Rhinoplasty Procedure

Learn How Rhinoplasty Procedures are Performed


The rhinoplasty procedure helps redefine and balance the face with a more aesthetically pleasing nose. Whether patients are unhappy with the nose they have, or are dissatisfied with the way aging has changed their nose, rhinoplasty can change their appearance with the slightest alteration. Rhinoplasty can increase or decrease the size of the nose; change the shape of the tip, bridge, or nostrils; and even change the angle between your nose and upper lip.

There are few different types of rhinoplasty procedures:

  • Open Nose Rhinoplasty – Involves removing the nose of the skin which allows the plastic surgeon to have full access to the underlying cartilage and tissue of the nose.
  • Closed Nose Rhinoplasty – Less invasive type of nose surgery that in involves making an incision on the inside the nose and working entirely beneath the skin of the nose with limited visual access.
  • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty – The term “non surgical” typically implies the use of an injectable or filler such as Botox to correct small imperfections.

During a consultation your plastic surgeon with determine the best technique to use for your particular situtation.

Before Rhinoplasty Procedure

  1. Medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken during the two weeks prior to surgery.
  2. Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet before and after surgery. A healthy diet will help speed recovery after rhinoplasty.
  3. Do not eat or drink the night before surgery, unless instructed differently by an anesthesia provider.
  4. Do not wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.
  5. Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and stay with you that evening and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty typically takes one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure and the technique used by your surgeon. The procedure is performed in a hospital or state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure. The following provides a basic overview of how an open rhinoplasty procedure is done.

  1. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes a small incision across the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage.
  2. The bone, upper and lower cartilage, and skin is gradually reshaped and shaved down to the desired shape.
  3. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
  4. When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints are placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

After Surgery


After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, which is controllable with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon, cold compresses, and rest. For example, during the first twenty-four hours your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. This is normal and will pass with time. Keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery to reduce swelling. It is important to get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal.

Swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching its peak after three days. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so (some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon-will remain for up to eighteen months).

A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Do not blow your nose for at least one week while the tissue heals. If you must sneeze or cough, do it with your mouth open.

After a few days the nasal packing (if it was necessary to use) is removed, and you’ll feel much more comfortable. Avoid bumping your nose and touching the splint. After one week all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed. Depending on the extent of the procedure, a splint may be required at night during the second week following surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Most patients are back at work one to two weeks after surgery. Because you have undergone invasive surgery, you’ll probably have less energy for the first few weeks, but overtime you’ll look and feel much better. Although patients are ready to return to work, they should plan to limit rigorous activity. Prolonged heat and sun exposure should be limited for several months.

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