Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most common aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures performed. A rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty enhances the contour of the nose to increase the balance of facial features. Common reasons for choosing rhinoplasty may involve removing a large hump to change the bridge of the nose, altering the length or width of the nose, changing the tip of a nose that may be too wide, too narrow, too sharp or possibly deviated, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin is re-draped over the surface. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem at the same time.

The incisions are placed inside the nose and often a small incision is made on the undersurface of the nose on skin between the nostrils. In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeon may also need to make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

Surgery often takes two to three hours.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Rhinoplasty?

The recovery time from this surgery usually takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied in order to maintain the new shape of the nose for 5-7 days. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.