Medically reviewed by Dr Josiah Gana, FWACS, Chief Consultant Plastic Surgeon · Updated 15 July 2026
What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a highly individual procedure that can refine the bridge, tip, nostrils, or overall nasal proportion.
Dr. Gana’s planning language is measured and practical: the goal is facial harmony, not a copied nose. Breathing, skin thickness, bone structure, and patient goals are reviewed before a plan is agreed.
Patients are guided through what can change, what should remain natural, and how swelling affects the final result over time.
Rhinoplasty — nose reshaping surgery — is among the most technically complex and artistically demanding procedures in plastic surgery. It can address a wide range of concerns: a dorsal hump on the bridge, a drooping or upturned tip, asymmetry, excessive width at the bridge, nostril size, or a combination of these. It can also correct functional issues such as a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves that affect breathing — often in the same procedure.
Dr. Gana performs both open and closed rhinoplasty. The open technique uses a tiny incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) to provide maximum visibility for complex reshaping. The closed technique uses incisions entirely inside the nostril, leaving no external scar, and is appropriate for more limited refinements. The choice depends on your anatomy and the extent of reshaping required.
Because the nose sits at the centre of the face, the result must be in harmony with all surrounding features — not simply 'smaller' or 'different'. The goal is always a result that looks natural and that you recognise as your face, refined. Patience is a key part of rhinoplasty: residual tip swelling can persist for up to 12 months, and the final result is fully visible only at the one-year mark.
Areas treated
- Nasal bridge
- Nasal tip
- Nostrils
- Septal structure where clinically indicated
- Overall facial profile
Rhinoplasty at a glance
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Hospital Stay
- Day case or 1 night
- Recovery
- 2-3 weeks (social)
Times are typical. Your surgeon will give you a personal plan at consultation.
Why patients choose this procedure
- Improved facial balance
- Refinement of nasal bridge or tip
- Correction of selected asymmetries
- Potential breathing improvement when structural issues are addressed
- A more confident side profile
Is it right for you?
Likely a good fit if
- Concern about nasal shape or proportion
- Fully developed nasal structure
- Good general health
- Realistic expectations about swelling and final results
- No uncontrolled medical condition affecting surgery
Not the right time if
- Nose still developing (under 18)
- Active or recent smoker
- Seeking perfection rather than improvement
- Significant uncontrolled health conditions
- Unrealistic expectations about final appearance
Your surgeon confirms suitability in person after an examination and pre-operative assessment.
What to expect
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01 Splint & Swelling Days 1-10
A nasal splint is worn for 7-10 days. Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose is normal and expected.
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02 Splint Removed Weeks 2-3
Once the splint is off, most patients can return to social activities. Swelling remains but is significantly reduced.
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03 Progressive Refinement Months 1-3
The nose continues to refine and the tip softens gradually. Avoid contact sport and sun exposure to the nose.
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04 Final Shape Months 6-12
The final result becomes fully apparent between 6 and 12 months as residual internal swelling resolves completely.
Your surgeons
Risks & safety
Risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, numbness, asymmetry, breathing changes, dissatisfaction with shape, and revision surgery. Detailed consultation and conservative planning help reduce these risks.
Frequently asked questions
How long before I see the final rhinoplasty result?
Significant bruising and swelling resolves in 2–3 weeks, but residual swelling — particularly at the tip — takes up to 12 months to fully resolve. Most patients are happy with their appearance by 3–4 months, with continued improvement to the 12-month mark.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions inside the nostrils with no visible external scar. Open rhinoplasty adds a small incision across the columella for greater visibility and precision. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate technique based on your goals and anatomy.
Can rhinoplasty fix a breathing problem?
Yes. Functional rhinoplasty addresses a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or collapsed nasal valves to improve airflow. Functional and cosmetic changes can be addressed in the same procedure.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
The nose is numb immediately after surgery and discomfort is generally mild, well-controlled with oral pain medication. The feeling of congestion and pressure is the most commonly reported post-operative sensation.
Can rhinoplasty be revised if I am not satisfied?
Revision rhinoplasty is possible but is significantly more complex due to scar tissue from the primary procedure. It is typically not considered until at least 12 months after the primary procedure when all swelling has fully resolved.
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