What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (also known as a "nose job") is the process of using plastic surgery to reshape the nose. Rhinoplasty may be performed to improve the appearance of a person’s face and/or to correct physical problems (such as breathing problems). Aesthetic problems typically addressed by rhinoplasty include nose width, nose length, profile issues, large or uneven nostrils, and crooked noses. Rhinoplasty can help with problems caused by genetics as well as those caused by physical injury.
What should you expect at your first consultation with your plastic surgeon?
During your first visit with your doctor, you will be asked to provide a detailed description of how you would like to improve the appearance of your nose. Take time to think about this before you go to your consultation. Write down your specific ideas and questions so you don’t forget anything when you are at the doctor’s office. You may also want to find some pictures of what you are hoping to achieve. A picture can go a long way in helping your surgeon understand what you want your new nose to look like.
A talented plastic surgeon can change the appearance of your nose in amazing ways, but the doctor will still be limited by the unique physical structure of the inside and outside of your actual nose. Even though the doctor cannot create "any" nose for you, you should tell your doctor what you consider to be your ideal nose and let him or her tell you what is possible and what is not.
Take a look at some before and after pictures to find someone with a nose like yours, and to see the improvement after surgery. View Rhinoplasty Photos.
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Each person presents a unique situation, so an in-person consultation is needed to get an accurate estimate. Nevertheless; according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the U.S. national average surgeon fee for rhinoplasty for the most recent year (2010) was $4,306.*
*This amount only represents the average for the surgeon’s fee. It does not include the charges for the anesthesiologist, for the facility where the surgery is performed, or for other associated costs.
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
To be a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you need to have a nose that would benefit either aesthetically or functionally from plastic surgery. This type of person may have a nose that is not in proportion with the rest of the face. The nose may be too wide or too long. It may have a tip that droops down, or a hump that makes for an unattractive profile. The nostrils may be too large or out of proportion relative to each other. There may be breathing difficulties due to a problem with the septum. There are many aesthetic and physical conditions that can be remedied through rhinoplasty. In addition, a good candidate should be in good overall health for his or her age, should be stable emotionally, and should have expectations that are not unrealistic.
What are the basic procedures and techniques used in rhinoplasty?
The doctor may use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with heavy sedation.
Rhinoplasty may be performed at a surgical center, a hospital or a doctor’s office.
The surgery typically lasts from one to four hours.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. It requires a very great deal of skill because the surgery is performed mostly by touch.
The two standard methods for performing rhinoplasty are known as "open rhinoplasty" and "closed rhinoplasty."
When open rhinoplasty is chosen, the surgeon makes a small incision between the nostrils (the columella) and other incisions inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty is often preferred in complex cases.
When closed rhinoplasty is chosen, the incision(s) are only on the inside of the nose. Common benefits of closed rhinoplasty are that swelling and recovery times are usually decreased, relative to open rhinoplasty. A relative disadvantage is that closed rhinoplasty limits a surgeon’s ability to see what he or she is working on.
What should I expect in a rhinoplasty operation?
Rhinoplasty changes the appearance of the nose by changing the contour and size of the bone and the cartilage that give the nose shape. The surgeon can make it straighter, thinner, shorter, smaller, and even larger.
What are some common changes made by rhinoplasty?
The tip of the nose can be changed by adding or removing cartilage at the tip. A drooping tip can be improved by removing cartilage. A tip can be raised or extended by adding cartilage.
A nasal hump can be recontoured to be straight and smooth by removing excess bone and cartilage.
The wide bony part of the nose can be reshaped by carefully breaking the bones and resetting them in a more aesthetic way.
If the base of the nose is too wide, rhinoplasty can narrow it through the removal of tissue and repositioning the nostrils.
When the nostrils are too wide, the surgeon can remove small amounts of the nostril and bring the nostrils closer together.
What will the recovery be like?
Below are some basic guidelines and timeframes. To get more patient-specific information, speak with your board certified plastic surgeon.
The pain level is generally moderate to severe discomfort for the first week. Pain medication may be prescribed to ease the patient through this time.
Swelling and bruising may last from 1 to 6 weeks for closed rhinoplasty, longer for open rhinoplasty.
Numbness, typically on the tip of the nose, may last several weeks.
Bandages are commonly changed 5 to 10 days after surgery.
Many people feel well enough to return to work within 1 to 3 weeks.
Exercise may be restricted for 6 weeks.
Results should be mostly finalized after a few weeks, but there may be minor changes and improvements even months after surgery.
Carefully follow your doctor’s advice to best assure that your nose heals properly and you get the results you want.
Information provided is for general education about rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, breast reduction, face lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. This information is subject to change. Smart Plastic Surgery.com does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation, and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine the best method of treatment for you. All board certified plastic surgeons listed are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Board certified plastic surgeons are verified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Before and After Photos
