The shape of things to come for nose surgery
IN the past the decision to go under the knife for a new nose was not to be taken lightly. Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) can be a tricky operation as well as being costly and painful. The procedure can take up to three hours and recovery can take up to six weeks.
But now there is a great non-surgical alternative for those who wish to tweak their nose without going under the knife,
Dubbed the “lunchtime nose job”, injectable rhinoplasty can strengthen the bridge, define the tip, hide bumps and add contours all by using dermal fillers in a 30-minute painless procedure.
Performed live on ITV’s This Morning last week, it isn’t suitable for all nose complaints but the treatment is a great option for anyone looking to improve their profile or reshape their nose.
But before you take the plunge, make sure to consult a good doctor and arm yourself with the facts.
Here we share our guide to what you should know before getting a new nose.
THE NON-SURGICAL FIX WHAT IS IT?
This treatment is suitable for those who are unhappy with the shape of their nose rather than the size.
It can build up a flat nose or help reshape after sport injuries.
The treatment can also uplift the tip of the nose as well as even out any depressions or unevenness.
It is fast, painless and, priced between £300 and £650, is a cheaper option than surgery.
There is also no downtime whereas a surgical nose job can involve a long recovery period. An experienced cosmetic doctor will fix most minor nose asymmetries by filling in the depressions surrounding them to create the illusion of a more even profile.
While in reality this makes the nose bigger, the straighter shape will actually cause the nose to appear smaller and neater.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
First a topical anaesthetic is applied to the nose.
Next, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, a gel-like substance found naturally in the body’s connective tissues, is injected under the skin into the areas to be corrected.
Beneath the skin the filler forms a spongy layer, adding plumpness.
Most patients need about three to six injections and the results are instant with an immediate improvement in the overall shape.
However, it is important to
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remember that injectables are only capable of disguising the imperfection temporarily.
Over the course of a year the filler gradually breaks down.
Though there may be some bruising at the injection site and redness this is easily covered with make-up.
Botox can also be used as part of the treatment to relax the muscle that pulls the nasal tip downward, creating a more upturned appearance.
It can also soften the lines on the sides near the top of the nose. For more information call 0207 436 4441.
THE SURGICAL SOLUTION
According to the latest statistics, rhinoplasty procedures went up by 21 per cent last year.
It is now one of the most sought-after procedures in the UK.
Rebecca Adlington, the 28-year-old Olympic swimmer, reportedly underwent a nose job in 2014 after abuse on social media about her appearance. Surgeons are often asked to mimic celebrity features and the Duchess of Cambridge has the most copied celebrity nose. Indeed research also shows that increasing numbers of women are concerned they don’t have the perfect profile. The most common reasons for surgery are to correct a nose that is crooked, too large, too wide or too small and a good result can make a dramatic difference to the facial features.
Balancing proportions between the nose and the rest of the face is the biggest challenge facing rhinoplasty surgeons and the skill is being able to identify what nasal shape will complement the patient’s face.
You can expect to pay between £5,500 and £7,500.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
Rhinoplasty has come a long way in recent years but like all surgery there are risks.
The procedure can take up to three hours to perform and is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
The surgeon begins by making an incision inside the nose or across the skin that separates the nostrils.
In some cases the nose is broken and reset. If not, the surgeon will shave or remove cartilage and bone to create the desired shape.
Recovery after the procedure can be difficult and can take several weeks. A splint will have to be worn for up to a week and often the nose is packed with gauze to help support it as it heals.
There will be swelling and stiffness and often bruising around the eyes and cheeks.
You may feel like you have a cold and suffer headaches. While it is common to experience a dry mouth from being unable to breathe through your nose, sucking sweets and drinking extra fluids can help.
The nose will remain very tender, sometimes for up to a year and even wearing spectacles can be very painful.
Nosebleeds are common after the operation and sometimes correction surgery is needed after the nose has settled into its new shape.
Results, however, last a lifetime.
For advice about cosmetic surgery and treatments, consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips, see lesleyreynolds.com