Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
Rhinoplasty
Surgery to change the shape of the nose. Breathing problems can be discussed at the same consultation.
Consult Dr. Seema Mittal ↗
View before & after photos
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Rhinoplasty
People ask about rhinoplasty because of the shape, size or symmetry of the nose, a change after an injury, or a previous operation. Some also have breathing problems, which are assessed along with the appearance.
When to see a specialist
- 01Questions about nasal shape, proportion or symmetry
- 02A concern following injury or previous treatment
- 03Wanting to discuss breathing as well as appearance
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Seema Mittal
Plastic • Cosmetic • Reconstructive Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – General Surgery
- DNB – Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgeon. She sees patients for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body, and for hair transplant.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
The doctor looks at the nose in relation to the rest of the face, examines its structure and asks what you would like to change. The plan depends on these findings and on what can realistically be achieved in your case.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
In detail
Rhinoplasty: what to know.
What rhinoplasty can and cannot do
Rhinoplasty changes the shape or size of the nose. If a bent septum (the wall inside the nose) affects breathing, it can be straightened in the same operation (septorhinoplasty).
- It can make the nose smaller or larger, reshape the tip, bridge and nostrils, and change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
- How much can be changed depends on the nose itself, the thickness of the skin and your age.
- Most faces are slightly asymmetric, so a perfectly symmetrical result is not always possible.
Who it may suit
- Adults whose facial growth is complete.
- People in good general health who do not smoke.
- People with a clear, realistic idea of what they would like to change.
If you are planning a pregnancy, it may be better to wait.
The operation
- Usually under general anaesthetic. It takes about one and a half to three hours, and some patients stay in hospital for a night or two.
- Closed rhinoplasty is done through cuts inside the nostrils and leaves no visible scar. Open rhinoplasty adds a small cut across the skin between the nostrils, which gives more access.
- Bone and cartilage are reshaped. If extra support is needed, cartilage can be taken from the septum, the ear or a rib.
Before surgery
- Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
- Tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you take. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and some herbal supplements increase bleeding and may need to be stopped.
- Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first night.
Recovery
- A splint is worn on the nose for about a week. Do not blow your nose while it heals.
- Bruising around the eyes usually fades within about three weeks. Most people take up to two weeks off work.
- Strenuous exercise is avoided for four to six weeks.
- Most swelling settles over several months, but the final shape can take up to a year to show.
Risks
Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
- A blocked or stuffy nose, or difficulty breathing through it.
- Numbness or stiffness of the nose, and nosebleeds.
- A change in the sense of smell.
- A hole in the septum, poor healing or scarring, and sometimes a further operation.
- Infection, blood clots and reactions to the anaesthetic.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: NHS: Nose reshaping · BAAPS: Rhinoplasty leaflet · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Before & After
Rhinoplasty Results
Photographs of patients treated at I·PLAST, published with their consent. Results vary from patient to patient.
Rhinoplasty
Before and after rhinoplasty.
Specialist: Dr. Seema Mittal
About this treatment2 views
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Before
After
View 2
Before
After
Rhinoplasty
Before and after rhinoplasty.
Specialist: Dr. Seema Mittal
About this treatment2 views
View 1
Before
After
View 2
Before
After
Results vary between patients. These photographs show individual cases and cannot predict the result for anyone else.
Considering this treatment?
Book a consultation to find out whether it is suitable for you.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Seema Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.
Yes. Tell Dr. Seema Mittal what bothers you about the shape of your nose and about any breathing problems. Both are assessed at the same consultation.
Most swelling settles over the first few months, but the final shape of the nose can take up to a year to show.
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