You may be self-conscious about the appearance of your nose.
Call us in confidence on 0131 346 0020 to discuss the options
A rhinoplasty or “nose job” is an operation that can help improve the shape of the nose.
Plastic surgeons describe a nose job or rhinoplasty as one of the most difficult cosmetic surgery operations. It requires experience and judgement, and there is little scope for error. A good understanding of patient wishes and expectations, technical possibilities and underlying anatomy is needed.
Find out more about our rhinoplasty procedure below…
Mr Awf Quaba has been performing rhinoplasty surgery in Edinburgh Scotland for 30 years. On average he performs over 100 procedures a year. You will find answers to many of the questions you might have about rhinoplasty on this page. Additionally, we have an extensive range of typical before and after images in our photo gallery.
Our nose forms one of the most defining features of our face and can have a disproportionate influence on how we or others perceive our appearance. Surgery is most often requested for refinement (for example the tip of the nose) or reduction (for instance a hump on the nose). Rarely an operation is required to augment a small nose. When minimal deformity exists or in situations where the patient finds it difficult to express what it is they don’t like about their nose, correction can often be very challenging. Surgery may be carried out using a closed or open approach.
We see rhinoplasty patients from all over the UK, including Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Please take the time to read more about the process below…
Closed rhinoplasty
The closed approach leaves no visible scars and can be used for nasal hump reduction and narrowing of the nose as well as refinement of the nasal tip.
This patient had a closed rhinoplasty as her main request was for reduction of the dorsal hump on her nose. There was no need for any intricate tip work (results will vary from patient to patient).
Open rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty is used when intricate work is needed on the tip of the nose, and this leaves a small scar on the undersurface of the nose (you will find examples of the location and kind of scar in our before and after photos).
This patient had an open rhinoplasty to correct a dorsal hump as well as for work on the nasal tip. All views are available in our photo gallery (results will vary from patient to patient).
Chin enhancement
Nasal reshaping is often combined with chin enhancement. A weak chin exacerbates the appearance of a prominent nose, particularly on the side profile and it is essential that patients are aware of this as nasal surgery alone in this setting, leads to unsatisfactory results.
Correction of septal deviation
Rhinoplasty can also be combined with a procedure to correct nasal septal deviation (septorhinoplasty).
Our experience and revision rhinoplasty
Mr Quaba has performed over 1000 rhinoplasty procedures in his career and is well versed in the use of the closed and open approaches. He also has extensive experience with revision rhinoplasty (secondary rhinoplasty).
Non-surgical rhinoplasty
Some patients wishing to avoid surgery may be candidates for a non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers (injections). Candidates include patients with small bumps or unevenness. Reversible fillers can be used to ‘even out’ bumps, build up flat noses, increase tip projection or to straighten a nose. While the results of fillers are not permanent, they can give patients an idea of what surgery could achieve, or they can be repeated to avoid surgery altogether.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which someone can’t help thinking about one or more perceived issues or faults in their appearance. Other people may think that their concerns are minor or they may fail to see them at all.
People with BDD, continuously focus on their appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. The perceived flaw likely causes significant distress and impacts on a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
People affected with BDD often seek out cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterwards, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their symptoms, but often the anxiety returns, or they may move on to focus on other perceived problems related to their appearance.
Up to 1 in 5 patients seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty may have features of body dysmorphia. Such patients are not likely to be offered surgery.
If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, it is worth trying the self-assessment tool below known as the Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire (COPS).
The questionnaire was developed by David Veale, Nell Ellison, Tom Werner, Rupa Dodhia, Marc Serfaty and Alex Clarke (2012) Development of a cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire (COPS) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 65 (4), 530-532.
We suggest that patients take 7-14 days off work depending on what they have had done (tip work only – few days; in fractures – 2 weeks). For most patients, recovery is uneventful. Small amounts of bleeding are common, and your nose will be stuffy. Most patients are presentable in public after the removal of the splint (7 days).
The final result is usually present at six months. The obvious major changes will be apparent immediately while the more subtle changes do take time to become apparent. Minor degrees of swelling can take months to settle down fully.
We are increasingly performing rhinoplasty on patients from Glasgow and Aberdeen as well as other parts of the UK. Rhinoplasty is a very specialised procedure, and prospective patients are taking time to research where they feel the best place to go is regarding consultation/ surgery.
