Can You Get a Free Nose Job With the NHS?

NHS Nose Surgery: Key points 

• NHS nose surgery is generally considered for medical reasons rather than cosmetic reasons. Treatment may be considered where there is a breathing problem, for example, but rhinoplasty surgery carried out purely to change the appearance of the nose is not routinely funded by the NHS. 
• A deviated septum may qualify for NHS treatment. NHS nose surgery may be considered where it causes significant breathing problems and other treatments have not been effective.
• A GP referral may be required. A specialist assessment to confirm there is a clinical need may also be required. 
• NHS waiting times may vary. For non-urgent nose surgery, the wait may be several months or longer.
• Cosmetic concerns alone are not usually eligible for NHS rhinoplasty. If the only concern is the appearance of the nose, rhinoplasty surgery may need to be arranged privately. 

When Does the NHS Fund Nose Surgery? 

NHS-funded nose surgery is generally available where there is a medical need, rather than to change how the nose looks. Rhinoplasty performed solely to alter the shape or size of the nose is not routinely funded by the NHS. Where there is a medical problem, such as difficulty breathing, NHS treatment may be available. This can include procedures such as septoplasty or septorhinoplasty where appropriate. 

What Medical Reasons May Qualify for NHS Nose Surgery? 

NHS-funded nose surgery may be considered where there is a clear clinical need, like those which affect breathing. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may need to have been tried before surgery is considered. Common reasons NHS nose surgery may be considered include:

• A deviated septum: NHS treatment may be considered where the wall between the nostrils is displaced enough to cause obstruction to breathing.
• Nasal injury or trauma: NHS treatment may be considered where a broken nose or other nasal injury affects breathing or structure. 
• Reconstruction following disease: NHS nose surgery may be considered to rebuild the nose following treatment or a medical condition. 

How To Apply For NHS Nose Surgery 

The usual route may begin with an assessment by a GP. A referral may be made to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) or plastic surgery specialist by the GP. The specialist can assess whether there is a clinical need. 

NHS Septoplasty Criteria For A Deviated Septum 

A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone separating the nostrils is displaced, which can narrow one side of the nose and contribute to breathing difficulties. Septoplasty is a nose surgery used for a deviated septum.

Where there are significant problems, a septoplasty may be available on the NHS. Factors considered may be: 

• Persistent breathing difficulties
• Chronic congestion or blockage affecting daily life and sleep  

How Long Is The NHS Waiting List For Nose Surgery? 

NHS nose surgery waiting times may vary depending on the area, and how urgent the case is. For non-urgent rhinoplasty, the time from referral to surgery may be several months or longer. Where breathing difficulties are affecting sleep or daily life, that wait may feel significant. In the case where breathing is significantly affected, it may be worth discussing with a GP regarding expected NHS waiting times locally. 

Where NHS-funded nose surgery is not available, or greater flexibility over treatment timing and surgeon choice is preferred, private rhinoplasty may be considered.

Cosmetic vs Functional Nose Surgery 

The distinction between cosmetic and functional nose surgery may be important when considering NHS funding. Functional nose surgery is performed to treat a medical problem, such as a deviated septum that blocks breathing, and may be available on the NHS. Cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery may be performed to alter the shape of the nose or its size for cosmetic reasons. For some cosmetic concerns, non-surgical rhinoplasty may also be considered. 

Some individuals have both a breathing problem and an aesthetic concern. In these cases, NHS treatment may address the functional part, while cosmetic refinement may need to be arranged privately. Some individuals therefore consider a combined private procedure to address both functional and cosmetic concerns during the same operation. 

Considering Private Rhinoplasty In Manchester

Not qualifying for NHS-funded treatment may be disappointing, and it may be worth taking a moment to consider all of the options with a GP. Some individuals may consider private rhinoplasty, which can offer flexibility with regard to surgeon choice, as well as the opportunity to discuss both functional breathing concerns and the appearance of the nose during the same consultation. During a rhinoplasty consultation, the proposed surgical approach, expected rhinoplasty recovery and rhinoplasty cost may be discussed.

Mr Sirhan Alvi is a Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty, including cases involving both functional and cosmetic concerns. Suitability for surgery and the appropriate treatment approach are assessed during a consultation.