What is Rhinoplasty? Purpose, Procedure & Results

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes your nose to improve its appearance or function. Often called a "nose job," this surgery can address both cosmetic concerns and breathing problems by modifying the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues of your nose.

Whether you're considering rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons or to correct breathing issues, understanding the procedure can help you make an informed decision. This surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, with techniques refined over decades to provide natural-looking results.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, size, or function of your nose. The surgery involves reshaping the nasal bones, cartilage, and sometimes the septum (the wall between your nostrils) to achieve your desired outcome.

There are two main types of rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on improving the appearance of your nose, while functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems caused by structural issues. Many patients benefit from both aspects in a single procedure.

The surgery can make your nose smaller or larger, change the angle between your nose and upper lip, narrow the nostrils, or reshape the tip. Your surgeon will work with you to create a nose that complements your facial features while maintaining proper function.

Why is rhinoplasty done?

Rhinoplasty is performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons. The most common reason is to improve the appearance of the nose when patients feel self-conscious about its size, shape, or proportion to their face.

Medical reasons for rhinoplasty include correcting breathing problems caused by structural abnormalities. A deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or other internal nasal issues can make breathing difficult and may require surgical correction.

Some people need rhinoplasty after an injury that has changed the shape of their nose or affected their ability to breathe properly. Birth defects affecting the nose can also be corrected through rhinoplasty techniques.

What is the procedure for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Your surgeon will make incisions either inside your nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella, the strip of tissue between your nostrils (open rhinoplasty).

During the surgery, your surgeon will carefully reshape the bone and cartilage to achieve your desired result. They may remove excess tissue, add cartilage grafts, or reposition existing structures. The skin is then redraped over the new nasal framework.

After completing the reshaping, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and place a splint on your nose to support the new shape during initial healing. Nasal packing may be used temporarily to control bleeding and support internal structures.

How to prepare for your rhinoplasty?

Preparing for rhinoplasty starts with choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in nasal surgery. During your consultation, you'll discuss your goals, medical history, and what to expect from the procedure.

Your preparation will include several important steps to ensure the best possible outcome:

• Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours
• Prepare your recovery space with extra pillows to keep your head elevated
• Stock up on soft foods and plenty of fluids for the first few days

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions about eating, drinking, and taking medications before your procedure. Following these guidelines carefully helps minimize risks and promotes optimal healing.

How to read your rhinoplasty results?

Understanding your rhinoplasty results involves recognizing the healing timeline and knowing what to expect at each stage. Immediate results will be masked by swelling and bruising, which is completely normal and expected.

In the first week, you'll see significant swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. This can make your nose appear larger than the final result will be. Most of this initial swelling subsides within two weeks.

After about six weeks, you'll begin to see more of your final result as the majority of swelling resolves. However, subtle swelling can persist for up to a year, particularly in the nasal tip area. Your final result will be fully visible once all swelling has completely resolved.

How to optimize your rhinoplasty results?

Optimizing your rhinoplasty results starts with following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome and minimizing complications.

Key steps to support your healing include keeping your head elevated while sleeping, avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks, and protecting your nose from sun exposure. Gentle nasal irrigation may be recommended to keep your nasal passages clean.

These practices can help ensure optimal healing and results:

• Sleep with your head elevated on multiple pillows for the first few weeks
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling during the first 48 hours
• Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks
• Wear glasses carefully or use tape to avoid pressure on your nose
• Follow up with your surgeon as scheduled to monitor your healing

Patience is essential during recovery, as your final results will gradually emerge over several months. Maintaining realistic expectations and good communication with your surgeon throughout the process helps ensure satisfaction with your outcome.

What are the best rhinoplasty techniques?

The best rhinoplasty technique depends on your specific anatomy, goals, and the complexity of your case. Open rhinoplasty provides the surgeon with better visibility and control, making it ideal for complex cases or revision surgeries.

Closed rhinoplasty, performed entirely through incisions inside the nostrils, leaves no visible scars and typically has less swelling. This technique works well for straightforward cases requiring minor to moderate changes.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty uses specialized instruments to sculpt bone more precisely, potentially reducing bruising and swelling. Preservation rhinoplasty maintains the natural nasal structures while making targeted changes, often resulting in a more natural appearance.

What are the risk factors for rhinoplasty complications?

Several factors can increase your risk of complications or affect your healing after rhinoplasty. Understanding these risk factors helps you and your surgeon plan the safest approach for your procedure.

Medical conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can increase your risk of complications. Previous nasal surgery or trauma can also make the procedure more complex and potentially increase risks.

Common risk factors to discuss with your surgeon include:

• Smoking or tobacco use, which significantly impairs healing
• Blood clotting disorders or medications that affect clotting
• Allergies to anesthesia or medications
• Unrealistic expectations about results
• History of keloid or excessive scar formation
• Very thick or very thin nasal skin

Your surgeon will evaluate these factors during your consultation and may recommend additional precautions or modifications to your surgical plan. Being honest about your medical history and lifestyle helps ensure the safest possible procedure.

Is it better to have open or closed rhinoplasty?

Neither open nor closed rhinoplasty is universally better – the choice depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your case. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best suits your anatomy and goals.

Open rhinoplasty provides better surgical access and visibility, making it the preferred choice for complex cases, revision surgeries, or when significant structural changes are needed.

Closed rhinoplasty offers advantages like no external scarring and potentially less swelling, but it requires specialized skill and works best for less complex cases. The decision should be made collaboratively between you and your surgeon based on your individual circumstances.

What are the possible complications of rhinoplasty?

While rhinoplasty is generally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these possibilities helps you make an informed decision and recognize when to seek medical attention.

Common complications are typically minor and resolve with proper care. These may include temporary numbness, mild asymmetry, or small irregularities that can often be addressed with minor adjustments.

More serious complications, though rare, can include:

• Infection requiring antibiotic treatment
• Bleeding that may require additional intervention
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Persistent numbness or changes in sensation
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic results requiring revision surgery
• Septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum)

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and explain how they work to minimize them. Following post-operative instructions carefully significantly reduces your risk of complications.

When should I see a doctor after rhinoplasty?

You should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience severe pain that doesn't improve with prescribed medications, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever, increased redness, or pus discharge from incision sites.

Other concerning symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing that seems to worsen rather than improve, severe headaches, or any changes in vision. These could indicate more serious complications that need prompt evaluation.

Schedule a follow-up appointment if you notice persistent asymmetry after swelling has subsided, ongoing numbness beyond the expected timeframe, or if you're concerned about your healing progress. Your surgeon can assess whether your recovery is progressing normally.