Rhinoplasty: The Process and Patient Journey

First Things First

If you’re here, it's likely you're considering having Rhinoplasty surgery. You may also be feeling unsure or hesistant if you’re unaware of what it really involves and the process you’d be undertaking.

In this blog post we will be covering ‘the patient journey’, taking you through what happens from the very first time you make contact with us at the clinic to when you are finally discharged with your new nose.

Before we proceed: what actually is a Rhinoplasty? A rhinoplasty or nose job is a popular surgical procedure used to enhance the nose’s cosmetic appeal and functionality. In addition to addressing other problems like a deviated septum or a previously broken nose, a Rhinoplasty can help improve the size and form of the nose. Here at the clinic it’s our aim to deliver patients a profile balancing, natural looking result.

Now we’ve got that out the way, let’s dive into the process...

 

Step 1: Getting in Touch

It starts by picking up the phone! You can choose to reach out to us over the phone or by email where you’ll get through to our practice manager, Jayne. She will take down your details and organise a covenient time for you to see Dr Gilleard for an initial consultation.

 

Step 2: The Initial Consultation

During this first consultation, Dr Gilleard will assess your nose and find out exactly what you are hoping to achieve. This is a collaborative process, and Dr. Gilleard's main focus is getting you the results you want.

He specialises exclusively in Rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction, and his expertise and advice will be detailed, results focused and personal. Honesty and setting realistic expectations are at the heart of this part of the process. It's where you figure out what can be done, and what will suit you.

Photographs will be taken and a “morph” of your side profile will be done to show you what your nose could look like after surgery. All risks and benefits will be explained and you’ll be invited to ask any questions you may have. You’ll leave able to make an informed decision with clarity and all questions answered.

 

Step 3: Day of Surgery

Once you’ve made the decision to go ahead with your procedure, surgery will be scheduled in.

On the day of surgery you should not have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours beforehand. You’ll arrive at the hospital where the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 2.5 hours. Once you awaken you will have nasal packs in each nostril and a plastic splint on the top of your nose. About 2 hours after the surgery you will be discharged and free to head on home. Dr Gilleard will see you 2 days later to remove the nasal packs and again 9 days later to remove the plastic splint.

 

Step 4: Seeing Your New Nose

Once the splint is removed you’ll be able to see your new nose! A little imagination will be required at this stage due to the swelling and slight bruising. Please do bear in mind that it will take at least 1 month before the swelling starts to go down and you get an idea of what the permanent result will be. We recommend that you wear the tape on your nose during this time as it’s helpful in aiding in swelling reduction - Dr Gilleard will ensure you’re aware of how to apply this.

 

Step 5: Follow Up Appointments

The procedure may be over with but our care doesn’t stop there. You’ll be seen for follow up appointments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following. On occasion Dr Gilleard will perform a steroid injection in clinic to reduce swelling and scar tissue development. You can let your nose recover with peace of mind and the knowledge that it’s getting all of the attention and check-ups it needs.

 

Step 6: The Final Results

Whilst early results can be seen at the one month mark post op, it will take about a year to fully see the outcome of your Rhinoplasty. Everyone heals differently and experiences recovery in their own unique way.

It’s important to try and be patient whilst your nose heals and the skin conforms to the new underlying structure.

Contact us

We understand that it can feel like a big step deciding to book a consultation and start your journey. The team at New You are here to help you towards becoming your most confident self. You will most likely speak to Jayne, our founder and practice manager, who will be able to advise you the best course of action and organise your consultation if you feel ready.

Call us
0207 770 8111

Personal Data

More news & articles
22 Oct 2025
Is a Second Nose Job Worth It?

Is a Second Nose Job Worth It?

Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a corrective surgical procedure performed to address issues that persist or arise following an initial nose job. For many patients in London and across the UK, the decision to undergo a second nose surgery isn't taken lightly. Approximately 5-10% of primary rhinoplasty patients eventually seek revision procedures, highlighting the complex nature of nasal surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is typically more challenging than primary procedures due to altered anatomy, scar tissue, and potentially compromised structural support. The procedure requires advanced surgical techniques to address both aesthetic concerns and functional issues that may have developed or persisted after the first surgery. Common scenarios warranting revision include asymmetry, over-resection of nasal structures, persistent breathing difficulties, or simply results that don't align with the patient's expectations. The timing of revision surgery is crucial—most surgeons recommend waiting at least 12 months after the initial procedure to allow for complete healing and resolution of swelling before considering secondary intervention. It's worth noting that revision rhinoplasty often requires more extensive planning, including detailed imaging, comprehensive consultations, and sometimes the harvesting of additional cartilage grafts from areas like the ear or rib to rebuild nasal structures. This makes selecting a surgeon with specific expertise in revision cases particularly important for patients considering this path.

19 Oct 2025
Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Turkey

Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Turkey

Turkey has emerged as a premier destination for rhinoplasty procedures, attracting patients from across the globe seeking high-quality nasal surgery at competitive prices. This remarkable rise to prominence in the aesthetic surgery world isn't coincidental but rather the result of several converging factors. Firstly, Turkey boasts a rich heritage in plastic surgery, particularly rhinoplasty, with surgical techniques that have evolved over decades to address diverse nasal structures and aesthetic preferences. The country's strategic location bridging Europe and Asia has contributed to the development of unique surgical approaches that harmoniously blend Eastern and Western aesthetic ideals. The Turkish medical education system produces exceptionally skilled surgeons who frequently pursue additional training internationally before returning to establish practices in their homeland. This combination of rigorous domestic training and international exposure creates surgeons with comprehensive skill sets and global perspectives on facial aesthetics. Furthermore, significant government investment in healthcare infrastructure has resulted in state-of-the-art facilities that meet or exceed international standards. Many Turkish clinics are accredited by prestigious organisations such as JCI (Joint Commission International), ensuring adherence to stringent quality and safety protocols. The economic advantage cannot be overlooked—the favourable exchange rate and lower operating costs allow Turkish surgeons to offer world-class rhinoplasty procedures at a fraction of the cost found in Western Europe, North America, or Australia, without compromising on quality or safety.

13 Oct 2025
Revision Rhinoplasty London

Revision Rhinoplasty London

Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a corrective surgical procedure performed to address unsatisfactory results from a previous nose job. For many patients in London and across the UK, the decision to undergo revision rhinoplasty comes after experiencing functional issues, aesthetic concerns, or both following their primary procedure. Common reasons for seeking revision rhinoplasty include breathing difficulties, asymmetry, collapsed nasal structures, or simply dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome. Unlike primary rhinoplasty, revision procedures are inherently more complex due to altered nasal anatomy, scar tissue, and potential structural weaknesses from the previous surgery. The complexity increases with each subsequent procedure, making it crucial to select a highly specialised surgeon for revision work. Approximately 5-10% of rhinoplasty patients seek revision surgery, highlighting the technical challenges of primary rhinoplasty. Timing is essential when considering revision rhinoplasty. Most specialists recommend waiting at least 12 months after the initial procedure to allow for complete healing and resolution of swelling. This waiting period ensures that the surgeon can accurately assess the final result and develop an appropriate surgical plan for revision. Patients experiencing severe functional issues such as nasal obstruction may be candidates for earlier intervention, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeons.