About cosmetic rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (also known as a nose job) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It can address concerns regarding nasal shape and proportions, and can also include improvements in the nasal airway.
Mr Thomas Jacques is highly specialised in nasal surgery and has performed over 1,000 rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty procedures. He is dedicated to the highest standards in patient care, and is known for his natural and individualised approach to cosmetic nasal surgery.
Consultations take place in Chelsea, Belgravia and Marylebone. Surgical procedures are performed at Cadogan Clinic and HCA Lister Hospital, both in Chelsea.
At a glance
| Anaesthetic | General |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Hospital stay | Day case |
| Dressing removed | 1 week |
| Back to work | 2 weeks |
| Exercise | 4 weeks |
| Final result | 12 months + |
Surgical technique
Mr Jacques performs a majority of rhinoplasty procedures utilising the open approach. This allows for the greatest visualisation, flexibility and accuracy in surgical technique, and is increasingly the gold standard in complex procedures.
Open rhinoplasty allows meticulous control over soft tissue and any bleeding, limiting postoperative bruising while achieving precise, natural results.
The only external incision is across the thin strip of skin between the nostrils (the columella): this incision heals extremely neatly, and is very difficult to see in the vast majority of cases. A key concept in Mr Jacques’s surgical technique is the careful use of structural support and grafting techniques, in order to ensure stable appearances in the long term and prevent twisting, pinching or collapse that can be seen long-term in more simplified procedures.
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes around two hours in most cases. Patients are able to go home the same day, a few hours after surgery ends. They are discharged with all the medication required for their recovery, following a review with Mr Jacques and the nursing team.
Patient journey
Initial consultation
An unhurried outpatient appointment in Central London: your concerns, a thorough examination, clinical photography, and a clear discussion of what can be achieved in your case — including risks and limitations.
Second consultation
Always arranged before surgery (no fee). Time to raise further questions, review your photos and surgical aims, and use simulated profile imaging (“morph”) to align on the plan together.
Surgery and discharge
Day-case surgery under general anaesthetic. You leave the same day with medication and clear aftercare instructions, following review with Mr Jacques and the nursing team.
Follow-up care
Dressing removal and clinic appointments are arranged before surgery. The team remains available for questions around the time of surgery and throughout your recovery.
More information on the patient journey
Recovery and aftercare
- No nasal packingMr Jacques does not use nasal packing or internal splints — a moulded dressing protects the nose and is removed after one week.
- Day-case comfortPain relief, antibiotics and decongestants are provided; most patients report limited discomfort and favourable swelling compared with typical expectations.
- Gradual refinementReady for work after two weeks; significant swelling settles over six weeks, with subtle refinement continuing for up to a year.
Small stitches in the columellar incision dissolve on their own over approximately a week. Patients are able to self-care throughout the recovery period. It is unusual for other people to notice nasal swelling once you return to daily life.
Limitations and risks of surgery
In all cosmetic procedures there can be some variation in the final outcome, and it is essential that patients are informed about the limitations of the surgery they are undergoing. Rhinoplasty is a safe procedure, but has some risks, which will be covered in consultation and in writing.
Realistic expectations
Cosmetic rhinoplasty aims to provide significant improvement in the nasal appearance, but cannot produce perfect results, or a nose that is entirely free of imperfection, asymmetry or irregularities. The achievable end result can vary according to the patient’s original nasal shape, their facial proportions, facial asymmetry, their skin type and the body’s natural healing processes.
Mr Jacques aims to provide all patients with an individualised assessment of the limitations of surgery specific to their case. As in all cosmetic procedures, there is a chance that further surgery is necessary in order to progress the appearance of the nose closer to the original goal.