The Nose Clinic

Anyone with a nose problem. This may include:

• People who have problems breathing through their nose.
• People who are concerned about the appearance of their nose.
• People with sinus problems.
• Snorers.
• People with allergic problems.
• People who are worried about cancer.

Nasal problems affect a large proportion of the population, with a dramatic impact on quality of life. Recent technological advances and a better understanding of the underlying anatomy and physiology mean that there is much more that can now be done to help.

The Nose Clinic is staffed by specialists who concentrate on nasal problems. If you have a longstanding nasal problem but thought there was little that could be done we would be pleased to help.

Lots of nasal problems can be successfully treated with medication, although sometimes surgery is necessary.

Nasal surgery to address airway and sinus problems has been revolutionised by :

• An improved understanding of the natural drainage passageways from the sinuses. Previously surgery took no account of this. We aim to restore natural sinus anatomy and functionality.
• Better imaging techniques including CT and MRI scans allow for a precise diagnosis of the problem.
• Improved instrumentation allows for focused surgery with less post-operative bleeding and usually no need for nasal packing.

Surgery to address the appearance of the nose has benefited from:

• Digital imaging and image manipulation software to enhance pre-operative analysis of the underlying structural problem. This allows us to show you the likely outcome of any surgery.
• A better understanding of the variations in nasal anatomy and the structural supports of the nose

The nose clinic is run by Mr David Mckiernan FRCS, a teaching hospital consultant. He has extensive experience of performing minimally invasive (endoscopic) sinus surgery and nasal plastic surgery. As well as being a member of the British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists - Head & Neck Surgeons, he is a member of the British Rhinological Society and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

You will be greeted in the clinic and a detailed medical history will be taken. The examination may include inspection of your nose with a delicate camera system. This is completely painless and allows us to show you what is going on inside your nose. If cosmetic nasal surgery is contemplated digital photographs will be taken to aid the analysis and allow for surgical planning. You will be able to see the likely outcome of surgery. If further tests are required (such as allergy testing or scans) these will be arranged and you will be seen again with the results. Very often these will be performed on the same day. The diagnosis will then be discussed and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

This is not absolutely necessary but Mr Mckiernan works closely with your own doctor and likes to keep them informed about your treatment.

If your concerns are purely cosmetic Mr Mckiernan will generally see you for a nominal fee. However if there is a functional problem or you have recently suffered nasal trauma your medical insurance will cover your outpatient consultation. If surgery is required a written quotation will be sent to you, based on your individual treatment needs. In most cases we can offer a 'Fixed Cost Care' fully inclusive package price for your operation and hospital stay. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact us.

Providing you are otherwise healthy most nasal operations can be performed on a daycase basis (so that you could go home on the day of the surgery). The surgery is not painful but you will feel blocked up (like with a cold) for a week to ten days and your nose will run. If your job is physically demanding you will require two weeks off but if you wanted you would be able to undertake 'deskwork' after two or three days.