Many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose. It may be something as little as a small hump on the nose or perhaps nasal tip that is too wide or bulbous. Then again, it may be the result of a previous injury, which has left the nose crooked and you may have difficulty breathing through one side. Whatever the problem, virtually all parts of the nose can be reshaped and changed in size. The hump can be removed, the tip can be made finer, the nose can be straightened and breathing improved. It is possible to make the nose shorter, longer or narrower; we can give the tip more definition and correct wide nostrils.

It is obviously important that you have a good idea of exactly what it is about the nose that concerns you and how you would like to see it changed. However, even if you do not, different nasal shapes can be visualised with the help of computer imaging, allowing you to communicate your concerns with the surgeon.

Nasal reshaping surgery usually requires a general anaesthetic and you may stay in hospital overnight although day surgery is often also appropriate.

Is rhinoplasty for me?
Assuming you are in good health, there is no upper age limit for having your nose reshaped. Rhinoplasty can alter the nasal profile, change the angle between the nose and upper lip and reshape the nasal tip. Alterations can be made to decrease the nasal bridge and reduce the size of the nose. The results of rhinoplasty enhance the balance between the nose and other facial features. Sometimes certain breathing problems related to the internal nasal structures can be corrected at the same time as nose reshaping is performed.

Dr Mark Kohout will be able to help you determine whether these structures should be modified along with reshaping your nose.

Any of the following conditions may make you a good candidate for rhinoplasty:

• You have a hump on the nasal bridge seen from profile.
• Your nasal bridge is too low.
• Your nose looks too wide seen from the front.
• Your nose looks too small or too large for your face.