Rhinoplasty - Patient Q&A

Hello I'm Mo Anwar - an ENT consultant and rhinoplasty specialist at the West London Rhinoplasty and ENT Clinic. In this video, I'll answer the most common questions I hear from patients who are considering nose surgery, covering both the cosmetic and the functional side. Rhinoplasty is surgery to refine the nose - both in terms of how it looks, and how it functions. The aim of the procedure is to create a nose that looks natural; feels right on your face; and works better when you breathe. One of the most common questions is: "Will my nose still look like me?" The answer is "Yes" - that is the key point of rhinoplasty. The aim is not to create a new nose - but a more balanced version of the features you already have. Small, considered changes can enhance your look while preserving your identity. Most healthy adults can be suitable candidates; but the right answer depends on your goals and your anatomy. Patients come to me for appearance; breathing; previous trauma or a combination. But, a thorough consultation is the best way to understand what is realistic for you. During your first consultation, we spend time understanding what you want to change and why. I examine the nose inside and out; discuss your breathing; and, where helpful, use imaging to plan together. You will leave the appointment with a clear picture of what surgery can achieve, and importantly, what it can't. Achieving natural results comes from: precision, restraint, and clear expectations that are set from the first consultation. I focus on small, strategic changes, including: Refining the bridge; adjusting the tip; and improving angles; all while respecting the character and ethnic features of your face. When needed, rhinoplasty can also improve your breathing. Structural issues such as a deviated septum, or valve collapse are often addressed at the same time to support better airflow. Every nose is different, so planning is individualised. I assess your facial proportions carefully and where useful, use computer imaging. The aim is always a natural, believable result suited to your face - not a generic template. Regarding recovery, most people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Swelling settles significantly in the first few weeks, while subtle refinement continues over several months. Discomfort during this period tends to feel more like nasal congestion than sharp pain. All surgery carries risks. These can include - bleeding; infection; prolonged swelling; numbness; asymmetry; an unsatisfactory aesthetic result; and occasionally, the need for revision surgery. Careful technique, detailed planning, and realistic expectations help to reduce these; and all relevant risks will be fully discussed with you at your consultation. The structural changes made during rhinoplasty are permanent. As the nose heals and settles, the outcome becomes more refined. Your nose will continue to change subtly with age, as the rest of your face does, but the shape achieved is designed to last. Non-surgical options, such as "Nasal Filler", can help in very selected cases, but they cannot reduce size, or improve breathing. Nasal filler also carries its own risks, and should only be performed by experienced clinicians. It is not a substitute for surgical rhinoplasty. Costs will depend on your initial assessment and the surgery required, including, the surgical time; complexity; and whether there are additional requirements such as cartilage harvesting, or rib cartilage grafts. I operate mainly at The Cromwell Hospital and The Cadogan Clinic - and my office can provide self-pay package information for each location on request. A successful rhinoplasty is not about changing who you are, it is about refining your features with subtle, precise changes. If you are considering surgery and would like to discuss your options, please get in touch. Thank you for watching.