Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty ('Nose Job')in Oxford
A specialist assessment of appearance, structure and breathing - by Ali Q ENT
my Approach
Appearance and breathing considered together
Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic, functional or combined reasons. I take a balanced individualised approach, considering the external appearance of the nose alongside its internal structure and nasal breathing.
Every patient's anatomy, concerns and goals are different. A detailed assessment is essential to understand what may be appropriate and to discuss the potential benefits, limitations and recovery involved. View Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Fees.
Your consultation, step by step
1. Listen
2. Assess
We will discuss your concerns, goals, medical and surgical history in a comfortable and unhurried setting.
A detailed internal and external examination of your nose, facial symmetry and nasal breathing will be performed alongside photography
3. Plan
4. Reflect
5. Confirm
We discuss the possible options, including alternatives, the potential benefits, risks, limitations and recovery period
You will then have time to consider the information provided and ask further questions before making any decisions.
For cosmetic surgery, a second free of charge consultation is necessary before the final decision to operate is made.
What is a septorhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. When combined with correction of the septum—the cartilage and bone separating the nasal passages—it is called septorhinoplasty.
Surgery can address the nose’s appearance, breathing function, or both within the same procedure.
Functional rhinoplasty aims to improve airflow by correcting structural problems, including changes following an injury or conditions present from birth or developing during growth. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on appearance, such as reducing a nasal hump, refining the tip or correcting asymmetry.
Appearance and breathing are closely connected because both depend on the nose’s underlying framework. A deviated or asymmetrical nose may also have internal narrowing, although external symmetry alone does not guarantee comfortable breathing. Careful assessment considers both nasal shape and the structures supporting airflow.
Open and closed approaches
Rhinoplasty can be performed using an open or closed approach. The choice depends on your anatomy, the changes required and the complexity of surgery.
Closed septorhinoplasty / rhinoplasty
Incisions are made inside the nostrils, avoiding an external incision. In suitable cases, this approach may involve a shorter operation, less swelling and bruising, and a quicker initial recovery. However, these differences depend on the extent of surgery. Access and visibility are more limited, which can make detailed tip refinement more challenging, and the technique is not appropriate for every patient.
Open septorhinoplasty / rhinoplasty
A small incision is made across the columella—the strip of skin between the nostrils—alongside internal incisions. This allows direct access to the nasal bridge and tip, supporting precise assessment and reconstruction. It is often selected for complex tip refinement, revision surgery and procedures requiring cartilage grafts. The operation may take longer and swelling may persist longer, depending on the work involved; the small external scar usually becomes less noticeable as it heals.
When is a septorhinoplasty performed?
Septorhinoplasty may be considered to improve nasal breathing, refine the appearance of the nose, or address both concerns within the same operation. Treatment is planned around your nasal anatomy, symptoms and personal goals.
Functional rhinoplasty: improving nasal breathing
Deviation of the nasal septum—the partition between the nasal passages—and displacement of the nasal bones can restrict airflow. Persistent nasal obstruction may contribute to:
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Disturbed sleep and difficulty breathing comfortably at night.
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Snoring.
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Breathing difficulties in people with obstructive sleep apnoea.
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Difficulty breathing through the nose during exercise.
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Reduced comfort and quality of life.
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Nasal obstruction can be one factor in sleep-related breathing problems. Improving nasal airflow may help selected patients, but nasal surgery alone does not reliably cure obstructive sleep apnoea, which may require separate assessment and treatment.
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate medical treatment, such as nasal steroid sprays. These treatments can reduce inflammation and swelling inside the nose, but they cannot straighten displaced bone or cartilage.
For some patients, septoplasty, which straightens the nasal septum, is sufficient. Where deviation is severe, lies high within the nose or affects the front of the septum, a rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty may be needed to correct the wider nasal framework. This may also apply when the deformity involves the keystone area, an important junction where the nasal bones, cartilage and septum meet to support the bridge.
The recommended operation is tailored to the location and extent of the obstruction, while taking account of your personal circumstances, expectations and the changes that can realistically be achieved.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty: refining nasal appearance
Cosmetic rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve its proportions and balance with the rest of the face. Common reasons for considering surgery include:
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Reducing or removing a hump on the nasal bridge.
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Adjusting an excessively upturned or downturned nasal tip.
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Improving nasal asymmetry or a crooked appearance.
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Creating greater definition in the nasal tip.
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Reducing the overall size or width of the nose.
The aim is a natural, balanced result that respects your individual features while preserving the structures needed for comfortable breathing.
