Rhinoplasty in Edinburgh
Rhinoplasty is a specialised procedure. Few surgeons in Scotland perform it regularly, and the result is something the patient lives with every day, which is why the choice of surgeon matters more than for almost any other operation. Patients consider rhinoplasty for a range of reasons — to refine the nose’s shape, to address a feature they have been self-conscious about for years, to correct an injury, or to improve breathing. At Waterfront Private Hospital, 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 at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your surgery, performs it, and reviews you afterwards. We do not pressure decisions — a second consultation, free of charge, is available before you decide to proceed.
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
The First Week You will return to Waterfront approximately one week after surgery for your post-operative review. The external splint is removed at this appointment, and any sutures used for the open rhinoplasty incision are also removed. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable they feel by this point — significant pain is uncommon after rhinoplasty.
Bruising and Swelling Bruising around the eyes is normal and typically settles within 7–14 days. Significant swelling improves substantially within 2–3 weeks, but it is important to understand that subtle swelling continues to refine for up to a year. The final shape of your nose, particularly the tip, is something that emerges gradually rather than all at once.
Returning to Normal Activity Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job. Light activity and gentle walking can resume within a few days. Strenuous exercise, contact sports, and any activity that risks impact to the nose should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
Practical Considerations Avoid blowing your nose for the first 2 weeks. Sleeping with your head elevated for the first week reduces swelling. Glasses should not rest on the bridge of the nose for at least 6 weeks — your surgeon will discuss alternatives if you normally wear them.
Follow-up Appointments After your one-week appointment, your formal final assessment is arranged at six months, when the result has had time to settle. Between then, our consultants are available and happy to see you whenever you have a concern — you do not need to wait for a scheduled appointment. The aim is for you to feel supported throughout your recovery, not to be processed through a fixed timeline.
Frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty
What is the cost of rhinoplasty at Waterfront?
The guide price for rhinoplasty at Waterfront Private Hospital starts at £7,800. 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?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure to change the shape or improve the function of the nose.
What Can Rhinoplasty Address?
Rhinoplasty can correct various aesthetic and functional issues with the nose, such as size, shape, symmetry, and breathing problems.
How Long is the Recovery from Rhinoplasty?
Recovery times vary, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few weeks. Complete healing can take up to a year.
Are There Risks Associated with Rhinoplasty?
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks such as bleeding, infection, swelling, and dissatisfaction with results. Approximately 5–10% of rhinoplasty patients ultimately decide to undergo a small revision procedure, which is consistent with international rates. Selecting a qualified surgeon and having a thorough pre-surgery consultation helps minimise these risks.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Ideal candidates seek improvement for aesthetic or functional reasons, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the results.
Can Rhinoplasty Help with Breathing Issues?
Yes, rhinoplasty can correct structural issues within the nose that affect breathing, such as a deviated septum.
Understanding Body Dysmorphia: Am I a Suitable Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person is excessively concerned about a perceived flaw in their appearance. Patients with BDD might not be ideal candidates for rhinoplasty, as they may have unrealistic expectations about the surgery’s impact on their appearance.
If I Have Body Dysmorphia, Should I Consider Rhinoplasty?
If you have concerns about body dysmorphia, it’s important to discuss these with a mental health professional before considering rhinoplasty. A comprehensive psychological assessment can help determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery.
How Can I Ensure My Expectations for Rhinoplasty Are Realistic?
Discussing your goals and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon can help ensure they are realistic. Viewing before-and-after photos of previous patients can also provide a clear idea of potential outcomes.
What is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on enhancing the nose’s appearance, while functional rhinoplasty aims to improve nasal function, often addressing breathing issues.
Can Rhinoplasty Be Reversed?
While it’s difficult to completely reverse a rhinoplasty, revision surgery can be performed to make adjustments or correct issues from the initial surgery.
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.
