Where to Find a Specialist ENT Surgeon for Nasal Surgery in the UK
Updated: Jul 7
Published by Mr Tim Biggs, Consultant ENT Surgeon, Rhinologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon
Published: 29 December 2025
Last reviewed: 7 July 2026
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Choosing the right surgeon for nasal surgery is an important decision. The nose is both a breathing organ and a central facial feature, so surgery needs to consider function, structure, symmetry, long-term support and appearance at the same time.
For patients considering nasal surgery in the UK, the choice is not simply between “ENT” and “cosmetic” surgery. The most important question is whether the surgeon has specialist experience in the type of nasal problem being treated.
This is particularly important for patients with:
Nasal obstruction or poor airflow
A deviated septum
Nasal valve collapse
A previous failed septoplasty or rhinoplasty
A post-traumatic nasal deformity
Combined breathing and cosmetic concerns
Revision rhinoplasty or complex nasal reconstruction
Chronic sinus problems requiring specialist assessment
A specialist ENT surgeon with rhinology and facial plastic surgery experience is trained to assess both the inside and outside of the nose. This is critical because changing the shape of the nose can affect breathing, and correcting breathing problems can alter nasal support and appearance.
Why nasal surgery requires specialist expertise
Nasal surgery is technically demanding because small structural changes can have a significant effect on airflow, support and facial balance.
The nose contains several important anatomical areas, including the septum, turbinates, nasal valves, nasal bones, cartilage framework and soft tissue envelope. Successful surgery depends on understanding how these areas interact.
For example, a patient may appear to have a simple deviated septum, but the real cause of obstruction may also include:
Internal nasal valve narrowing
External nasal valve collapse
Weak lower lateral cartilages
Turbinate enlargement
Previous over-resection of cartilage
A twisted nasal framework
Sinus inflammation or allergy
Scarring from previous surgery
If these issues are not recognised before surgery, the result may be disappointing. A septoplasty alone may not fully correct breathing if there is also valve collapse. A cosmetic rhinoplasty may improve appearance but worsen airflow if the nasal structure is weakened.
This is why nasal surgery should be planned around diagnosis, anatomy and long-term stability, not simply appearance.
What is a rhinologist?
A rhinologist is an ENT surgeon who has developed a specialist focus in conditions affecting the nose and sinuses.
Rhinology includes the assessment and treatment of:
Nasal blockage
Deviated septum
Nasal valve collapse
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Nasal polyps
Loss of smell
Sinus infections
Postnasal drip
Complex nasal and sinus anatomy
Revision nasal surgery
Some rhinologists also have advanced training in facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty. This combination is particularly valuable for patients who need both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery, because the surgeon is trained to consider breathing, structure and appearance together.
ENT surgeon or plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty?
Both ENT surgeons and plastic surgeons may perform rhinoplasty, but their training pathways are different.
A plastic surgeon will usually have broad training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery across many areas of the body. An ENT surgeon will have specialist training in the ear, nose, throat, airway, sinuses and facial structures.
For nasal surgery, the ideal choice is not based on title alone. Patients should look for a surgeon who has specific experience in nasal function and nasal aesthetics.
This is especially important where there are breathing symptoms, previous nasal trauma, septal deviation, valve collapse or revision surgery. In these cases, cosmetic change cannot be separated from nasal function.
A specialist ENT rhinology and facial plastic surgeon can assess:
The external nasal shape
The septum
The nasal valves
The turbinates
The sinus openings
The strength of the cartilage framework
The impact of surgery on long-term breathing
The best nasal surgery is not simply about making the nose smaller or straighter. It is about creating a stable, functional and natural-looking nose that suits the patient’s face.
When should you see a specialist ENT surgeon for nasal surgery?
You should consider seeing a specialist ENT surgeon for nasal surgery if you have persistent nasal symptoms or if your cosmetic concerns are linked to the structure of the nose.
Common reasons include:
Persistent nasal blockage
A blocked nose may be caused by a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, nasal valve collapse, allergy, sinus disease or a combination of factors. A specialist assessment can identify the true cause rather than assuming the problem is “just the septum”.
Previous failed nasal surgery
Patients who have had previous septoplasty or rhinoplasty may need more complex assessment. Revision surgery can involve scar tissue, weakened cartilage, altered anatomy and reduced structural support.
