What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty sometimes referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping” by patients, enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.

What rhinoplasty can treat

• Nose size about facial balance

• Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils

• Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge

• Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned, or hooked

• Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned

• Nasal asymmetry

If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion.

Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum

Nose surgery that’s done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing.

Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.

Who is a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Who is a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:

• Your facial growth is complete

• You are physically healthy

• You don’t smoke

• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

What are the steps of a Rhinoplasty procedure?

Rhinoplasty surgery includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Rhinoplasty is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilage is gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Open rhinoplasty incision across the columella

Step 3 – Reshaping the nose structure

An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts.

Most commonly, cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally cartilage from the ear or rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used.

Step 4 – Correcting a deviated septum

If the septum deviates, it can be straightened and the projections inside the nose reduced to improve breathing.

Step 5 – Closing the incision

Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue are redraped and incisions are closed.

Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.

Step 6 – See the results

For a few days, splints and gauze packing may support the nose as it begins to heal. Get more information about Rhinoplasty results.

What should I expect during my Rhinoplasty recovery?

During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandage placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.

While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. 

Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site

• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection

• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health

• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

What results should I expect after Rhinoplasty?

The results of Rhinoplasty surgery will be long-lasting. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.

As your body ages, it is natural to have some gradual changes to your face including your nose. But most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

A healthy lifestyle and life-long sun protection will help extend the results of your new appearance.