A rhinoplasty or nose job is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose. Common indications include making the nose smaller, reducing the bridge (hump) of the nose, narrowing the nose, making changes to the nasal tip, reducing the length of the nose or lifting a droopy tip. Rarely surgery is requested to augment a small nose. Surgery is often requested by patients who have previously fractured their nose.
As mentioned above, it is easier when you are clear about what it is you don’t like about your nose and when your concerns match the examination findings. We appreciate that it can be difficult to express specific concerns in many cases and we will often take photos during the consultation and upload them and have a discussion about what may or may not be correctable.
This is a common complaint and is usually correctable if it is caused by a deviated septum. The septum is easy to assess during the consultation, and any problems will be pointed out to you. Correction of a deviated nasal septum along with a cosmetic rhinoplasty is known as a septorhinoplasty.
We prefer to wait until patients are at least 18 years old and have completed the growth of their facial skeleton. It is crucial to consider an individual’s emotional and social maturity and to make sure that they fully understand the implications of rhinoplasty surgery.
No, as long as you are in good physical and mental health, age is not a factor. Rhinoplasty in the 40s and 50s is relatively common. However, it should be noted that the recovery period and swelling may last longer in older age groups.
If you do not like the way your nose looks and are willing to undergo a surgical procedure, and if you are in good physical and mental health, then it is worth having a consultation to discuss your concerns. During your consultation, we will talk with you in detail and examine you. If we feel we can fulfil your expectations, then we will let you know what can be achieved and what that involves.
Currently, we perform over 100 rhinoplasties a year within our practice.
The majority of patients who have rhinoplasty surgery with us in Edinburgh are of Caucasian background, but we also have a significant number of patients of Middle Eastern and Asian background.
We take a conservative approach to rhinoplasty avoiding the ‘done’ look and aiming to give a natural ‘unoperated’ appearance. We will be realistic and aim to give you the best idea of what can be achieved.
Yes. Some patients have kindly agreed to allow us to use their images on the website (rhinoplasty photos) and many more patients are happy for their images to be viewed during the consultation. You will see a range of results.
If an open rhinoplasty is performed then there is a small scar visible on the under surface of the nose (across the columella). Scar quality varies from patient to patient and scars can take up to 18 months to settle. With closed rhinoplasty, there are NO visible scars at all as surgery is performed via incisions on the inside of the nose.
Typical scars following open rhinoplasty (results will vary from patient to patient).
You should have some idea about what you would like changed about your nose. It may be useful to write down any questions you may have. We will need to know your past medical history, including any previous nasal surgery. Some patients do bring photos of the kind of noses they like. Photos can be useful in helping to assess your needs and expectations.
If your surgery involves tip work only (no bony work) then usually it is carried out as a day case, and you can go home the same day as your surgery. If your rhinoplasty requires work on the bridge line (bony work), then you will require an overnight stay.
A general anaesthetic is used in our practice.
Depending on the complexity, 1-2 hours.
Not usually. Typically there is not much in the way of pain postoperatively. Most of our anaesthetists use total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and generally there is little in the way of postoperative nausea.
Yes. This is a commonly asked question, and the concern is about pain when the packs are removed. We use soft packing which is removed the morning after surgery and causes little in the way of discomfort when removed at this stage.
We use a low profile splint whenever structural work has been carried out. If you only require work on the tip of the nose, then a splint is not required. We remove the splint after seven days.
Patients who have bony work carried out during rhinoplasty will need to wear a splint for seven days after their surgery. This patient had an open rhinoplasty, so her sutures were removed at the same time that the splint came off. You can view the immediate postoperative photos when the splint came off in our image gallery (results will vary from patient to patient).
Surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia with an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure lasts around 2 to 3 hours. The risks of general anaesthesia include clots to the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and very rarely clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolus), and we take several precautions to minimise these risks. The other risks of general anaesthesia include chest infection. The risk of a life-threatening complication under general anaesthesia is approximately 1 in 100,000.
The risks relating to rhinoplasty surgery itself include:
Bleeding – This can occur during or after the operation and rarely (less than 1 in 100) may require a return to theatre. Heavy bleeding may require a blood transfusion. Bleeding can also occur in the first few weeks after surgery if there is an infection affecting the lining of the nose.