Addressing appearance and breathing together
Depending on your anatomy, needs and preferences, functional and cosmetic changes can often be performed during the same operation. Mr Qureishi assesses both your breathing and appearance concerns at every rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty consultation, helping you understand the available options and agree a personalised surgical plan.
What does a septorhinoplasty involve?
A Rhinoplasty procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and often as a 'day case'. This means that the surgery is performed with the patient asleep (under anaesthesia), with most patients able to go home on the same day as the surgery. Once asleep, the nose is cleaned, decongested, injected with local anaesthetic and nostril hair is trimmed. Small incisions are then made inside the nose or along the base of the nose depending on the type of procedure planned. Soft tissue is lifted from the cartilage and bone structures of the nose and the specific defects/deformities of the nasal and septal structures are identified. These are then corrected, either by removing, re-aligning or adding tissue. The tissue used can be taken from the nose itself, or occasionally it is necessary to take it from the ear or the ribs. If necessary, the nasal bones may be broken to allow for realignment, this can result in post operative bruising and black eyes. Once a satisfactory result is achieved on the operating table, the wounds are closed and plasters and splints are applied to the nose. This helps to prevent swelling and protects the nose whilst it is healing. Packing or nasal silicone splints are frequently placed inside the nose afterwards. If an open approach is used some non-dissolvable sutures are used to close the small incision.
What are the risks?
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Understanding the possible complications, alongside the benefits and alternatives, is an important part of deciding whether surgery is right for you.
Mr Qureishi will explain the risks relevant to your procedure, taking account of your health, nasal anatomy and any previous surgery.
Possible surgical complications
Bleeding: significant bleeding may require additional treatment or, occasionally, a further operation. A collection of blood within the septum may need urgent drainage. Infection: may require antibiotics and can affect healing or the final result. Occasionally, further surgery is needed. Septal perforation: a hole in the partition between the nasal passages, which may cause crusting, bleeding, whistling or obstruction. Some perforations are difficult to repair. Persistent or worsening nasal blockage: breathing may not improve as expected, and further treatment may be necessary. Changes in sensation: numbness of the nose, upper lip or upper teeth usually improves, but can occasionally persist. Changes in smell or taste: these are usually temporary but may be lasting. Scarring and healing problems: external scars may remain noticeable, while internal scar tissue can narrow the nasal passages. Rarely, the skin or underlying tissues may be damaged. Unexpected changes in appearance: residual asymmetry, contour irregularities or changes in nasal support may become apparent as healing progresses. Graft-related complications: cartilage grafts may bend, shift, become visible or lose volume. Where cartilage is taken from the ear or rib, the risks associated with that additional procedure will be discussed. Persistent discomfort or stiffness: these usually improve, but can occasionally be long-lasting. An outcome that does not fully meet your expectations: surgery cannot guarantee perfect symmetry or resolve every breathing or appearance concern. Revision surgery may be considered, but carries additional costs, risks and cannot guarantee the desired improvement. Anaesthetic and general surgical risks General anaesthesia may cause nausea, a sore throat or injury to the teeth or lips. Less common complications include allergic reactions, chest infection and blood clots in the legs or lungs. Serious complications are rare; your anaesthetist will assess your individual risk before surgery. An informed, personalised decision Your consultation provides time to discuss realistic outcomes and ask questions. This overview supports your consent discussion, which will also cover any additional risks specific to your planned operation.
what is the recovery like?
Recovery after rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty
Recovery takes place gradually. Most patients feel ready to resume everyday activities well before the nose has fully healed. Your postoperative plan will be tailored to the surgery performed, and your individual instructions should take priority over general guidance. Read the recovery guide.
Interested in rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty?
Whether you are considering rhinoplasty to improve your breathing, refine your appearance or address both, a consultation with Mr Ali Qureishi offers a personalised assessment of your concerns and the options available.
Mr Qureishi performs both open and closed rhinoplasty and has extensive experience in complex and revision nasal surgery, including reconstruction using ear or rib cartilage where needed.
Your consultation includes a detailed discussion of your goals, assessment of your nasal appearance with clinical photography, and examination of your breathing, including nasal endoscopy when appropriate. You will receive an individualised treatment plan, with clear advice on achievable outcomes, risks and recovery.
As a specialist ENT and rhinoplasty surgeon, Mr Qureishi considers appearance and function together, aiming for a natural result that complements your face while protecting nasal breathing.
hospitals and locations
Consultations and surgery are available at two convenient locations and virtually (exclusions may apply)
The Manor Hospital,
Oxford
Beech Rd
Oxford
OX3 7RP
The New Foscote Hospital, Banbury
2 Foscote Rise
Banbury
OX16 9XP
Virtual Consultations
Telephone or video consultations are available in selected cases
