Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes or resizes the nose. Some people choose this procedure to improve their facial appearance and boost confidence, while others may need it to correct breathing problems or fix deformities caused by injury or birth defects. Because the nose is such a central feature of the face, even small changes can have a big impact on overall appearance.
Who is the Right Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Not everyone who feels unhappy with their nose is automatically a good candidate for surgery. The ideal candidate is someone in good physical health, who doesn’t smoke, and has realistic expectations about the outcome.
People may consider rhinoplasty if they:
- ✅ Feel their nose is too big, too small, or not in proportion to the rest of the face.
- ✅ Have a bump or depression along the bridge of the nose.
- ✅ Experience breathing difficulties due to structural problems, like a deviated septum.
- ✅ Wish to correct an asymmetry or deformity caused by an accident.
- ✅ Simply want a more balanced facial profile.
A consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon is important to understand what can and cannot be achieved.
Types of Rhinoplasty and Who They Are For
Rhinoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. There are different techniques depending on the patient’s needs.
- ✅ Open Rhinoplasty: In this method, the surgeon makes a small incision across the strip of tissue between the nostrils (called the columella). This allows the skin to be lifted, giving the surgeon full visibility of the nose’s internal structure. It’s usually recommended for people needing major reshaping, correction of deformities, or revision surgery.
- ✅ Closed Rhinoplasty: Here, the incisions are made inside the nostrils, so there are no visible scars. It’s less invasive, with quicker recovery, but provides limited visibility for the surgeon. It’s often best for patients who need minor reshaping.
- ✅ Functional Rhinoplasty: This is done not just for appearance but also to improve breathing issues caused by structural defects, such as a deviated septum.
- ✅ Revision Rhinoplasty: Sometimes patients need a second surgery if they are unhappy with the results of their first procedure or if complications arise. This surgery can be more complex.
- ✅ Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Instead of surgery, dermal fillers are injected to smooth out bumps or improve symmetry. This is not permanent and works best for people who want subtle changes without downtime.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty
Before surgery, the surgeon will carry out a thorough medical checkup and discuss your goals. You may be asked to:
- ✅ Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can slow healing.
- ✅ Stop taking certain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, which thin the blood.
- ✅ Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help for a few days.
- ✅ Take photographs so the surgeon can study your nose from different angles and plan the changes.
The Surgery
Rhinoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure can take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how complex the changes are. The surgeon reshapes the bone, cartilage, or skin inside the nose to achieve the desired result. After the surgery, a splint is placed on the nose to support its new shape during the healing process.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Recovery takes patience. Here’s what to expect:
- ✅ First week: Swelling, bruising around the eyes, and stuffiness are normal. Most patients can return to work after 7–10 days.
- ✅ First month: The splint is removed after a week, but some swelling will remain. Avoid heavy exercise, bending, or anything that could bump your nose.
- ✅ 3–6 months: Most of the swelling will go down, and the nose will start to look more natural.
- ✅ 1 year: The final results are usually visible by this time.
To heal smoothly, follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully: keep your head elevated while sleeping, avoid wearing glasses that put pressure on the nose, and protect your nose from the sun.