Preservation Rhinoplasty

At Kensington Medical our Rhinoplasty surgeons specialise in Preservation Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK. While many people are familiar with traditional rhinoplasty, a newer surgical nose operation has gained popularity in recent years - preservation rhinoplasty. Read on to find out what preservation rhinoplasty or dorsal preservation rhinoplasty is and why it might be right for you. 

At Kensington Medical Mr Amir Sadri GMC Specialist registered Surgeon has expertise in Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty procedure. To find out if you are suitable for this procedure, get in touch. 

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Preservation Rhinoplasty - Key Cosmetic Surgery Information

Procedure time

2.5h to 3.5h

Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia

Hospital stay

Day care

Up & mobile

Same day

Sleeping position

On your back for around 4 weeks

Driving

1 week to 10 days

Sexual activity

Restricted for 4 weeks

Back to work

10 days to 2 weeks

Exercise

4 to 6 weeks

What is Preservation Rhinoplasty? Definition and overview

Preservation rhinoplasty is a surgical technique that focuses on maintaining the natural anatomy and structure of the nose while enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which often involves significant reshaping or removal of the nasal framework, preservation rhinoplasty aims to conserve the delicate anatomy of the nose. This approach results in a more natural-looking appearance and reduces the risk of complications. By preserving the existing nasal structures, this technique ensures that the nose retains its original character while achieving the desired improvements.

Preservation rhinoplasty surgery differs from traditional rhinoplasty in that it focuses on preserving as much of the existing structure as possible during surgery. It involves various techniques such as the push down or let down techniques to treat the hump (known as the dorsal hump) on the bridge of the nose.

The nose tip can also be changed using these techniques whereby instead of removing cartilage the cartilage is reshaped and repositioned with stitches.

Preservation rhinoplasty can also address deviated septum and crooked noses.

The goal of preservation rhinoplasty is to maintain your current nose while making improvements to its overall aesthetic appeal. The result is a natural-looking nose that compliments your face.

At Kensington Medical our expert preservation rhinoplasty surgeopn Mr Amir Sadri can help.

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Benefits of Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty has several advantages over traditional rhinoplasty.

  1. Preservation rhinoplasty often takes less time than conventional rhinoplasties because it involves smaller incisions and less manipulation of the nasal tissue. This type of surgery aims to preserve rather than alter the structure of your nose,
  2. There is less downtime required for recovery after your surgery.
  3. Fewer changes are made to your nasal tissue during a preservation rhinoplasty, as a result there is less risk for complications such as scarring or uneven results, which is sometimes seen with traditional rhinoplasties.
  4. Preservation rhinoplasty also reduces the likelihood of needing revision surgery due to its less invasive nature.
  5. Reducing the amount of bone and cartilage taken from underneath the bridge of the nose also allows more options for future revision rhinoplasties. Depending on the age of your preservation rhinoplasty, this can be a major advantage for those who want additional refinement at a future date.

According to Mr Amir Sadri one of our Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons "The first benefit of preservation rhinoplasty includes less post-operative swelling and faster recovery. This is particularly because of the dissection plane that is used to elevate the skin and soft tissues off the underlying bone and cartilage of the nose. The second benefit of a dorsal preservation rhinoplasty is that there is no disruption to the internal nasal valve angle which means far less breathing difficulties post-operatively."

History of Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty began in the early 2000s when facial plastic surgeons began exploring less invasive surgical techniques to enhance the appearance of the nose.

The concept of preservation techniques in rhinoplasty was established based on the principle of conserving the natural anatomy and structures of the nose and addressing the aesthetic and functional issues.

Dr. Yves Saban, a renowned French facial plastic surgeon, is considered one of the pioneers of preservation rhinoplasty. His innovative approach laid the foundation for the development of this technique. 

"Preservation rhinoplasty has evolved to incorporate new techniques and technologies, ensuring the procedure more precise and effective."

Evolution of the Technique

With endoscopic and video-assisted techniques surgeons can perform preservation rhinoplasty with greater accuracy, allowing for meticulous modifications while preserving the natural structures of the nose.  Advancements in surgical instrumentation and materials have ensured the safety and outcomes of the procedure.  Preservation rhinoplasty is now a popular choice for those seeking a more conservative approach to nose reshaping.