Rarely blood can collect between the lining of the nose and your septum and can become infected (septal haematoma/abscess risk: less than 2 in 100).
Infection – The surgical site can become infected, and this usually settles with antibiotics. Deep infection can also occur and very rarely this can lead to the collapse of the bridge of the nose and require re-operation.
Swelling and bruising – Swelling and bruising are to be expected, and most of the swelling settles by six months. Residual swelling may be present up to 18 months after surgery particularly at the tip of the nose.
Breathing difficulty – Sometimes breathing can be worsened, and there is a higher chance of this if you already have problems with breathing or allergic rhinitis. In most patients with pre-existing breathing problems, we aim to improve breathing after surgery rather than worsen it.
Scar – You will have a permanent scar on the under surface of your nose (columella), and very rarely this may be red and thickened. The scars from the cuts inside your nose are hidden.
Numbness – It is common to have small areas of numbness, and these usually recover with time.
Reduced sense of smell – Uncommon (less than 1 in 100 risk) and usually recovers with time.
Under or over correction – Removing too much or too little tissue.
Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome – It is essential to have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. The healing process is difficult to predict, and it can take up to 18 months before everything settles completely. A residual hump can come back, or nasal bones can thicken if you have overactive bone healing. Scar tissue can prevent your skin from shrinking to the right size. There may also be minor irregularities that you can see or feel under the skin.
Perfection is rare in rhinoplasty surgery, and free revisions will only be offered to correct complications or outcomes that fall below what is expected of a typical result. Revision surgery will not be provided to correct minor imperfections.
You will be up and about the day after your surgery, but it will take a couple of weeks before you are entirely up to speed.
Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal.
A small amount of bleeding is typical during the first few days.
Discomfort/ Pain
Pain after surgery is not usually an issue for most patients.
Your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache.
You may experience some discomfort with breathing, and your nose may feel “stuffed up” for several weeks.
Bruising/ swelling
After surgery, particularly during the first 24 hours, your face will feel puffy.
Temporary swelling and bruising around your eyes and nose will increase at first and peak after 2 or 3 days. Most swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks. Some subtle swelling will remain for several months.
Black eyes and swollen nose and eyelids for 1-2 weeks especially if you have had work on the bones of your nose.
Appearance
Your nose will look better in 2-3 weeks and usually continues to improve for many months. The tip of your nose will drop to its permanent position in 3-6 months. Final results may not be apparent for up to 18 months.
Quaba Rhinoplasty Aftercare…
If you have had a rhinoplasty with us or are considering it – please find some detailed instructions and advice on aftercare following rhinoplasty.
from £5500
Consultation £150
All-inclusive costs for one year following surgery
Integrity and attention to detail are our key elements for the provision of successful cosmetic surgery
Your care is led by Consultant Plastic Surgeons and is Hospital-Based.
Call us in confidence on 0131 342 0020 to discuss the options
What our patients have to say…
Feedback is from external review sites such as Google and RealSelf
Rhinoplasty – Faultless
I had rhinoplasty performed by Mr Awf Quaba and the whole process was faultless. He was a lovely man, obviously extremely knowledgeable and experienced, who really listened and made sensible suggestions of what he could achieve. On the day, everything went quickly and smoothly and was home by the evening of surgery. Overall the procedure was painless – I cannot recall feeling any discomfort at all the during recovery period. Nose was blocked and couldn’t taste anything for 3 days but, other than that, no drawbacks at all. Would recommend the procedure with no reservations at all.
Facelift surgery – I found a great surgeon!
Having never forayed into the world of cosmetic surgery, I feel I was very fortunate to find Mr Quaba.
Murrayfield Hospital supplied me with a list of surgeons upon my initial query regarding a neck/lower facelift and I looked through each of their profiles and kept coming back to the Quaba practice.
From my first consultation, Mr Quaba put me at ease and gave me very realistic expectations of the outcome if I chose to go for surgery. He explained all the risks involved and confirmed everything we discussed in writing, which gave me the time and the opportunity to fully consider if this was the right choice for me.
I went ahead with the neck and lower facelift a few months later and felt completely safe in Mr Quaba’s hands. He has an excellent gentle manner. I also love the fact that he and his father work together. I would highly recommend his services to anyone.
I am so glad I opted for my surgery and am very happy with the results.
