Most Common Reasons for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty, or “nose job” surgery, is one of the most commonly performed facial procedures in the UK. While often associated with cosmetic enhancements, Rhinoplasty can also address a range of functional issues, from breathing difficulties to structural deformities caused by injury.
Here, we explore the most common medical and aesthetic reasons people seek Rhinoplasty—each one carefully managed by Mr Florian Bast, a leading ENT surgeon and Rhinoplasty specialist in London.
1. Broken Nose
What is a broken nose, and what causes it?
A broken or fractured nose happens when the nasal bones are cracked or displaced, usually due to trauma such as sports injuries, accidents, or falls. Damage can involve both bone and cartilage, and some patients experience long-term changes if not treated promptly.
Broken nose symptoms
Swelling, tenderness, or bruising (especially around the eyes)
A visibly crooked or flattened nose
Bleeding or nasal discharge
Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
If you’re wondering how do you know if your nose is broken or how can you tell if a nose is broken, it’s important to consult a specialist quickly. Even minor broken nose injuries can lead to long-term changes in appearance and function.
Broken nose treatment
Initial treatment might include pain relief and cold compresses, but if the structure is displaced, surgical realignment may be necessary. For late or untreated fractures, Rhinoplasty is often the only solution to fully correct the nose.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
When patients ask how long does it take a broken nose to heal, the answer varies—but full functional and aesthetic recovery may require open Rhinoplasty to reposition bones and repair damaged nasal cartilage.
2. Deviated Septum
What is a deviated septum?
A deviated nasal septum occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages is off-centre, making one nostril smaller. This condition can be present from birth or develop after trauma.
Deviated septum symptoms
Nasal congestion or one-sided blockage
Frequent nosebleeds
Snoring or disrupted sleep
Headaches or facial pressure
Breathing difficulty during exercise
If you’re wondering how can you tell if you have a deviated septum or what are deviated nasal septum symptoms, a consultation with an ENT surgeon is the first step. You can also try a deviated septum self check, though clinical assessment is most accurate.
Deviated septum treatment
While medications may relieve symptoms, the only definitive treatment is septoplasty, also referred to as deviated septum surgery.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
In many cases, patients require a deviated septum operation combined with aesthetic reshaping—this is called a septorhinoplasty. The cost of deviated septum surgery depends on the complexity and whether cosmetic elements are included.
3. Dorsal Hump
What is a dorsal hump nose?
A dorsal hump is a raised bump on the nasal bridge, usually made of excess bone and cartilage. These can be inherited (yes, dorsal humps are genetic) or appear after injury.
Are dorsal humps common or attractive?
Dorsal humps are common, and whether they’re considered “attractive” is entirely subjective. However, many patients seek dorsal hump removal if the feature makes their nose appear less balanced in profile.
Dorsal hump removal
This is typically performed during open Rhinoplasty, where the hump is smoothed and reshaped to create a more harmonious facial profile.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
Because nasal dorsal hump correction involves reshaping both bone and cartilage, it requires an expert surgical approach. Mr Florian Bast uses techniques that preserve nasal function while achieving aesthetic refinement.
4. Nasal Tip Concerns
What causes a bulbous or droopy nasal tip?
A bulbous nasal tip may be caused by thick skin, wide cartilages, or previous trauma. A droopy nasal tip can occur naturally or with age as the nasal tip loses support.
Nasal tip symptoms
Lack of definition in the tip
Tip that hangs downward (droops)
Asymmetrical or wide nostrils
Disproportionate nose-to-face balance
Treatment options
Surgical solutions include nasal tip reduction, nasal tip rhinoplasty, or a nasal tip lift. These procedures focus on reshaping the lower lateral cartilages while preserving function.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
Whether you have a bulbous nasal tip or are seeking refinement, Rhinoplasty can create a more structured, elegant appearance, often in combination with functional correction.
5. Nasal Valve Collapse
What is nasal valve collapse?
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway. If it weakens or collapses inward (often due to surgery, trauma, or ageing), breathing becomes difficult. This is known as nasal valve collapse.
Collapsed nasal valve symptoms
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Nasal obstruction that worsens with exercise
Clicking or flaring nostrils when breathing
Feeling congested despite no allergies
Causes and related conditions
It often occurs alongside a deviated septum or after aggressive nasal surgery. Anterior nasal valve collapse is particularly difficult to detect without a specialist.
How to treat nasal valve collapse
Treatment often requires nasal valve collapse surgery to reinforce the airway with grafts. In some cases, how to fix a collapsed nasal valve also includes correcting external nasal shape.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
If structure and function are both affected, Rhinoplasty combined with internal reconstruction is the most effective way to restore both airflow and appearance.
6. Saddle Nose Deformity
What is a saddle nose deformity?
Saddle nose deformity is a condition where the bridge of the nose collapses, creating a sunken or concave profile. It’s most often caused by trauma, autoimmune disease, or failed surgery.
Saddle nose deformity symptoms
A visibly collapsed nasal bridge
Breathing difficulties
Whistling sounds when inhaling
Loss of nasal support
Saddle nose deformity causes
This condition may result from untreated fractures, over-aggressive septum removal, or diseases affecting cartilage.
How to repair saddle nose deformity
Saddle nose deformity repair usually involves complex Rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts, often harvested from the rib or ear. It cannot be corrected with filler alone.
Why Rhinoplasty may be necessary
Rebuilding the bridge requires structural support to prevent further collapse. Early treatment is essential for those asking how to prevent saddle nose deformity from progressing.
Conclusion: When Form and Function Overlap
Whether you're dealing with a fractured nose, nasal valve collapse, deviated septum, or dorsal hump, Rhinoplasty offers more than cosmetic improvement—it restores structure, confidence, and the ability to breathe freely.
Mr Florian Bast, a highly experienced London-based ENT and Rhinoplasty specialist, is known for managing both simple and complex nasal cases. His approach combines aesthetic harmony with structural integrity, helping patients achieve natural-looking, functional outcomes.
Mr Florian Bast a Facial Plastic Surgeon in London
Mr Florian Bast specialises in Rhinoplasty in London, Revision Rhinoplasty London, Facial Plastic Surgery in London, and Aesthetic Procedures in London.
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