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Rhinoplasty for flat noses can reshape and elevate the nasal bridge for a more defined profile. Whether it’s genetic, ethnicity-related, or caused by injury, a flat nose can be surgically enhanced using cartilage grafting or implants to increase both height and projection. Regardless of the reason why, rhinoplasty surgery can help by adding length and height to the nose so that its shape is more feminine and appealing.
At Berkeley Square Medical, many patients seek flat nose surgery to improve facial balance and address low nasal bridges. This guide explains everything you need to know – from the types and causes of flat noses to how rhinoplasty works, what to expect during recovery, and whether results are permanent.
Flat nose rhinoplasty reshapes the bridge and/or tip of the nose to create a higher, more defined profile.
Common flat nose types include saddle nose and low nasal bridges, often seen in Asian and African populations.
The procedure typically involves cartilage grafts from the rib, ear, or septum to build height and structure.
Open or closed rhinoplasty techniques may be used depending on the complexity of your nasal anatomy.
Recovery takes several months, with most swelling improving by 2–3 weeks, and final results visible by 6–12 months.
Not all flat noses look the same—there are different types depending on the shape of the nasal bridge and tip. Here are two of the most common forms seen in patients seeking flat nose rhinoplasty:
A saddle nose has a noticeable dip or collapse in the middle of the nasal bridge. From the side, it can look like the shape of a saddle. This can be caused by injury, previous surgery, or structural weakness in the cartilage.
Surgery for saddle nose usually involves rebuilding the bridge using cartilage grafts or implants. The goal is to restore a smooth, elevated profile that improves both appearance and breathing.
Many people of East Asian or Southeast Asian descent naturally have a lower nasal bridge and a flatter tip. In these cases, the nose may appear wide or less defined from the side profile.
Flat bridge rhinoplasty focuses on raising the middle of the nose (the dorsum) and refining the tip, often using grafts from the rib, ear, or septum. The goal is to create more structure without losing ethnic identity—just enhancing the natural shape.
A flat nose shape is usually determined by genetics, but it can also be caused by trauma or previous surgeries. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons:
Many people are simply born with a flatter nose. It’s especially common in certain ethnic backgrounds, where the nasal bridge is naturally lower and the tip may be rounder or less projected.
This is completely normal—but for those who want a more defined profile or improved nasal function, rhinoplasty can offer a safe and effective option.
A broken nose that doesn’t heal correctly can cause the bridge to collapse or flatten. Over time, this may lead to structural issues and aesthetic concerns, especially if cartilage is damaged.
If too much cartilage or bone was removed in a past rhinoplasty, it can result in a flat or under-projected nose. In these cases, a revision rhinoplasty may be needed to rebuild the nasal structure using grafts.
In rare cases, developmental issues can cause the nose to appear flat or underdeveloped. This may be seen in some congenital conditions where the nasal cartilage doesn’t form properly.
Flat nose rhinoplasty is designed to add structure and definition to the bridge and tip of the nose. The goal is to enhance your profile while maintaining natural proportions that suit your face. Here’s how the procedure typically works:
To correct a low or flat nasal bridge, your surgeon will add volume using a graft. This is often done with your own cartilage—commonly taken from the ear, rib, or nasal septum—because it integrates well with existing tissue and offers long-term stability.
In some cases, synthetic implants may be used, though many surgeons prefer natural grafts for a more organic and risk-reduced result.
If the tip of the nose is also under-projected or lacks shape, the surgeon may add support to lift and define it. This creates a more balanced, sculpted appearance, especially when combined with bridge augmentation.
The surgeon may narrow wide nostrils, fix any asymmetry, or smooth out bumps if needed. Every nose is unique, so your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.
Depending on the exact nasal areas that need reshaping, the surgeon performs closed or open rhinoplasty.
Closed rhinoplasty (incisions inside the nostrils) is used for less complex cases and leaves no visible scars.
Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision at the base of the nose and provides better access for major structural changes.
Your surgeon will decide which approach is best based on how much reshaping is needed.
Read more about the pros and cons of closed rhinoplasty here.
Learn the pros and cons of open rhinoplasty here.
At Berkeley Square Medical, the cost of flat nose rhinoplasty starts at £8,950, which includes everything from your initial consultation to aftercare.
This all-inclusive price covers:
Your pre-operative consultation and assessments
The rhinoplasty procedure under general anaesthesia
All hospital, surgical, and medication fees
Follow-up appointments with your specialist surgeon
Ongoing aftercare support during your recovery
There are no hidden fees, and the price remains the same whether you require a dorsal augmentation, tip refinement, or both.
Because this type of surgery often involves advanced techniques such as cartilage grafting or revision correction, it’s important to work with a highly experienced rhinoplasty specialist. Our London-based clinic is led by one of the UK’s most sought-after surgeons, ensuring your care and results are of the highest standard.
Recovery from flat nose surgery is a gradual process, but with the right care, most patients feel comfortable returning to normal life within a week.
Right after surgery, your nose may feel blocked or stuffy — that’s completely normal. Packing material is sometimes used to support internal healing and manage early bleeding, and this is usually removed within a few days.
You’ll be wearing a nasal splint to protect your new nose shape, and you might notice swelling and bruising around your cheeks and eyes. This typically peaks around day 2–3, then starts to improve.
You’ll need to take it easy for the first week, avoiding any strenuous activity or exposure to potential infections. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities after 7–10 days, depending on how they feel.
2 weeks: Most of the visible bruising and swelling has gone down. You can return to work or social settings, though your nose may still feel tender.
3 months: Much of the internal swelling will have resolved. You’ll start to see more defined results.
6–12 months: Final results are fully settled. Subtle changes in contour and nasal shape continue as scar tissue softens.
Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely — this includes keeping the nose protected, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding anything that could bump or strain your nose.
Wear your splint or dressing as advised. It helps the nose hold its new shape and reduces swelling.
Stick to a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fluids and rest.
Be patient. Dorsal augmentation and cartilage grafting often involve longer healing than reduction procedures, especially when reshaping the nose bridge and tip.
Our team will be in regular contact during your recovery and are available anytime if you have concerns.
Read our comprehensive guide on rhinoplasty aftercare here.
Non-surgical options like dermal fillers can create the illusion of a more defined nose, but they don’t change the underlying bone or cartilage. A surgical rhinoplasty is the only way to permanently reshape a flat nose.
A flat nasal bridge can be genetic – commonly seen in Asian and African ethnicities – or result from trauma, injury, or previous surgery. Some cases, like saddle nose, are caused by cartilage collapse due to infection or repeated impact.
Most patients can return to work or light activities within 7–10 days. Swelling and bruising improve within 2–3 weeks, but final results may take 6–12 months to fully appear.
A flat nose has a generally low nasal bridge from top to tip, while a saddle nose is a collapsed or scooped mid-section of the nose – often caused by trauma or loss of cartilage support.
Not always. Rib cartilage is used when a strong structural graft is needed, especially in revision cases or severe flat noses. For less extensive reshaping, cartilage from the ear or nasal septum may be enough.
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