Preservation Rhinoplasty Technique

Preservation rhinoplasty involves a range of techniques designed to maintain the natural anatomy of the nose.

The procedure typically begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s nasal anatomy to identify areas that require modification. The surgeon then works to reshape the existing nasal structures while avoiding unnecessary removal or alteration. This approach ensures that the nose retains its natural character and function, resulting in a more harmonious and balanced appearance.

How the Procedure Works
Unlike traditional rhinoplasty—where the surgoen may shave the bone and cartilage of a dorsal hump—preservation rhinoplasty will retain your natural bridge and at the same time adjust the underlying structures. There are 3 steps: 
  • Lowering the Hump from Below:  Mr Sadri adjusts the deeper cartilage and bone (often using ultrasonic tools like the Pieza) instead of shaving the hump off from above which takes place with traditional rhinoplasty. This process allows the nasal bridge to be lowered into the nose, preserving the shape of the bridge.
  • Preservation Techniques: Surgeons use specialised methods like the "push-down" or "let-down" technique to carefully fold or adjust the existing bone and cartilage. This conserves the nasal ligaments and natural "dorsal aesthetic lines".
  • Tip Refinement: When addressing a drooping or wide tip, the surgeon reshapes the existing cartilage by folding it and using sutures to lock it into a refined position. This can avoid the aggressive removal of tissue that can sometimes lead to structural weakening.

Key Principles of Preservation Rhinoplasty

The key principles of preservation rhinoplasty include:

  1. Preservation of the nasal dorsum: The nasal dorsum, or the bridge of the nose, is maintained in its natural shape and structure, avoiding the need for extensive reshaping.

  2. Conservation of bone and cartilage: The procedure focuses on conserving as much of the natural bone and cartilage as possible, rather than removing or extensively reshaping these structures.

  3. Reshaping of existing nasal structures: The surgeon carefully reshapes the existing nasal structures, such as the nasal tip and nostrils, to enhance their appearance and function without compromising their integrity.

  4. Minimisation of tissue disruption: Preservation rhinoplasty aims to minimise tissue disruption and trauma to the nose, resulting in less swelling, bruising, and a quicker recovery.

By following the key principles preservation rhinoplasty achieves a more natural-looking appearance and reduces the risk of complications. It is for this reason that it makes it an option for patients seeking a more conservative and refined approach to nose reshaping.

Preservation rhinoplasty can be carried out using both open and closed preservation rhinoplasty techniques.

Open rhinoplasty involves making an incision across the columella, the strip of tissue that separates your nostrils. This allows for more extensive manipulation of the underlying structures of your nose, enabling surgeons to make more significant changes.

Closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nostrils and utilises specific preservation rhinoplasty techniques. This method offers less visibility to make changes to your nose’s structure and is more appropriate for people seeking small changes or corrections. The main disadvantage of closed rhinoplasty is that it limits the type of changes you can make since the incisions are inside your nostrils.

Overall, preservation rhinoplasty offers a balance between making improvements to your nose shape while preserving its natural structure thereby causing less trauma, bruising and swelling.

Who is the Best Candidate for Preservation Rhinoplasty or Revision surgery?

Preservation rhinoplasty may be an ideal surgical procedure if you're looking for subtle improvements to your nose without drastically altering its shape or size. Many people opt for preservation rhinoplasty because it offers a more natural-looking result, less downtime, less bruising and the risk of complications. There's no specific age range for this procedure.

The best way to determine if preservation rhinoplasty is right for you is to talk with our plastic surgeon Mr Amir Sadri and discuss what you want to achieve. Our Kensington Medical Plastic Surgeon Amir Sadri is a specialist in preservation rhinoplasty plus the other more traditional rhinoplasty procedures. This ensures that in your rhinoplasty consultation you will be advised on the best operation for what you are hoping to achieve.

