Interested in reshaping your nose? Rhinoplasty might be the answer.

We aren’t all blessed with the ‘ideal’ nose. Some might feel their noses are too large. If you’re worried about your nose size, it’s helpful to know there’s a solution.

Modern cosmetic surgery offers a way to reduce the size of the nose. This is achieved through rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job.

Given the intricate nature of rhinoplasty, it demands a high degree of expertise. Thus, choosing an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome

In this article, I will talk about how to make your nose smaller, the risks, and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery. I will also discuss recovery from the surgery.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery tailored to adjust the size of your nose.
The nose, being a prominent, central feature of your face, significantly influences how you look.

People who have big noses mostly suffer because of insecurity. When you have a big nose, other people notice it. Some of them might say terrible things to you.

A big nose can also affect your self-esteem and confidence. If you feel like your nose decreases your self-esteem and confidence, consider taking action.

Think of making your nose smaller through rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to change your nose’s appearance. If you suffer from a big nose, rhinoplasty can make it smaller.

Rhinoplasty changes the shape and size of your nose. The best nose jobs are those that suit nose shapes and sizes accordingly.

Whether it’s due to a medical condition, trauma, or previous procedure, a nose job enhances your appearance.

Since rhinoplasty is a major surgical procedure, it has to be done by a skilled, experienced surgeon. If you want safe and effective surgery, you need to work with the best doctor you can find.

In addition, rhinoplasty takes time. Hence, knowing how long a nose job takes to heal helps you properly schedule your surgery.

How Is Rhinoplasty Done

A cosmetic surgeon performs rhinoplasty by altering bone, cartilage, or both.

The rhinoplasty procedure can be done either internally or externally on the nose.

There are two main types of rhinoplasty― closed and open.

During closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions within the nostrils. The surgeon also operates separately on the left and right nostrils.

Since closed rhinoplasty is done within the nostrils, the surgery does not result in visible scars.

Due to its nature, closed rhinoplasty suits regular rhinoplasty well― one that changes a nose that did not have prior damage.

On the other hand, open rhinoplasty involves the columella. The columella is the tissue found between your nostrils. During open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions on the columella.

Since open rhinoplasty is done on the columella, it provides higher accuracy for changing your nose’s appearance.

Due to its nature, open rhinoplasty suits revision rhinoplasty. Since surgeons perform revision rhinoplasty on noses with severely changed structures, it calls for the open method.

How to Make Your Nose Smaller

Rhinoplasty adjusts your nasal bridge, tip, and wings.

While a non-surgical nose job helps you achieve the results you want, its results are temporary.

Rhinoplasty offers permanent results. My patients enjoy the results of their nose jobs for many years. Some of them enjoy it for a lifetime.

Hence, the best way to make your nose smaller is through rhinoplasty. But how does rhinoplasty make your nose smaller? Here’s how to make your nose smaller:

1. Rhinoplasty adjusts your nasal bridge.

Your nasal bridge is the bony area of your nose.

Some patients have nasal bridges that are too big for their faces. If you have a big nasal bridge, your nose becomes disproportionate to the rest of your face. This also makes your nose look bigger than it actually is.

Rhinoplasty can adjust the nasal bridge. To do this, I first remove the bone and cartilage causing the irregularity. Then, I move the bone and cartilage closer to the nasal bridge. By doing this, the nose’s size decreases.

2. A nose job decreases the ala of the nose.

The ala of the nose (plural: alae), is the wing of the nose.

Wide alae make the nose bigger. Many patients come to me with concerns involving the wings of their noses. It gets worse when you have a narrow nasal bridge and extremely wide alae.

A nose job decreases the size of the nose’s wings. To do this, I first remove a portion of the nose’s wings. Then, I will adjust the nostrils. By doing this, the nose ends up looking smaller.

3. Rhinoplasty changes your nasal tip.

As its name implies, the nasal tip is the tip of your nose.

Some patients’ noses look huge because the nasal tip is longer than average. The drooping of the nasal tip also makes the nose bigger than it actually is.

Rhinoplasty can change your nasal tip. To do this, make a small cut on the columella. Then, I reshape the cartilage that supports the nasal tip. By doing this, the nasal tip becomes shorter. This results in the nose looking smaller.

Preparing for Nose Shaping

Before making your nose smaller, you need a careful assessment by a qualified surgeon.

When planning a nose job, your cosmetic surgeon has to examine your nose relative to your face.

First, I will examine the size and shape of your nose. Depending on your preference, I will take photos of your nose. I can also do 3D modelling so you can see how your nose will look after the surgery. After this, I will determine exactly what changes you need.

While mainly done to reshape the nose, a nose job can also be done for other purposes. It can be used to correct a prior nose job or enhance an ethnic nose.

These procedures are called revision rhinoplasty and ethnic rhinoplasty, respectively. My clinic at Harley Street offers these surgical procedures.

Before rhinoplasty, you need to consult a doctor. You can book a consultation with me here.

During the consultation, I will explain to you how rhinoplasty at my clinic goes. I will take you through each step.

Then, we will talk about your goals and medical history. I will also check your current medical condition to see if rhinoplasty is the best solution for you. If not, I will suggest alternatives that can  make you reach your aesthetic goals.

