My name is Huw Williams, I am a senior NHS consultant in ENT Surgery, and a specialist in cosmetic rhinoplasty, performing 75-80 either open or closed procedures each year.
Rhinoplasty is the term used to describe a variety of surgical procedures in which the shape of the nose is changed. The nose may be straightened, a hump on the bridge lowered, a depression filled or the size and shape of the tip altered. The aim of the surgery is to improve balance between the different parts of the nose and between the nose and the rest of the face. Although rhinoplasty is usually done to improve the appearance of the nose, it is sometimes performed to improve airflow. Straightening the septum as part of a rhinoplasty (a septorhinoplasty) can improve both the appearance and the airflow. In addition, expertise in advanced aesthetic surgery actually opens up several further possibilities for advanced functional surgery which would not be available without the use of specialist rhinoplasty techniques.
At your consultation we would discuss your concerns and what can be realistically achieved. Your nose would be examined and digital photographs would be taken to document and analyse the shape. Having reviewed your aims together we would produce a specific treatment plan based on your requirements and a realistic expectation of what surgery can achieve. An estimate of procedure cost would be provided and you might then want to take time to think about whether it is right for you to proceed before making any decision. |
If you decided to go ahead with surgery, you would be admitted on the day of surgery and leave hospital the next day. I do not normally pack the nose. Consequently, you would be able to breathe through the nose perfectly well in the recovery area. Later on, the lining of the nose would swell and it would become blocked so that you will feel like you have a heavy cold for about 4 or 5 days. There is surprisingly little pain after the operation. The external splint, which is quite small, is removed at one week and you are followed up until the nose has healed and you are happy with the outcome.
Our objective is to produce a natural looking nose that could easily be the one that you were born with. In other words the nose should not look as though it has undergone cosmetic surgery. We aim to remove those features which might draw the eye to the nose, to produce a result that is “invisible” and well balanced with the rest of the face. A good rhinoplasty should actually make the eyes look better.
Everyone is different and every rhinoplasty is tailored to the specific requirements of the individual patient. Our aim is to make you feel happier and more confident about your appearance and improve your quality of life. |
