Gemma's Septorhinoplasty Experience

PATIENT STORY

Gemma’s Septorhinoplasty Experience

For Gemma, the decision to have surgery was driven by a struggle to breathe properly rather than aesthetic concerns. But when her ENT consultant referred her to Mr Annakan Navaratnam, who could address both the functional and cosmetic in a single procedure, she embarked on life-changing surgery.

I was born with a haemangioma, a benign tumour, at the top of my nose. Although I underwent surgery during infancy, residual scar tissue remained, which shaped my nose development during childhood. The top of my nose was very wide, and I had a raised, round scar.

It always bothered me, but not enough to do anything about it.

However, I also had lots of sinus issues, which had worsened over the years. I couldn’t breathe properly through my nose, and it affected my sense of taste and smell. My eyes were streaming, and I would sneeze continuously, feeling constantly congested.

At 44, my quality of life was poor. I couldn’t enjoy food, and my nose was always red as I constantly had to wipe it. I had tried antihistamines and nasal sprays, assuming it was hay fever.

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My journey to septorhinoplasty surgery

Eventually, I was referred to an ENT consultant at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital. When he examined me, he found the sinuses in my upper face were like pinholes and I had a deviated septum, leaving one nostril almost completely blocked.

The surgeon said I would need Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to open my sinuses and a septoplasty to correct the deviated septum.

I felt I might as well bite the bullet and have everything done, so I asked if it was possible to correct the appearance of my nose cosmetically during the same procedure.

He explained he could not perform this surgery but referred me to Mr Annakan Navaratnam.

I first saw Annakan in October 2025, and he performed a nasal endoscopy to investigate. I also had an MRI to assess the area where the tumour had been, to ensure it was just scar tissue remaining.

Annakan advised me that I would basically need three operations in one. Sinus surgery to open the sinuses, an open rhinoplasty to straighten the septum and then removal of the residual tissue at the top of my nose.

On the day of my procedure, I was so excited and not the slightest bit scared. I trusted Annakan implicitly. I had done extensive research on him and read other patient reviews, and I felt very confident I was making the right choice. He was also so lovely, explaining everything so clearly, and I would really look forward to our appointments.

Recovery after FESS and septorhinoplasty

Recovering from extensive nasal surgery

The procedure was even more extensive than planned, lasting five hours, as significant tissue remained requiring reconstruction when removed. As well as ensuring the top of the nose was in proportion, my nostrils are now symmetrical, whereas before one was so much bigger than the other. The tip of the nose is smaller now, too.

Prior to surgery, we had discussed what the recovery would be like, but I was more focused on the benefits of the procedure. Even if I had known what to expect, it wouldn’t have prevented me from going ahead, as my quality of life was so poor, but I did underestimate the impact that surgery would have on me.

The bruising and swelling were substantial, and in the following weeks, my jaw swelled, and even my teeth hurt. I had thought I would be able to return to work after two weeks, since I would only have the cast on for the first week. In the end, though, I had to take a whole month off work and only went back after four weeks as my sick leave had ended.

Annakan had explained that the recovery process can take a whole year, and my case was unique as it was such a complex surgery, but I am a very impatient person. So, at that point, I felt deflated because I was still very congested and had a lot of swelling.

A functional and aesthetic transformation

Once the bruising and swelling had subsided, the functional improvement was significant. I no longer experience constant itching, sneezing, or streaming eyes, and my sense of smell and taste have returned. It’s hugely improved my quality of life.

And I am delighted with the aesthetic improvement. Even my eyebrows are finally symmetrical. I’ve always had one eyebrow higher than the other and had to have botulinum toxin injections to level them out.

The round scar at the bridge of my nose has been replaced with a smaller, finer scar. I have spoken to Annakan about surgery to improve it further, but he explained that you are always replacing one scar with another, so I’ve decided against revision surgery at this point.

My results inspired me to lose weight, and I have just had my teeth done. I just thought this is my time to invest in myself.

My only advice to other patients is to prepare for the recovery process, as it can be emotionally and physically demanding. However, Annakan was there for me at every stage. If I worried something wasn’t right, he would phone me directly or arrange video calls to reassure me. I would 100% recommend him to other patients.

Gemma’s results

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The surgeon’s perspective

Gemma underwent excision of a tumour from the top of the nose, septorhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery. This was a complex case that required reconstruction of the defect left from the tumour excision.

When undertaking multiple procedures simultaneously, it is important to balance the impact of each operation, and in some cases, two-stage surgery is needed.

Thankfully, in Gemma’s case, all three operations were very successful, allowing everything to be done at once. However, it did mean that the recovery process is more protracted due to the extent of the surgery, and it is essential to follow the post-op instructions exactly.

The operation was a resounding success, and I was so pleased that Gemma was so happy with the results.

The post-operative photographs were taken 12 months later and show the dramatic refinement to the nasal shape and facial symmetry, especially the eyebrows, alongside a significant improvement to nasal function. It was a great pleasure to treat her.

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