Nose Reshaping Surgery

Rhinoplasty or Nose Job, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. The nose reshaping can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.

A rhinoplasty may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

If you’re considering nose reshaping, this information will give you a basic understanding of the cosmetic procedure, when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect.

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Planning Your Rhinoplasty

Good communication between you and your physician is essential. In your initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will ask what you’d like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. He or she will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

Your surgeon will also explain the techniques he or she will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and costs involved.

Be sure to tell your surgeon if you’ve had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform your surgeon if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs and if you smoke.

Nose Reshaping: The Surgery

The nose job usually takes one to two hours, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon’s preferred technique. Finally, the skin is re-draped over the new framework.

Many plastic surgeons perform a the nose reshaping from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an “open” procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.

When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilise the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

Rhinoplasty: After your surgery

After rhinoplasty, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated for the first day.

You’ll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel better.

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 several months.)

A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.

If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you’ll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

Your New Look After Rhinoplasty

In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it’s easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery. It’s quite normal and understandable.

Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Within a week or two, you’ll no longer look as if you’ve just had surgery.

Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the nasal tip.
The final results of the rhinoplasty surgery may not be apparent for a year or more.