Treatment Journey

Initial consultation for a preservation rhinoplasty

The start of your journey involves a conversation with your surgeon during the pre-operative consultations. This important step allows you to develop trust in your surgeon and helps your surgeon understand your objective. At Kensington Medical, individuals considering surgery often undergo multiple consultations with the surgeon. Our primary focus is to ensure that our patients are thoroughly informed before deciding about surgery and have ample opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the procedure. Generally, our patients require two pre-operative consultations.

The initial consultation usually takes place in person. Its main objective is as follows:

  • You will lay out your concerns to the surgeon and explain your objectives;
  • The surgeon will give you an idea of what they can achieve by showing you examples of their work in the form of Before and After photographs;
  • The surgeon will photograph your nose and, with the help of an imaging software, let you simulate the nose shape you are looking for;
  • The surgeon will then suggest a treatment plan, or a number of treatment plans.

After the first consultation, we will send you the following information:

  • A letter from the surgeon summarising the first consultation and suggesting a treatment plan;
  • A quotation for the said treatment plan; and
  • A document laying out the details of the procedure you are considering, including the pre- and post-operative precautions, the risks involved, the recovery period, etc.

In most cases, a second pre-operative consultation takes place. This is because:

  • After having received the surgeon letter, the quotation and the treatment information, you will have questions that you had not thought about at the first consultation;
  • The surgeon may have given you a range of options at the first consultation and will want to know which one you have chosen;
  • The surgeon wants to make sure that you understand the risks involved with surgery and are aware of the pre- and post-operative precautions you should take.

This second consultation can either be in person or via a video call.

After you have been through the pre-operative consultation process, our medical staff remain available to answer any questions or concerns you may have in deciding whether to go ahead with surgery.

After you have decided to proceed with surgery, we will schedule your procedure at one of our hospitals specialising in cosmetic surgery.

You will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire prior to your surgery. Your anaesthetist will evaluate it and may contact you to go over some aspects of your medical history. You might need to visit the clinic for blood tests. One of our medical staff will go through this with you before your planned appointment.

Additionally, we will give you pre-operative instructions. In particular:

  • Since smoking increases the risk of post-operative complications, you should give it up at least six weeks before your rhinoplasty.
  • Ten days before to your treatment, you should abstain from taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin).
  • You should not eat for six hours or drink for two hours before the operation.

You will be asked to arrive at the hospital one hour before the scheduled surgery time. Your blood pressure and other relevant health measurements will be taken by the hospital's nursing staff. Then you will meet your anaesthetist for a final check-up. Finally, your surgeon will mark you up in preparation for the surgery.

You will then be put to sleep and taken to the operating theatre. There are two broad categories of rhinoplasties: closed and open. In a closed rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make cuts inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. An open rhinoplasty involves a cut between the nostrils and allows a much wider range of possibilities.

The operation may involve a great number of different techniques and steps, depending on the objective of your preservation rhinoplasty.

In most cases, we perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 1.5 to 3.0 hours. The operation does not generally involve an overnight stay in hospital.

You will be transferred to the hospital's recovery room after your procedure, where the nursing team will monitor your recovery. Depending on the surgery, you should spend two to four hours there. Your nose will be fitted with a protective cast, which you will wear for around one week after the operation. You will leave the hospital with a friend or a family member after the nursing staff is confident that you are fit enough to return home. You should make plans for a friend or a family member to spend the first night post-surgery with you. Although the pain post-operatively is generally not severe, you will be given painkillers just in case.

Our nursing staff will be on call after you are discharged from the hospital to make sure your recovery is as pain-free and comfortable as possible and to answer any questions you may have.

The aftercare is a critical step to ensure the best outcome for your rhinoplasty.

In the weeks following your operation, your surgeon will meet you several times in consultation to deliver your post-operative care:

  • On the day following the operation, the surgeon will inspect the wounds and dressings and remove any drains.
  • The surgeon will conduct another consultation one week after the procedure. At that stage, he will remove the cast and remove stiches / sutures.
  • You will visit the surgeon once more six weeks after the procedure. The surgeon will review your recovery and pay particular attention to how the swelling is coming down. At that stage, 80% of the swelling has gone and certain patients get discharged.
  • When the swelling persists for longer, there will be a last visit three to six months post-operatively. Generally, all the swelling has gone after six months.

