques have been well practised and therefore refined over the years, and as a result, it is a more precise procedure as compared to standard techniques in a previous year.

Who should perform my rhinoplasty?
The most important aspect of any cosmetic surgery is finding the right person to perform it. Your surgeon should not only be someone who is fully qualified and can show you patient testimonials and previous results but also someone you get on with and feel comfortable with. They should also be an expert in your surgery of choice and have performed the surgery many times before. This is imperative not only for the best results but also to minimise the risk of complications and to ensure your expectations are met. There are many types of surgeons performing rhinoplasty from Plastic Surgeons to ENT Surgeons and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The advantage of a Plastic Surgeon is the full-time experience and pursuit relating to the art of aesthetics and beauty related to facial appearance.  Whereas ENT surgeons primarily treat the inside of the nose and breathing issues and maxillo-facial surgeons primarily treat teeth, Plastic Surgeons have devoted the whole of their training and career in techniques of improving external bodily features.


Mr Chana was chosen as London’s best rhinoplasty and facial surgeon to appear in the Sunday Times.


What happens during the rhinoplasty consultation?
Mr Chana will ask you about any previous medical history but also any history of trauma to the nose and any breathing difficulties. He will then ask you specifically what you do not like about your nose. This can often be a difficult question if you simply dislike the whole shape and so one aspect often to think about is the one feature of the nose that you dislike and would make you happy if it were changed. Mr Chana will guide you through this discussion step by step. There may be other features about your nose which you dislike and Mr Chana will discuss these and how the overall shape can be changed in the context of keeping a very natural appearance which will suit your face.

Can you bring photos of the types of noses you like?
The main consideration with rhinoplasty is that the new nose should suit your face and be in complete proportion to other facial features.  You may bring photos to the consultation of other noses but this may be irrelevant to your situation and in any case, this may not be achievable or look appropriate for your face. Mr Chana will tailor the surgery so that it is in complete harmony with your face.

How is a rhinoplasty performed?
There are two main ways of performing rhinoplasty surgery – open and closed. The difference is essentially in where the incision is placed, and the effect this has on the procedure. In a closed rhinoplasty procedure, all incisions are made inside the nose. This reduces the chance of scarring and also reduces recovery time, but it does also limit the results that can be achieved. Also, closed rhinoplasty cannot always address problems with the tip of the nose for which an open rhinoplasty is better suited.  During an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made in the nasal column (the bit that separates the nostrils) so that the skin can be lifted and Mr. Chana can work intricately on the tissues of the nose. The recovery period is a little longer for this, but it does allow for more refined results.

What is the preparation for rhinoplasty?
With any surgical procedure, there are things you can do prior to surgery to ensure that your treatment and recovery run smoothly. One of the main ones is that smokers are advised to quit before their surgery (as far in advance as is possible) to assist recovery – smoking can affect wound healing but also induces coughing after the anaesthetic which increases the risk of bleeding. Also you must not take aspirin like tablets for two weeks before surgery since this also increases the risk of bleeding.

What is the recovery for rhinoplasty?
After rhinoplasty, you will be required to wear a splint for one week, which will be provided by Mr. Chana at the time of your surgery. This helps to keep the tissues in place during the healing period of the first week. You should sleep upright for the first few nights after your treatment, again to avoid any swelling that may occur from knocking or disturbing your nose immediately after treatment.

You should take two weeks off work allowing recovery, after which time the majority of the swelling and bruising will have gone down (and any excess bruising can easily be covered with makeup). You should wait six weeks before resuming any vigorous activity like sport. Rhinoplasty surgery often causes temporary mild swelling – while it is not usually visible – can affect the appearance of the nose for a few months after surgery. Therefore, you can expect to see your best results between 6 and 9 months after surgery.

How do I learn more about rhinoplasty?
The best way to learn about any cosmetic procedure is to book a consultation with an expert rhinoplasty surgeon. During this consultation, they will be able to tell you not only about the procedure, but specific details about the likely result you can expect to achieve and any potential risks. Quite often Mr Chana will see patients twice for consultation prior to surgery.

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