Combined breathing and appearance concerns
Many patients seeking rhinoplasty also have functional symptoms. A septorhinoplasty may be more appropriate than a purely cosmetic rhinoplasty if the nasal framework needs to be corrected for both breathing and shape.
Nasal valve collapse
Nasal valve collapse is a common but often under-recognised cause of obstruction. It may require structural grafting or support techniques rather than septoplasty alone.
Post-traumatic nasal deformity
Previous nasal injury can cause deviation, asymmetry, obstruction, septal damage and changes to the nasal bones and cartilages. Surgery may need to address both the airway and external shape.
Complex sinus and nasal problems
Patients with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, facial pressure, loss of smell or recurrent infections may require specialist rhinology assessment before deciding whether surgery is needed.
What to look for when choosing a specialist ENT surgeon for nasal surgery
When researching nasal surgery in the UK, patients should look beyond marketing claims and focus on evidence of training, experience and relevant expertise.
Important factors include:
1. GMC Specialist Register status
The surgeon should be on the GMC Specialist Register in Otolaryngology or the relevant surgical specialty. This confirms completion of recognised specialist training.
2. Consultant-level experience
A consultant surgeon has completed higher specialist training and has been appointed to an independent specialist role. Consultant-led care is particularly important for complex nasal surgery, revision cases and combined functional/cosmetic procedures.
3. Rhinology and facial plastic surgery expertise
For nasal surgery, look for evidence of specific experience in rhinology, nasal reconstruction, septorhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery.
4. Experience with both breathing and appearance
The surgeon should be comfortable assessing nasal airflow as well as nasal shape. This is important because a technically attractive result is not successful if the patient cannot breathe well afterwards.
5. Experience with revision and complex cases
Revision rhinoplasty and revision septorhinoplasty require advanced judgement. These cases often involve scar tissue, cartilage deficiency, asymmetry, valve collapse and weakened support.
6. Teaching, publications and peer recognition
Teaching roles, research, publications and involvement in specialist courses can indicate deeper engagement with the field.
7. Clear explanation of risks and limitations
A good consultation should include honest discussion of what can and cannot be achieved. No surgeon can guarantee a perfect result. The aim should be realistic, safe and proportionate improvement.
Mr Tim Biggs: specialist nasal surgery in Hampshire and the UK
Mr Tim Biggs is a Consultant ENT Surgeon, Rhinologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Hampshire. His practice focuses on specialist nasal and sinus surgery, including cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional septorhinoplasty, nasal obstruction surgery, revision rhinoplasty and advanced sinus surgery.
His background includes:
Full UK ENT specialist training
Consultant practice in rhinology and nasal surgery
A PhD in nasal mucosal immunology
Advanced fellowship training in rhinology, anterior skull base surgery and facial plastic surgery
Royal College of Surgeons cosmetic certification in nasal surgery
Faculty teaching on specialist rhinoplasty and sinus surgery courses
Peer-reviewed publications in ENT, rhinology and nasal surgery
Experience in functional, cosmetic, complex and revision nasal procedures
Mr Biggs’ approach is based on a detailed understanding of nasal anatomy, airway function, facial balance and long-term structural support.
Where Mr Tim Biggs sees patients
Mr Biggs sees private patients in Hampshire and the South Coast region, including patients from Fareham, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Guildford, Poole, Brighton, London and across the UK.
Practice locations include:
Adnova Clinic, Fareham — private rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty and nasal surgery
Medicana Winchester — nose, sinus and general ENT assessment
Wessex Nuffield Hospital, Southampton/Eastleigh — nose, sinus and general ENT assessment
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth — NHS consultant practice
Patients seeking private care do not usually need a GP referral, although a referral may be useful if there is relevant medical history, imaging or previous treatment information.
What happens during a specialist nasal surgery consultation?
A specialist consultation should be structured and diagnostic. The aim is not simply to decide whether surgery is possible, but to understand the cause of symptoms and whether surgery is the right option.
A consultation may include:
Detailed discussion of nasal symptoms
Review of previous injuries, surgery or treatments
Assessment of breathing through each side of the nose
Internal nasal examination
External assessment of nasal shape, support and symmetry
Assessment of nasal valves
Discussion of medical treatment options where appropriate
Discussion of surgical options, limitations and risks
Review of realistic expectations
Planning for photography, imaging or further investigations if needed
For cosmetic or combined functional/cosmetic nasal surgery, the consultation should also explore what the patient dislikes about the nose, what they hope to change, and whether those changes are surgically realistic.