Post operative instructions

Based on your state of health and on the nature of your operation, our medical staff will provide you with specific aftercare recommendations, including when it is safe to resume your daily activities such as work, exercise, travel, etc. To minimise the likelihood of post-operative complications or adverse outcomes, it is crucial that you follow these directions carefully. In particular, you should not wear glasses for two weeks after surgery; and you should not practice sport for six weeks after surgery.

 

Ensuring proper aftercare throughout recovery is critical to achieving the best possible results. Suggested tips are given to help you get the most out of your rhinoplasty. Such as:

  • Follow all postoperative instructions carefully and accurately
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Wear sunscreen when outdoors
  • Avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise during the recovery period
  • Keep your head elevated at all times
  • Use only approved products and therapies on the skin
  • Follow up with your surgeon for regular post operative check-ups

We provide clear guidelines pre and post-nose surgery to ensure you have the best possible rhinoplasty recovery.

Our clinic is committed to providing our patients with the best possible care and recovery so you can feel confident about choosing us for your rhinoplasty procedure. With our team of skilled surgeons and experienced medical staff, you can be sure that your health and safety are well cared for. Contact our team of expert surgeons today to learn more about rhinoplasty and how we can help you get the desired results.

Because exposure to the sun can result in scars, discoloration, and other undesirable side effects, protecting your face from the sun in the weeks after the operation is important. When outdoors, you should wear a hat and use sunscreen. You should also refrain from activities demanding significant facial movements (such as singing or acting) for a few weeks post-surgery. Our medical team will tell you when you can resume your normal activities.

You can ensure that you get the best outcome from your rhinoplasty by adhering to the advice of our medical staff and by protecting your face as highlighted earlier. A healthy lifestyle also makes a significant, positive contribution to the healing process and the surgical outcome. This includes getting enough rest, having a balanced diet, and keeping well hydrated at all times. Additionally, it is recommended to abstain from smoking and drinking both before and throughout the recovery process.

For more information on rhinoplasty recovery follow rhinoplasty recovery time.

Preservation Rhinoplasty Surgeons

Frequently asked questions

The three top rhinoplasty procedures are: 

  1. Reducing the size of the nasal tip
  2. Reducing the dorsal hump or bump on the nasal bridge
  3. Reducing the droopiness at the end of the nose or the nasal tip

Other nose surgery procedures can include straightening a crooked nose, reducing the way the nose projects from the face and solving or improving the nasal airway/breathing and improving the nasal airway.

Depending on the type of nose, preservation rhinoplasty can be an option. 

The results from a preservation rhinoplasty can last for years like traditonal rhinoplasty. The improvements to your nose structure during the surgery should remain in place. Your Kensington Medical surgeon can explain all the risks and potential outcomes to you before your procedure.

The results from a preservation rhinoplasty procedure can be seen immediately, although it may take a few weeks for the swelling to subside completely. You may experience some bruising around your nose during this time, but this should also resolve in a few weeks. It can take up to a year to fully see the effects of  a preservation rhinoplasty, however you will see a change as soon as the cast comes off. 

The answer is yes; however, it can depend on a number of factors. The best option is to book a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeon Mr Amir Sadri who will assess your nose.

The best way to determine if preservation rhinoplasty is right for you is to talk with our plastic surgeon Mr Amir Sadri and discuss your goals. Our experienced surgeon can help you decide if preservation rhinoplasty is right for you.

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The next step to a refreshed you

At Kensington Medical, our experience and expertise ensures your journey to a refreshed and confident facelift and neck lift result. The starting point of this process is a consultation with your nose surgeon. In the face to face consultation your plastic surgeon will find out what you want to achieve, what are the best nose surgery options for your facial structure, your timelines and any specific dates you are working towards.  

Your plastic surgeon will show you before and after photos of presewrvation rhinoplasty past patients. 

If you're having multiple procedures done at once, these plans will combine all aspects into one personalised program.

Nose surgery consultations can be arranged in either Harley street, London or our Wimbledon location. To find out what rhinoplasty is best for you fill in the contact us form or phone for information. We are hear to help you. 

Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 18 August, 2025.