Rhinoplasty

What Is Rhinoplasty?

• Surgery to improve nose appearance and proportion relative to the face.
• Can correct breathing problems caused by structural issues in the nose.

What Rhinoplasty Can Treat

• Nose size relative to facial balance.
• Width of the bridge or nostrils.
• Profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge.
• Tip that is bulbous, drooping, upturned, hooked, or otherwise disproportionate.
• Large, wide, or upturned nostrils.
• Asymmetry of the nose.

Candidates

• People in good health with completed facial growth.
• Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking for healing.
• Realistic expectations about what rhinoplasty can achieve.

Procedure Steps

Anesthesia

• General anesthesia or IV sedation to provide comfort during surgery.

Incision

• Open rhinoplasty: incision across the columella (strip between nostrils).
• Closed rhinoplasty: incisions hidden inside the nose.
• Skin covering cartilage and bone is lifted to allow reshaping.

Reshaping the Structure

• Excess bone or cartilage removed in cases of large nose or hump.
• Cartilage grafts may be used (from septum, ear, or less commonly rib) to add or support structure.

Correcting the Septum

• If deviated, septum is straightened and internal projections reduced to help breathing.

Closing the Incision

• Once reshaping is done, skin is redraped over new framework.
• Incisions closed; sometimes additional incisions in nostrils to adjust their size or shape.

See the Results

• Splints or gauze may be used externally or internally to support nose during early healing.
• Initial appearance soon after surgery; more refined shape appears as swelling decreases.

Recovery

• Swelling and bruising expected around nose and eyes; decreases over time.
• External splint often worn for ~1 week.
• Internal packing or splints may be used temporarily.
• Protection of the nose and rest recommended; avoid impact, pressure, or glasses resting on nose immediately after surgery.
• Follow-ups are necessary to monitor healing and remove supports as needed.

Risks and Safety

• Poor wound healing or visible scars (in open approach).
• Nasal blockage, breathing difficulties.
• Possible asymmetry or over- or under-correction of shape.
• Changes in skin sensation; numbness or tingling.
• Swelling may persist for months; final results take time.
• Need for revision surgery in some cases.

Results

• Improved nasal shape, alignment, and facial balance.
• Functional improvement in breathing if structural issues corrected.
• Final aesthetic results appear gradually as swelling resolves over weeks to months.
• Scars tend to fade; careful technique and proper aftercare aid in healing.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

• What approach (open or closed) is best for my nose?
• What changes can be made to the nasal tip, bridge, nostrils?
• What grafts (cartilage) will be needed and where are they from?
• What is the expected recovery time and aftercare requirements?
• What risks apply in my individual case?
• What realistic results can I expect given my anatomy and goals?

Preparation

• Medical evaluation, photographs, and facial measurements.
• Avoid smoking and certain medications that increase bleeding risk.
• Arrange for someone to assist you after surgery (transport, care).