In addition, I will also explain the risks involved with the surgery. While I assure you of a safe procedure, patients react differently to the surgery. Some experience mild side effects. Others experience moderate side effects.

Once you agree to get a nose job, I will ask you to sign a consent form.

After signing the consent form, I will give your reminders. These include what you should not do before the surgery.

For example, if you smoke, I will ask you to try to stop smoking for at least six weeks before rhinoplasty.

Smoking raises your risk of getting infections. These infections can slow your recovery down.

Understanding the Nose Shaping Process

Nose reshaping or rhinoplasty includes making cuts on specific areas of your nose.

Before starting, I’ll give you anaesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

In our clinic, we opt for sedation anaesthesia. I favour this method as it’s typically safer and leads to a quicker recovery compared to general anaesthesia.

Once the anaesthesia is in effect, I’ll make adjustments to your nasal bones and/or cartilage. Based on your desired outcome, I might remove, add to, or reposition these structures.

The duration of the nose job varies based on the specific procedure and the methods that work best for you. If we’re combining it with other treatments, like a facelift or eyelid surgery, it might take a bit longer.

After the shaping is complete, I’ll carefully close up the cuts, ensuring any scars are as discreet as possible.

What to Expect After Nose Shaping

The recovery period varies from one patient to another.

After the procedure, you have to rest until the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. You need proper rest so you can go home the same day if you want to. Rhinoplasty in my clinic usually does not require an overnight stay. However, I advise you to have someone drive you home after the surgery.

You will go home with dressing on your nose. Depending on the techniques used, you might have splints inside or on your nose to keep your bones in the right place.

Before you leave the facility, my team and I will give you guidelines and tips for recovery. Remember, you can call us anytime if you have questions or concerns about recovery.

Recovering From Nose Shaping

Putting ice on your nose and resting well help speed up recovery.

Recovery time from rhinoplasty varies per patient. Here are things you can do to speed up your rhinoplasty recovery:

1. Put ice on the affected area.

Putting ice on the affected area reduces swelling. It slows down your blood flow. As a result, it reduces inflammation. It helps minimize bruising as well.

I recommend putting ice around on your nose for 10 minutes. Do this for the first three days after your nose job. You can use ice in a bag or frozen peas for this.

2.Take medication.

You can take prescription and herbal medicine to speed up your recovery. For example, herbs like Arnica help reduce bleeding.

I give my patients special, FDA-approved herbal medicine that enhances recovery. On the other hand, you have to avoid certain medicine containing aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after your nose job. These medicines increase bleeding, so you need to avoid them.

3. Have plenty of rest.

Your body has to work extra hard after the surgery. It needs to heal itself. Hence, you must rest to recover faster.

When you sleep, more blood flows to your muscles and tissues. This extra blood brings oxygen and nutrients that help speed up your recovery.

Due to this, I advise you to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night after the surgery, in addition to naps.

4. Sleep in an elevated position.

Speaking of getting enough rest, your sleeping position matters to your recovery as well.

During recovery, your nose becomes fragile. Sleeping on your stomach or side puts pressure on your nose. This can compromise the results of your nose job.

Thus, you should sleep on your back. You must keep your head elevated as well. Putting two or three pillows under your head helps you stay in the right position.

5. Do not blow your nose.

Your nose will become congested after the surgery. Hence, try not to blow your nose at all costs.

I recommend using saline spray to moisturise your nasal passages until the congestion decreases. By doing this, you can shorten your recovery time and avoid damageing your fragile nose.

Risks of a Nose Job

Risks of rhinoplasty include swelling, bruising, and pain.

Just like any major surgical procedure, surgery for a small nose involves risks. Here are the risks associated with rhinoplasty:

1. Swelling

You can expect some swelling after a nose job. Within two weeks after the procedure, approximately 80% of the swelling will go away. In addition, you can immediately see your nose shape change after the dressing is removed.

The swelling will continue to heal. Three months after your surgery, the swelling will completely go away. However, it can take up to 12 months for you to see your nose’s final shape.

2. Bruising

There are two stages of bruising. The first stage occurs right after your nose job. During the first stage, the bruises are most visible.

The second stage occurs within one week after surgery. During this time, your bruises are healing.

Thanks to the techniques and sedation anaesthesia I use, my patients’ bruises are minimal. In addition, more than 90% of my patients experience no bruising or bruising that goes away within seven to 14 days.

Less than 20% of the time, bruising caused by rhinoplasty is noticeable under the eyes. It takes six weeks for bruising in this area to go away. However, you can use makeup to cover it one week after rhinoplasty.

3. Pain

Nose jobs are not usually painful. My patients experience minimal pain after nasal surgery. The pain lasts for less than a day.

Moreover, congestion and pressure cause most of the pain my patients feel, not the surgery per se.

Oral analgesia usually takes the pain away one day after the surgery. However, some of my patients don’t have to take oral analgesia because of the certain techniques I use to minimise pain.

Conclusion

When done by the right cosmetic surgeon, a nose job can change your life. By making your nose smaller, rhinoplasty can give your more confidence and self-esteem.

If you want to know how to make your nose smaller, contact us to book a consultation today!