Rhinoplasty
The nose plays a central role in facial harmony. Rhinoplasty refines its shape to bring balance to your features, while preserving what makes you uniquely you.
Procedure Overview
Rhinoplasty, sometimes called nose reshaping, is a procedure that brings balance and harmony to the face by refining the shape or size of the nose. Even subtle changes can make a meaningful difference to overall appearance — and, for many people, to their confidence and comfort.
A well-performed rhinoplasty looks natural, with results that suit your unique features and age gracefully over time. In some cases, surgery can also improve breathing by widening the internal airways, combining aesthetic and functional benefits.
Because every face is unique, each rhinoplasty is carefully tailored to you. Some people seek to refine the nasal tip, smooth a hump, straighten the bridge, or subtly adjust proportions. Others may also consider complementary procedures, such as chin augmentation or reduction, to further enhance facial balance. Throughout the process, we take into account your goals, preferences, and natural anatomy, creating results that feel authentically yours.
Above all, our aim is to achieve a refined, harmonious result that feels like you — refreshed, confident, and entirely natural.
What to expect
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We recommend two pre-operative consultations for this procedure. During your consultations, we’ll explore your wishes in detail to ensure we have a shared understanding of the outcome you’re seeking. It can be helpful to bring photos of noses you admire (and those you don’t) to guide the conversation, though final results will always reflect your unique features and healing process.
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In the days leading up to rhinoplasty, you’ll be given clear instructions to support a smooth procedure. This often includes fasting before your anaesthetic, pausing certain medications or supplements, and avoiding smoking to encourage healing. We also recommend arranging time off work, organising transport home, and preparing a restful space for recovery.
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Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to three hours. Techniques vary depending on whether the procedure is focused on reshaping the bridge, tip, or nasal passages. The aim is always a refined, balanced result that enhances facial harmony while respecting your natural features.
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You’ll wake with a small splint on the nose to protect its new shape, and in some cases soft internal dressings. Swelling, congestion, and mild discomfort are common in the first few days. Most patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital, with clear instructions for care.
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Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first week, gradually improving over two to three weeks. The splint is usually removed at around one week, and most patients can return to daily activities within two weeks. Subtle refinements continue over months, with final results becoming clear after a year.
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Follow-up appointments ensure your healing is on track and provide space to address any concerns. Early visits focus on splint removal and monitoring swelling, while later reviews assess long-term progress. Dr. de Chalain remains available throughout recovery, guiding you toward a natural, enduring result.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of structural and aesthetic concerns, including a prominent or crooked nasal bridge; a drooping or bulbous nasal tip; a nose that feels too large or too small for the face; overly wide, uneven, or flared nostrils; and breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum or internal obstruction.
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In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) to lift the skin and allow full visibility of the nasal structures. This approach provides greater precision and control for reshaping the framework. In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils. This approach may be suitable for more straightforward refinements where less structural modification is required. Dr. de Chalain will recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy and goals.
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This depends on your personal goals for your procedure. Even a subtle rhinoplasty can have a powerful impact on facial balance. A thoughtfully performed procedure enhances your overall harmony — people may comment that you look refreshed or more confident, rather than immediately recognising you’ve had surgery. The best rhinoplasties don’t draw attention to the nose; they allow the eyes and other features to come forward.
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Yes. When performed by a surgeon experienced in both aesthetic and functional techniques, rhinoplasty can correct structural issues such as a deviated septum, valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates, helping to restore clear airflow while refining the external shape.
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You’ll typically wear a small splint for about a week to support the nose as it heals. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common initially, but most people feel comfortable returning to work or social activities after 10–14 days. Refinement continues over time; most swelling subsides within a few weeks, but subtle definition can keep improving for 6–12 months as the tissues settle.
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The results are permanent. Once healed, the nasal structures are stable, and although the face continues to age naturally, your new nasal shape should remain harmonious for life.
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Yes. Rhinoplasty is often combined with procedures such as chin augmentation or fat grafting to enhance overall facial balance, or with functional nasal surgery to improve breathing. Combining procedures allows for a more comprehensive and harmonious outcome.
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Absolutely. The intent of modern rhinoplasty is not to create a “different” face, but to bring your features into proportion. The result should feel authentic to you — familiar, balanced, and beautifully natural.
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Costs vary based on the extent of surgery, whether it’s combined with other procedures, and the demands of your individual anatomy. A detailed quotation is provided after your consultation and surgical plan are confirmed. For more information on how we price our procedures, see our Pricing Information page.
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