How can I get the best outcome for my nose surgery?

There are steps you can take to support a smooth recovery, encourage proper healing and give you the best chance of achieving a result that aligns with your expectations.

Choose an experienced surgeon

Look for a plastic surgeon who is registered with bodies such as the General Medical Council or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. These organisations set professional standards for medical training and practice. It may also be helpful to review examples of the surgeon’s previous work, ask about their experience with similar procedures, and take time during your consultation to ask questions about the risks, results and recovery.

Follow your surgeon's instructions on aftercare

Your recovery plays a significant role in how your nose settles following surgery. Aftercare guidance often includes sleeping with your head elevated to help reduce swelling, avoiding strenuous activity or lifting, and taking any prescribed pain medication as directed. You may also be advised not to wear glasses for a period of time and to attend follow-up appointments to track your healing.

Avoid touching or hitting your nose

The tissues in your nose remain malleable and tender for several weeks after surgery. Although it may feel natural to want to examine your new appearance, touching or pressing on the area can interfere with healing of the delicate nasal tissues. It’s also important to avoid accidental knocks - for example, when dressing, sleeping or interacting closely with others - as even minor pressure can affect the final result.

How do I know if I damaged my nose after rhinoplasty?

If your nose has been affected during the healing process or the surgery has not achieved the expected outcome, there may be signs that something is not settling as planned. While some changes during recovery are temporary, the following rhinoplasty complications indicate an issue:

• Trouble breathing: difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils could suggest that the internal nasal structure has been altered in a way that restricts airflow. This may happen if the nasal passages heal too narrowly or if there has been damage to supporting structures during surgery.
• Saddle nose deformity: a noticeable dip or collapse along the bridge of the nose - often referred to as a saddle nose - may occur when there is a loss of structural support, sometimes caused by over-removal of cartilage or complications during healing.
• Visible asymmetry: while minor differences between each side of the nose are natural, clear asymmetry that did not exist before surgery may point to a post-operative complication or an imbalance in the surgical reshaping.
• Alar collapse: if the sidewalls of the nose (known as the alae) lose support, the nostrils may appear pinched or collapsed. This can affect both the appearance of the nose and the ability to breathe comfortably.
• A drooping or upturned nasal tip: changes in the angle of the nasal tip that were not part of the original surgical plan can affect the overall balance of the face. A tip that droops or lifts more than expected may result from weakened cartilage because of poor surgical technique and over-removal during recovery.
• Loss of cartilage support: in some cases, too much cartilage may be removed during surgery. This can reduce the nose’s structural integrity, making it more prone to visible deformities or functional problems over time.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues following your rhinoplasty, it is important to speak with your surgeon without delay. Further medical assessment may be needed to understand what is causing the problem, and in some cases, revision surgery may be recommended to help correct the outcome.

What are my surgeon's legal obligations to my duty of care?

Surgeons performing plastic surgery have a legal duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable complications and to act in your best interests before, during and after surgery.

• Before surgery: your surgeon is expected to carry out a full assessment of your suitability for the procedure. This includes reviewing your nasal anatomy, discussing your goals and making sure that rhinoplasty is an appropriate option. They should clearly explain the risks involved, communicate realistic outcomes and offer non-surgical alternatives where relevant, so you can make an informed decision.
• During surgery: the surgical procedure should be carried out using appropriate techniques and should follow the plan discussed during your consultation. Any deviation from this plan must be medically justified and in line with accepted practice.
• After surgery: following the procedure, your surgeon should provide detailed aftercare instructions and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. They should also respond promptly to any concerns that arise and take appropriate steps if complications develop.

If your surgeon failed to undertake these steps and you had rhinoplasty complications as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.