Rhinoplasty, or nose job, is a surgical procedure that alters the shape of your nose. It can correct both cosmetic and functional problems. The goal of rhinoplasty is to balance the proportions of your facial features and create harmony between your nose, mouth, eyes, chin and forehead. In experienced hands, rhinoplasty is an outstanding cosmetic procedure with high patient satisfaction. It requires a good understanding of nasal function, form and anatomy and a meticulous approach that respects critical structures in order to achieve aesthetic goals.
Patients should have a clear idea of what they want from their rhinoplasty. It is important to be honest with your surgeon about your expectations and to understand what can realistically be accomplished with this very difficult procedure.
The results of rhinoplasty can be dramatic, but it is important to remember that your nose will still be swollen for four to six weeks after the surgery. The swelling will gradually decrease over a period of three months, but some people may experience mild facial swelling for up to a year.
Rhinoplasty can be performed in a hospital, doctor’s office or an outpatient surgery facility. It is usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs your nose and surrounding skin, or general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious. The procedure takes between one and three hours. After the operation, a small plastic splint is attached to your nose. The splint will help minimize swelling for one or two weeks. You will be able to remove the splint following your surgeon’s instructions. rhinoplasty nose surgery