Rhinoplasty

Silicone rhinoplasty, alar reduction and thin nasal tip correction by our surgical team

Raises the nasal bridge in proportion to your face with US-made medical-grade silicone, narrows flared nostrils and reinforces a thin nasal tip with your own ear cartilage. Planned from your actual anatomy after a consultation with the doctor.

Nasal bridgeImplant
Medical illustration: the position of the silicone implant on the bridge, the nostrils and the cartilage graft supporting the tip

Which type of rhinoplasty suits you

A good-looking nose is one in proportion with the forehead, eyes and chin, not the highest nose. The consultation therefore begins by identifying whether the issue is a low bridge, flared tip, thin tip or crooked bridge. The implant is a soft medical-grade silicone made in the United States and registered with the Thai FDA, which the surgeon carves to fit each person's nasal bone. If the tip skin is so thin that an implant could push against it and cause redness or extrusion over time, the doctor will recommend cushioning the tip with cartilage from behind the ear. Nostrils that flare clearly beyond the inner corners of the eyes can be corrected with an alar reduction in the same operation.

Nasal procedures at the clinic

ProcedureHow it is doneSuits
Closed rhinoplastyIncision inside the nostril; the implant is placed beneath the periosteum with no external scarA low bridge with a well-proportioned tip and nostrils. 45–60 minutes
Open rhinoplastyA small incision across the columella gives a clear view of the structures for detailed adjustment of tip and bridgeA crooked nose, a tip needing major reshaping or revision of a previous rhinoplasty. 1.5–2.5 hours
Alar reductionExcess nostril tissue is removed at the alar crease and closed with fine suturesNostrils flaring beyond the inner eye corners; alone or with rhinoplasty
Tip support with ear cartilageCartilage is harvested from behind the ear through an incision hidden in the fold and used to cushion the tipA thin tip, redness over an existing implant, or wanting a natural-looking tip

Preparing for surgery

  • Basic blood tests: haemoglobin, clotting and infectious disease screening
  • Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, ginseng and ginkgo for at least 2 weeks; ask the doctor before stopping any regular medication
  • No smoking or alcohol for 2 weeks
  • Postpone if you have a cold, sinusitis or inflamed acne on the nose
  • On the day, wear no make-up, choose a front-opening top and arrange for someone to take you home

Surgery day

Confirming the design with the surgeonBridge height, tip shape and nostril position are reviewed against your photographs, then you sign consent
Local anaesthetic and sedationLocal anaesthetic is injected around the nose, with intravenous sedation or sleep medication as appropriate
Surgery and shapingThe implant is carved to fit your actual anatomy and placed beneath the periosteum; alar reduction or cartilage grafting follows as planned
Suturing and splintingThe wound is closed with fine sutures, then taped and fitted with a soft splint to control swelling and hold the implant in place
Observation and homeRest for 30–60 minutes, then receive antibiotics, painkillers and instructions. Cold compresses can start from day one

Swelling and recovery

Days 1–3Peak swellingSwelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes are normal. Sleep with your head raised, use cold compresses and avoid bending forward
Days 5–7Sutures out, splint offSutures and tape are removed; alar reduction sutures come out at day 5. Swelling is down by about half
Weeks 2–4The shape settlesSwelling remains only at the tip. You can return to work, but avoid glasses that press on the bridge and sports that could hit the face
Months 3–6Clear resultsThe tip settles and softens. Cases with cartilage grafts may take 6–12 months to reach their final shape

Risks to be aware of

  • Bleeding or a haematoma under the skin in the early days
  • Infection; in some cases the implant must be removed and 3–6 months allowed before redoing the procedure
  • A crooked, displaced or ill-fitting implant, correctable by revision surgery after 6 months
  • Thinning or redness of the tip skin over the long term, particularly when the implant is too high for the underlying structure
  • A scar at the base of the nostril, which generally fades in 3–6 months but may become raised in people prone to keloids
  • Temporary numbness of the tip lasting several weeks
Signs that mean you should contact the clinic immediately

Pain that increases after day 3 instead of easing, one-sided redness, heat and swelling, pus or an odour, fever, a tip that turns pale white or dark, or bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure. These need to be examined by the doctor the same day.

Results from our patients

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does rhinoplasty hurt? Do I need a general anaesthetic?

Most cases use local anaesthetic with sedation, so there is no pain during the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off there is a dull ache for 1–2 days, controlled with painkillers. Complex open-technique cases may be considered for a general anaesthetic at a partner hospital.

How long does the silicone last?

Silicone does not dissolve, and most implants last for decades when they fit the underlying structure. However, the skin and facial structure change with age, so some people later want an adjustment, or need removal if the skin thins or an infection develops. Results therefore vary from person to person.

Will an alar reduction leave a visible scar?

The incision sits in the crease at the base of the nostril, which is already a natural fold. In most people it fades until hard to notice within 3–6 months. If you have a history of keloids, tell the doctor beforehand, as the scar is more likely to become raised.

I am unhappy with a previous rhinoplasty. Can it be revised?

Yes, but the tissues should be allowed to heal for at least 6 months after the previous operation. Revision usually uses the open technique and may need ear cartilage for support. The doctor will assess the skin and existing scar tissue before telling you how much can be achieved.

Free doctor consultation, no obligationMessage us privately on LINE or WhatsApp and the doctor will suggest the right approach for you