NHS versus private nasal surgery
Access to nasal surgery on the NHS varies across the UK and has become more restricted in many regions. Some functional nasal procedures may only be funded in specific circumstances, and cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not available on the NHS.
Private assessment may be appropriate for patients who want:
A consultant-led opinion
More detailed discussion of cosmetic and functional concerns
Faster assessment
Access to combined functional and cosmetic nasal surgery
Treatment options not routinely available through local NHS pathways
A second opinion after previous surgery
Private nasal surgery should still be medically responsible. The purpose of a consultation is to determine whether surgery is appropriate, safe and likely to help.
Questions to ask before choosing a nasal surgeon
Before deciding on surgery, patients may wish to ask:
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register?
Do you specialise in nasal surgery?
Do you assess both breathing and appearance?
Do I have septal deviation, turbinate enlargement or valve collapse?
Is septoplasty enough, or would I need septorhinoplasty?
How often do you perform revision nasal surgery?
What are the realistic limitations in my case?
What are the risks of surgery?
What is the recovery process?
Where would the surgery be performed?
What happens if a revision is needed?
A good surgeon should be willing to answer these questions clearly.
Key message
Finding a specialist ENT surgeon for nasal surgery in the UK means choosing someone who understands both nasal function and nasal appearance.
The nose is not simply a cosmetic feature. It is a complex breathing structure, and successful surgery requires careful assessment, precise planning and respect for long-term support.
For patients with nasal obstruction, cosmetic concerns, previous nasal surgery, trauma, valve collapse or complex sinus problems, specialist consultant-led care can make a significant difference.
Mr Tim Biggs offers specialist nasal and sinus surgery in Hampshire, with a practice focused on rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, nasal obstruction and advanced rhinology.
To enquire or book an assessment, please contact the relevant clinic or visit the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of surgeon performs nasal surgery?
Nasal surgery may be performed by an ENT surgeon, a plastic surgeon or a facial plastic surgeon. For patients with breathing problems, septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, sinus problems or previous nasal surgery, it is important to choose a surgeon with specific expertise in nasal function as well as nasal appearance.
What is the difference between an ENT surgeon and a rhinologist?
An ENT surgeon treats conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat. A rhinologist is an ENT surgeon with a specialist focus on the nose and sinuses. Rhinologists commonly manage nasal obstruction, deviated septum, sinusitis, nasal polyps, smell loss, nasal valve problems and complex nasal surgery.
Should I see an ENT surgeon or a plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty?
The right choice depends on the surgeon’s experience rather than the title alone. If you have breathing symptoms, previous nasal trauma, septal deviation, valve collapse or revision surgery, it is usually sensible to see a surgeon with specialist nasal airway expertise as well as cosmetic rhinoplasty experience.
What is functional septorhinoplasty?
Functional septorhinoplasty is nasal surgery designed to improve breathing by correcting structural problems such as septal deviation, valve collapse or nasal framework deformity. It may also change the appearance of the nose if the external structure needs to be adjusted.
Can rhinoplasty make breathing worse?
Yes, it can. If too much cartilage or bone is removed, or if the nasal valves are narrowed, breathing can worsen after rhinoplasty. This is why preserving or improving nasal support is an important part of safe nasal surgery.
What is nasal valve collapse?
Nasal valve collapse occurs when the narrowest part of the nasal airway is weak or narrowed. It can cause blockage, especially during exercise, deep breathing or sleep. It may require structural support rather than septoplasty alone.
Do I need a GP referral for private nasal surgery?
Most self-funding private patients do not need a GP referral. However, a referral can be helpful if there is a complex medical history, previous treatment, imaging or relevant NHS records.
Is nasal surgery available on the NHS?
Some functional nasal surgery may be available on the NHS, but access varies by region and many procedures are restricted. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not available on the NHS. Patients with combined cosmetic and functional concerns often choose private assessment.
Where does Mr Tim Biggs practise?
Mr Tim Biggs sees private patients at Adnova Clinic in Fareham, Medicana Winchester and Wessex Nuffield Hospital. His NHS consultant practice is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
What should I bring to a nasal surgery consultation?
It is helpful to bring details of previous nasal surgery, previous scans, allergy history, current medications, photographs if relevant, and a clear idea of your main concerns. For cosmetic surgery, it is useful to explain what you would like improved, but also to remain open to what is surgically realistic.