Chin fillers – Brilliant experience
Always friendly, informative and helpful. Made you feel comfortable and always provided an honest opinion about what would be the best course of action. Did a wonderful job, very pleased with the results. Would definitely recommend as the results have had a positive effect on my self-confidence levels and the healing time was both fast and pain-free.
Rhinoplasty – 5 star
My only regret is not having the procedure years ago. After paying for a few consultations in other clinics I felt Mr Quaba made me feel most at ease about my Rhinoplasty and explained everything to me. From start to finish all the staff who cared for me were amazing. I felt no pain afterwards and although I had a lot of bruising and swelling this was nearly all gone within 2 weeks. Could not recommend Dr Quaba enough if you are thinking of having a rhinoplasty.
Facelift surgery -I felt safe and sound throughout
As an older lady, I was given a realistic expectation of the end result. While in hospital I was well looked after and when we had an unexpected hiccup due to me having been on blood thinners I was readmitted with Mr Quaba Senior on hand at 2.00am to provide care and reassurance. Both Mr Quabas have excellent bedside manners and have the ability to make you feel safe an secure. Unbelievably, I experienced little or no pain (but did look a bit like a Russian astronaut with the bandages round my head). Obviously, there were stitches in front and behind my ear and into my hairline. However, my skin has healed exceptionally well and there is absolutely no sign that work has been done apart from my lovely smooth neck and lack of jowls (which were not attractive).
I was treated with respect and care throughout the process.Thank you so much Mr Quaba
Upper eyelid surgery – 5 star
At the initial consultation, everything was explained in detail to me so i could make an informed decision if i wanted to go ahead with my eyelid lift or not.
I decided to go ahead with the procedure and the care i recieved excellent. i went in as a day patient and the procedure was carried out under local anaesthetic. Mr Quaba explained each step as he did the operation. i was in at out of the theatre after 45 mins. I was treated with respect at all times. One week later stitches were removed there was no pain at all and on my experience, i would highly recommend Mr Omar Quaba.
Rhinoplasty – I had a great experience
I had a great experience with this surgeon. I had my rhinoplasty surgery in August 2018. After a long time thinking about having the surgery, I decided to book. I had read a lot of reviews on different surgeons before I decided on Quaba.
I am delighted with the result. Wish I had done it sooner.
Eyelid surgery – Very professional
My upper blepharoplasty was a very professional and good experience with Mr Quaba and his team. I felt very taken care of and looked after at all times. I am also extremely pleased with the results although my facial bruising took a few months to disappear. I would not hesitate to recommend this surgeon and his team.
Rhinoplasty – Care was exceptional
My only regret is not having the procedure years ago. After paying for a few consultations in other clinics I felt Mr Quaba made me feel most at ease about my Rhinoplasty and explained everything to me. From start to finish all the staff who cared for me were amazing. I felt no pain afterwards and although I had a lot of bruising and swelling this was nearly all gone within 2 weeks. Could not recommend Dr Quaba enough if you are thinking of having a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty – Best money I’ve ever spent!
I had septorhinoplasty in Sep 2018 because my nose was awful – squint, bulbous AND projecting. I would never let anyone take my photo and was extremely paranoid and unhappy with it. I’m now 5 months post surgery and I’m SO glad I did it. It was worth every penny. I am so much more confident in my appearance. I don’t run away from cameras anymore and my overall confidence is so much higher! There’s still quite a bit of swelling there but it already looks so much better, so I’m excited to see how it looks in another 6 months or so.
At my first consultation, Mr Quaba was great, I felt like he took my concerns seriously and he took the time to explain what could be done to improve the appearance of my nose.
I think one thing to bear in mind with rhinoplasty is that you see the final results a LONG time after the actual operation. The swelling isn’t obvious after a couple of weeks and most people won’t think you look strange, but it’s definitely there. My nose was enormous for a few days after the cast came off so I would definitely recommend taking 2 weeks off work if you can… unless you don’t mind walking around with a cast on and a massive nose, but I did!
Overall, great results and really pleasant experience with Mr Quaba and all of the staff at Spire hospital. No complaints whatsoever and I’m very happy with my surgery. Very highly recommended if you’re considering rhinoplasty :)
Quaba appear regularly in Tatler Magazine’s list of best surgeons for facelift surgery.
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