Restoring Confidence with Ethnic Rhinoplasty & Open Septoplasty

Jul 24 2026

Nelly, a medical professional best known for her appearance on Married at First Sight (MAFS), had lived with both cosmetic and functional concerns about her nose for many years.

Living with broken nose since childhood

At just 17 years old, Nelly broke her nose in an accident, leaving it noticeably crooked and deviated to one side. The injury resulted in a deviated septum, causing ongoing breathing difficulties alongside changes to the appearance of her nose - an insecurity she had carried since she was a teenager.

Choosing Ethnic Rhinoplasty without compromising heritage

As someone of Indian heritage, preserving her ethnic identity was incredibly important. Nelly wanted to refine and straighten her nose while maintaining features that felt authentic to her. This made choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in ethnic rhinoplasty a key part of her decision-making.

After researching her options, Nelly chose Professor Raghavan, whose expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty and understanding of south east asian facial anatomy gave her confidence that she could achieve a natural-looking result without compromising her heritage.

Was surgery abroad an option?

Although many people travel abroad for cosmetic surgery, this was never something Nelly considered. As a healthcare professional in the cosmetic dental industry, she has personally treated patients experiencing complications following surgery overseas and understood the risks involved.

For her, having surgery in the UK was essential - not only for the quality of care, but also for the reassurance that her surgical team would always be accessible should she need them during her recovery.

The results: Improved breathing and renewed confidence

Today, Nelly’s procedure has addressed both the functional and aesthetic concerns she had lived with for years. By correcting her deviated septum, her breathing has significantly improved, while her open septorhinoplasty has refined the appearance of her nose in a way that complements her natural features and preserves what makes her uniquely her.

Having always joked that she had inherited her dad’s nose, she laughed before surgery, saying, “Dad say, ‘Bye to your nose!’”- a light-hearted way of marking the start of a new chapter.

Most importantly, the surgery has helped her leave behind an insecurity she had carried since childhood, allowing her to feel more confident both on and off camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty focuses primarily on improving the appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty addresses both cosmetic concerns and functional issues, such as breathing difficulties caused by a deviated or damaged septum.

If you're unhappy with both the look of your nose and your ability to breathe comfortably, septorhinoplasty may be recommended.

Can septorhinoplasty help with breathing problems?

Yes. Septorhinoplasty can help improve breathing by correcting structural issues within the nose, including:

Deviated septum
Chronic nasal congestion
Nasal obstruction
Snoring or sleep disturbances
Sinus-related issues caused by poor airflow

Your surgeon will assess whether your breathing concerns are related to the internal nasal structures during your free consultation.

Can septorhinoplasty improve my side profile?

Yes. Many patients choose septorhinoplasty because it offers both functional and cosmetic benefits. The procedure can refine the nasal bridge, tip and overall shape of the nose while simultaneously improving breathing, resulting in both aesthetic and medical improvements.

What is ethnic rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a highly personalised approach to nose reshaping surgery that enhances the appearance and function of the nose while respecting your natural facial features and cultural heritage. The aim is not to change your ethnicity or create a "one-size-fits-all" nose, but to achieve balanced, natural-looking results that remain true to you.

Will ethnic rhinoplasty change my ethnicity?

No. Ethnic rhinoplasty is designed to enhance your natural features rather than make your nose conform to Westernised beauty standards. The procedure focuses on achieving facial harmony while maintaining your cultural identity and individuality.

Who is ethnic rhinoplasty suitable for?

Ethnic rhinoplasty may be suitable for patients from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including:

South Asian
Black and African heritage
Middle Eastern
East Asian
Mixed heritage

Every nose is unique, which is why your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

How do I know which nose surgery procedure is right for me?

The right nose surgery procedure will depend on your goals. If you're primarily concerned with the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty may be appropriate. If you have breathing difficulties or a deviated septum, septorhinoplasty may be recommended. If preserving your ethnic identity and natural facial features is important to you, ethnic rhinoplasty offers a tailored approach that celebrates your individuality.

A free consultation with one of our specialist rhinoplasty surgeons will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Restoring Confidence with Ethnic Rhinoplasty & Open Septoplasty

Living with broken nose since childhood

In this Article:

Choosing Ethnic Rhinoplasty without compromising heritage

Was surgery abroad an option?

The results: Improved breathing and renewed confidence

Nelly's journey so far

Frequently Asked Questions

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