Rhinoplasty Further FAQs

Closed preservation & ultrasonic techniques with anatomy-first planning.

My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in a deep understanding of nasal anatomy. I prioritise closed preservation rhinoplasty and precision/ultrasonic (piezotome) techniques for bony work, reserving open or more structural methods when they better serve your anatomy or goals.

Preservation aims to maintain key native structures—dorsum, ligaments, and support—while reshaping the nose. This can reduce the need for extensive grafting and may produce subtle, stable contours with less disruption.

Yes. I routinely use the piezotome for bony work because it allows highly precise bone reshaping. I may not use it when the extra dissection required would add swelling with minimal benefit (for example, very small bony adjustments).

Most primary cases are suited to closed preservation. I recommend open (external columellar incision) when exposure is essential—for complex tip work, major revision, or when structural grafting is required. Choice is driven by your anatomy.

Closed rhinoplasty hides incisions inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty adds a small columellar incision that typically settles well. Alar base reductions (when indicated) use discreet creases at the nostril base.

Yes, if obstruction is due to septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, internal valve collapse, or similar issues. Airway assessment is routine, and septoplasty/turbinate surgery or valve support can be performed at the same time when indicated.

Proportions are tailored to your heritage, facial features, and preferences. The goal is harmony with the rest of your face, not a one-size template.

Primarily septal cartilage, with conchal (ear) cartilage as a secondary option. Rib cartilage is reserved for select complex or revision cases when more robust support is required.

Filler can camouflage minor contour issues but does not reduce size or address airway concerns. It is temporary and used selectively when it makes sense.

Discomfort is usually mild–moderate and managed with simple analgesia. A thermoplastic splint is typically used for ~7 days; packs are avoided where possible (soft internal splints/stents only if needed).

Plan ~7–10 days away from public-facing work while bruising and swelling settle. Many patients feel presentable with light camouflage at day 7–10.

You’ll see a change when the splint comes off (~1 week), but refinement evolves over 3–6 months, with final definition (especially at the tip) taking up to 12 months.

Exercise: Light walking from day 1; avoid strenuous exercise for ~2 weeks; gradual return after review. Glasses: Avoid resting frames on the nose for ~4–6 weeks (use cheek supports/tape if necessary). Flying: Generally fine after 1–2 weeks; avoid high-impact activity immediately after flights.

Bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, asymmetry, contour irregularities, persistent or new breathing issues, numbness, scarring (open/alar incisions), and need for revision (a small percentage) are discussed as part of consent. With ultrasonic tools, bone work is more precise, but normal risks still apply.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not eligible. Functional components (e.g., septoplasty/turbinate reduction for obstruction) may meet criteria; this is assessed individually and discussed before surgery.

In an accredited day surgery or private hospital under general anaesthesia.

Standardised photos, airway evaluation, and proportion analysis. We review closed preservation vs structural options, the role of piezotome for bones, potential grafts, and realistic timelines for recovery and refinement.

Stable health, realistic goals, and concerns that align with what rhinoplasty can safely address—shape, proportion, and/or airway.

Revision cases are possible but more complex due to scar tissue and limited graft sources. Planning is meticulous; sometimes rib cartilage is required for support.

Bony and cartilaginous changes are long-lasting. Normal ageing continues; preservation of structural support helps stability over time.

Yes—commonly chin augmentation, septoplasty, functional valve support, or blepharoplasty (staged or combined). We plan sequencing to streamline recovery.