Nose surgery is performed under anaesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. The choice of anaesthesia used depends on the complexity of the surgery and will be decided during your pre-surgery consultation, based on your medical history and the specifics of your operation.

• Local anaesthesia with sedation
  Suitable for less invasive procedures. You will be awake but relaxed, and the nose will be numbed to block pain. Stronger sedation may be an option, depending on your preference and discussion with your surgeon and anaesthetist.

• General anaesthesia
  Used for more complex surgeries. You will be fully asleep, and a breathing tube will be used to assist your breathing.

An anaesthetist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

There are three main techniques for making incisions in rhinoplasty: open, closed, and ultrasonic. The choice depends on the complexity of the procedure and the desired changes.

• Open rhinoplasty
  The incision is made across the small strip of tissue between the nostrils (columella). This approach gives the surgeon full access to the nasal structure, which is why it is often used for more complex procedures.
• Closed rhinoplasty
  All incisions are inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. While visibility is more limited, closed rhinoplasty is often suitable for minor adjustments and typically results in less swelling and a quicker recovery.
• Ultrasonic rhinoplasty
  A newer technique that uses ultrasonic energy to reshape the nasal bones with high precision, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and potentially minimising bruising and swelling.

The main part of the procedure is reshaping the nose. If the septum is deviated, it can often be straightened at the same time. The surgeon carefully adjusts the nasal structure to improve both appearance and function, using one or more of the following techniques.

• Modifying bone and cartilage
  Excess bone and cartilage may be removed or repositioned to achieve the desired shape. In cases where more volume is needed, grafts from other parts of the body (often the septum, ear, or rib) may be used.
• Refining the tip
  The nasal tip can be refined using sutures or cartilage grafts, which help adjust its shape, definition, and rotation with precision.
• Adjusting the nasal bridge
  The surgeon may reduce a hump on the nasal bridge by carefully removing bone and cartilage. Alternatively, if augmentation is needed, grafts can be used to build up the bridge, giving it the underlying structure it needs for a permanent result.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions. In open rhinoplasty, the small incision on the columella is sutured with precision to keep scarring minimal. In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are inside the nostrils, meaning there are no visible scars.

Most internal sutures dissolve on their own, while any external stitches are usually removed within a week. To help the nose heal and maintain its new shape, splints and packing may be used for support during the initial recovery phase.

Recovering from nose surgery takes time, and the first week often comes with some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. This will gradually improve, and you can help support the healing process nu following these tips.

• Rest and keep your head elevated
• Apply cold compresses, avoiding direct pressure on the nose
• Avoid strenuous activities for at least 3-6 weeks
• Follow your surgeon's instructions for cleaning the nasal area
• Attend your follow-up appointments

Recovery time varies, but most people can return to work and normal activities within two weeks. However, it can take up to a year or more for the nose to fully heal and settle into its final shape. During this period, it’s important to take proper care of your nose.