Rhinoplasty in Edinburgh
Rhinoplasty is a specialised procedure — few surgeons in Scotland perform it regularly, and the result is something you live with every day, which is why the choice of surgeon matters more than for almost any other operation.
At Waterfront, rhinoplasty is delivered by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register with sub-specialty training in facial surgery; patients travel from across Scotland to be seen here. The consultant you choose plans, performs and reviews your surgery — and a free second consultation is available before you decide.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Dr Awf Quaba was an excellent surgeon who carried out a complicated revision surgery. I had previously had a bad aesthetic outcome after surgery to repair my airways after collapsed cartilage. Dr Quaba took time to explain my options and any limitations he felt might be involved with this kind of revision work. After our third meeting, we agreed to go ahead. The result was outstanding and exceeded my expectations. Dr Quaba is not only an excellent and skilful surgeon but a lovely person who took a very caring approach throughout the process. I felt in very safe hands and I absolutely love my new nose. I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr Quaba.
Debra
June 2024
Contents
Overview
Rhinoplasty Edinburgh
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
2-3 hours - HOSPITAL STAY
Day case - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
What the procedure involves
1. Initial Consultation:
- Discussion of Aims: A detailed discussion about what you want to change and why, including a careful examination of your facial proportions, skin quality, and breathing function.
- Photographs and Planning: Standard clinical photographs are taken, and your surgeon will discuss what is realistic, what is not, and how the procedure would be planned for you specifically.
2. Second Consultation: Recognising the significance of this decision, we offer a free second consultation if you would like one before proceeding, ensuring you are confident and fully informed.
3. Surgical Approach: Most rhinoplasty procedures at Waterfront are performed using the open approach. A small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils), which heals to a fine, well-concealed scar. The open approach gives the surgeon direct visualisation of the nasal structures and is the most reliable way to achieve a precise, predictable result, particularly where the nasal tip is being reshaped or where revision work is involved. Closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are made entirely inside the nose, is used in selected cases.
4. Reshaping: The underlying bone and cartilage are carefully reshaped to achieve the agreed result. This may involve refining the tip, reducing or augmenting the dorsum, narrowing the bony pyramid, or correcting septal deviation where breathing function is involved.
5. Closing the Incisions and Splinting: Internal incisions are closed with fine dissolvable sutures. The columellar incision used in open rhinoplasty is closed with very fine sutures that are removed at your one-week appointment. An external splint is applied to support the new shape during initial healing and is removed at the same one-week appointment.
Benefits and Expected Outcomes
- Improved Facial Balance: Enhances facial balance and proportions.
- Corrected Breathing Issues: Can address structural abnormalities that impede breathing.
- Increased Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem.
- Personalised Results: Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Patients can expect to see the final results once the swelling and bruising subside, usually within a few weeks, with continued subtle improvements over several months.
Before and after rhinoplasty photos
Who is an ideal candidate?
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are individuals who:
- Are physically healthy and at least 18 years old (to ensure facial growth is complete).
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome.
- Wish to improve the appearance and/or function of their nose.
Risks and Considerations
General Surgical Risks
- Anaesthesia Risks: Reactions to anaesthesia range from mild to more serious complications.
- Bleeding and Infection: Standard risks associated with any surgery, minimised by careful technique and post-operative care.
- Swelling and Bruising: Common after rhinoplasty and may persist longer than patients expect. Significant swelling typically settles within 2–3 weeks, but subtle swelling can take 12 months or more to fully resolve.
Specific Risks Associated with Rhinoplasty
- Asymmetry: Perfect symmetry is not always achievable. Most patients have some natural asymmetry that becomes more apparent during recovery before settling.
- Numbness: Temporary numbness of the nasal tip is common after rhinoplasty and usually resolves within months. Permanent numbness is rare.
- Breathing Changes: While rhinoplasty often improves breathing, in a small number of cases patients can experience new breathing difficulties.
- Dissatisfaction with Result: A small possibility, often mitigated through thorough pre-surgery consultation and the offer of a free second appointment before proceeding.
- Revision Surgery: Approximately 5–10% of rhinoplasty patients ultimately decide to undergo a small revision procedure. This is consistent with international rates and is discussed openly at consultation.
Further Reading and Resources
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS): BAAPS Rhinoplasty
- National Health Service (NHS): NHS Rhinoplasty
Conclusion
While rhinoplasty can offer significant aesthetic and functional benefits, it is important to consider all potential risks and the possibility of revision. We prioritise patient education and safety at Waterfront Private Hospital, ensuring you are fully informed throughout your decision-making process.
Aftercare and recovery
You return to Waterfront one week after surgery, when the splint and any sutures are removed — most patients are surprised how comfortable they feel by then. Bruising around the eyes settles within one to two weeks; most swelling resolves over two to three weeks, while the final shape — particularly the tip — continues to refine for up to a year. Most patients take one to two weeks off work and avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks. Your formal final review is at six months, and your consultant is available between appointments whenever you have a concern.
What does rhinoplasty cost?
The guide price for rhinoplasty at Waterfront Private Hospital starts at £9,200. Final pricing depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether functional (breathing) work is included. Revision rhinoplasty is priced separately as it typically involves more complex work. We do not offer price matching, and our initial consultations are paid as they are clinical assessments with a consultant plastic surgeon. We do, however, offer a free second consultation if you would like one before deciding to proceed.
Frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty
What is the cost of rhinoplasty at Waterfront?
The guide price for rhinoplasty at Waterfront Private Hospital starts at £9,200. Final pricing depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether functional (breathing) work is included. Revision rhinoplasty is priced separately as it typically involves more complex work. We do not offer price matching, and our initial consultations are paid as they are clinical assessments with a consultant plastic surgeon. We do, however, offer a free second consultation if you would like one before deciding to proceed.
What is Rhinoplasty?
What Can Rhinoplasty Address?
How Long is the Recovery from Rhinoplasty?
Are There Risks Associated with Rhinoplasty?
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Can Rhinoplasty Help with Breathing Issues?
Understanding Body Dysmorphia: Am I a Suitable Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
If I Have Body Dysmorphia, Should I Consider Rhinoplasty?
How Can I Ensure My Expectations for Rhinoplasty Are Realistic?
What is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty?
Can Rhinoplasty Be Reversed?
Author
Mr Awf Quaba, MB ChB, FRCS, GMC 3034912, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 35 years of experience and a co-founder of Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. He specialises in cosmetic facial and breast surgery, has published over 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and is a full member of BAAPS.
