Rhinoplasty reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to bring it into harmony with the rest of the face while protecting — and often improving — nasal breathing. Dr Thomas Colson, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at SKMC, performs rhinoplasty across four distinct pathways, choosing the technique that fits each patient's anatomy rather than applying a single method to every nose.
No two noses share the same skin thickness, cartilage strength, bone shape or breathing pattern. A dorsal hump on thin Caucasian skin and a wide tip on thick Middle Eastern skin are different engineering problems, and they call for different solutions.
Dr Thomas Colson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon (French Board, SOFCPRE; European Board, EBOPRAS) with 18+ years of experience and Interstate Diplomas in Microsurgery and Robotic Surgery. As a full plastic and reconstructive surgeon — not limited to a single approach — he is equipped to move between preservation, structural, ultrasonic and non-surgical methods within one practice.
Dr Colson is a member of EPSS (Emirates Plastic Surgery Society), anchoring his practice within the UAE plastic surgery community, alongside ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), SOFCPRE (Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique, Reconstructrice et Esthétique) and SOFCEP (Société Française de Chirurgie Esthétique et Plastique).
Surgery is performed inside Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), a government tertiary hospital in the SEHA network — with full anaesthetic, imaging and overnight-care infrastructure on site. The functional component of nasal surgery (septoplasty, turbinate reduction) may be eligible for Daman or Thiqa coverage when medically indicated.
Each pathway has its own indications, recovery profile and ideal candidate. Explore the dedicated page for the technique most relevant to your goals.
The "let-down / push-down" approach lowers a dorsal hump from underneath, keeping the natural cartilage roof and skin envelope intact. Suited to a hump with an already pleasing tip.
Read moreBuilds a stable cartilage framework with septal or rib grafts to define the tip, correct deviation and rebuild support. The method of choice for thick skin and revision cases.
Read moreUltrasonic Piezo instruments sculpt bone with micrometre precision, sparing soft tissue and reducing bruising. Often combined with preservation for a faster social recovery.
Read moreInjectable contouring of the nasal profile without surgery — for minor irregularities, camouflaging a small hump, or refining a previous result. A temporary, in-clinic option.
Read moreEvery consultation at SKMC begins with a facial analysis and an airway examination. Dr Colson then performs a Crisalix 3D simulation, generating a realistic preview of the planned nasal profile so the surgical plan can be discussed and agreed before any decision is made.
A general timeline for surgical rhinoplasty. The non-surgical pathway has minimal downtime and is described on its own page.
Strict sun protection is advised for the first month after surgery. Intense heat and sun exposure can prolong swelling and affect healing incisions, so a hat, high-factor sunscreen on healed skin, and shade are recommended during the early recovery weeks in Abu Dhabi.
| Technique | Ideal for | Type | Social recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preservation | Dorsal hump with a good natural tip | Surgical | ~10–14 days |
| Structural | Thick skin, tip refinement, deviation, revision | Surgical | ~14 days |
| Minimally Invasive (Piezo) | Bony work with reduced bruising | Surgical | ~10–14 days |
| Medical (Non-Surgical) | Minor irregularities, camouflage, touch-up | Injectable | Hours |
Consultations and surgery with Dr Thomas Colson are performed exclusively at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, within the SEHA network. A pre-operative Crisalix 3D simulation lets patients preview the planned nasal profile before deciding.