This operation is known as “rhinoplasty”. Many people are unhappy with noses that have bumps on the nasel bone, are too broad or have long tips, or that have been broken at some stage.

In this operation the nose is reshaped and realigned to bring it into better proportion with the rest of the race. This mayincludes removing bumps, slimming an overly broad nose or altering the tip. Some procedures may involve breaking the nasal bone and resetting it. Work on the tip of the nose, where the supporting tissue is cartilage rather than bone – may be more complex but will not involve breaking the bone. The operation lasts approximately one hour, and is usually done under a general anaesthetic.

The plaster splint which protects the area operated upon is removed after about one week, at which time the surgeon should check that the nose is shaping up as expected.

The amount of facial swelling and bruising can vary depending on the complexity of the operation and on the sensitivity of the individual – from black eyes and considerable swelling to very little. A cartilage-only operation is less traumatic and should cause less reaction. However, swelling recedes fairly quickly and usually disappears after two weeks.

Some slight residual swelling, and a feeling of stuffiness, might take another four weeks to disappear. A big plus of this operation is that there is no scar, as the procedure is performed within the nasal cavity. You may be advised to avoid blowing your nose for a while after the operation. Breathing through the mouth is necessary for a few days afterwards. Some people find this uncomfortable as it leaves the mouth feeling dry, but a constant supply of cold and warm drinks helps.