Rhinoplasty is suitable for people who are unhappy with their nose and can clearly define what it is that disturbs them. Often there will be a medical problem in addition to any aesthetic flaw (e.g. impaired breathing due to narrowing of the partition between the nostrils). This can be corrected during the same surgical procedure. Nasal surgery may also be required to correct injuries received as the result of an accident.

Nose correction: Key facts at a glance

Op. length: 1 or 2 hrs

Anaesthetic: general, or possibly only local

Clinic stay: outpatient or 1 night as inpatient

Post-op. treatment: the tamponade is removed 2 to 5 days after surgery. The plaster cast is removed after about 1 week

Time off work: about 2 weeks

Sport: resume after 4 to 6 week