Rhinoplasty is surgical reshaping of the nose. The term rhinoplasty includes a wide variety of different procedures used to correct a multitude of cosmetic defects. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed; however, it is considered to be the most difficult procedure in plastic surgery as the nose is a complex structure made up of interconnecting small bones and cartilage. People choose to have rhinoplasty fora variety of reasons including making the nose smaller, larger, thinner, or flatter. Most people seek to have the procedure to change the bridge of the nose, the tip of the nose, or both. Some people choose rhinoplasty after an injury or because of a birth defect. Finally, some people have rhinoplasty to improve breathing problems related to the internal structure of the nose.

Rhinoplasty describes a group of procedures which are chosen based both on your individual anatomy and preferences. In consultation with your surgeon, you will decide which procedures are right for the correction that you seek. For example some of the techniques used to reshape the nose include re-contouring of the nasal bones (the bridge), rebuilding the nasal bones, reshaping of the cartilaginous part of the nose, shortening of the septum (the wall between the nostrils), and placement of grafts in the nose. Often, much of the work is performed from inside the nose. However, some procedures are best performed using incisions on the outside of the nose. The details of these procedures are beyond the scope of this discussion. However, it is important that your surgeon discusses the procedures that she recommends in detail before you chose to have the surgery. Rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. There are benefits to using local anesthesia such as a faster recovery and less cost. However, not all patients are able to tolerate being awake through such an invasive procedure. Once you have been sedated or anesthetized, the surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the entire nose. The procedure/s will then be performed, the incisions will be sutured and usually the nose will be packed with dressing material. Splits will then be taped into place.

Recovery depends in part on the kind of anesthesia used, the procedure performed, and your ability to heal. Initially, you will be unable to breathe through your nose. Often, you will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and nasal spray. Icepacks are routinely used to reduce swelling. Usually, your first follow up visit is 24 hours after your surgery at which time the intranasal dressing is removed. Your second follow up visit is usually 5-7 days after your surgery. Sutures and splits are usually removed at this visit. Bruising and swelling are normal parts of the recovery process. Most people return to work 1-2 weeks after rhinoplasty. Full activity such as contact sports are not allowed for at least 4 weeks. Most of the swelling is usually gone after a few weeks but subtle swelling can last for months.