Guide to Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the appearance of your nose. This procedure is an excellent option for you if your goal is one of the following:

Reduce or increase the size of your nose.
Change the shape of the tip or the bridge.
Narrow the span of the nostrils.
Change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
Correct a birth defect or injury.
Help relieve certain breathing problems.

Rhinoplasty may be performed by either an “open” or a “closed” procedure. While many procedures today can be done via the closed technique, an open procedure may be required in more complex cases. Your doctor will discuss which technique is best suited for you during the consultation stage.

Read more on our cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures here.

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Technique

Rhinoplasty may be performed by either an "open" or a "closed" procedure, In an open procedure, incisions are made inside the nose, as well as a small incision between the nostrils at the base of the nose in order to expose and visualize the underlying bone and cartilage, which are then reconstructed to the desired shape. In a closed procedure, all incisions are made inside the nose, which allows for internal access to the bone and the cartilage but leaves no visible scarring. While many procedures today can be done via the closed technique, an open procedure may be required n more complex cases. After an open procedure any incision scars are still virtually unnoticeable due to their placement along natural creases around the nose.

Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Before Surgery

Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks.
If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid healing.

Recovery

For several days, discomfort may include swelling, bruising around the eyes, aching around the nasal area, minor headaches, mild bleeding, and a feeling of nasal stuffiness.
Bruising and swelling usually dissipate within two to three weeks.
Most patients resume their normal routines within a week to ten days.
Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, although complete resolution of swelling can take several months.