Rhinoplasty, or as it is more commonly known, a nose job, is the most often performed plastic surgery procedure in the United States. Rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of the nose by straightening the bridge of the nose, reshaping the tip, reducing or adding to the size of the nose, and changing the distance between the nose and the upper lip. In addition, rhinoplasty can also repair defects from injury, birth defects, or improve breathing difficulties.

How is rhinoplasty done?

The upper portion of the nose is bone and the lower part is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change both bone and cartilage. The rhinoplasty surgery is done from inside the nose, with anesthetic. The plastic surgeon adjusts the bone and cartilage from underneath the skin and cuts inside the nostrils. The surgeon then trims, cuts, or builds up the nasal bone or cartilage. After surgery, the patient will need to rest with their head higher that their chest, in order to reduce bleeding and swelling. The nose may be packed with cotton and covered with a surgical dressing. The result will be a change to the appearance of the nose. If these changes are not enough, then a second surgery may be needed. If this is the case, then the patient should wait one year for the follow-up surgery, as post operative changes to the nose may take place during this time.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

As with any major surgery, risks can include bleeding, infection, an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, tissue scarring, and numbness around the nose. Also, the ideal rhinoplasty candidate should be a person whose facial growth and body development are complete. This usually means age 15-16 years for women and 16-17 years for men. Having rhinoplasty done before growth is complete may result in undesirable results as the person continues to grow. Before deciding on any kind of surgery, the patient should consult with his or her board-certified surgeon to discuss all of the risks and benefits involved.