Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is used to reshape a person’s nose. The surgery can make the nose smaller or larger; change the profile angle in relation to the upper lip; alter the tip of the nose or the bridge of the nose; or correct bumps or other defects. Rhinoplasty remains one of the most common surgeries for women under 35 years of age.
During rhinoplasty surgery, a plastic surgeon will make incisions inside the nose in order to gain access to the bones and cartilage that support the nose. These incisions are made inside the nose so that they are not visible after surgery. Depending on the desired outcome, cartilage or bone may be removed or tissue may be added to reshape a person’s nose. After the plastic surgeon has reshaped the bone and cartilage, the skin and tissue will be replaced over the new structure of the nose.
Rhinoplasty may be done using general or local anesthesia, and it is typically done as an outpatient surgery. Patients will be required to wear bandages around the nose for about a week. The face will feel puffy and bruising is typical around the nose and eye area for several days. Pain medicine will help relieve any discomfort, and it will generally take 10-14 days for pain to subside.
Rhinoplasty is considered to be a permanent surgery and should only be performed on a fully developed nose. The surgery can produce minor or significant changes to a person’s appearance, and it is important to discuss your goals of surgery thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon should be a trusted and reputable surgeon who is able to help you determine what expectations are realistic in order to ensure that you get the results you want.
