Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping) Procedure - Surgery & Risks

Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping includes incisions in very delicate areas inside the nose, as well as manipulation of the bone and cartilage, to achieve the desired nasal shape.

Before you make the decision to have rhinoplasty to correct the shape of your nose, you need to thoroughly educate yourself about the procedure, expectations and desired results, as well as cost. You also need to understand that rhinoplasty alone cannot give you a perfect nose or a happier life.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?

Learn the reasons for having rhinoplasty and whether you are a good candidate for nose reshaping. Find out how the surgery can correct specific nose shape irregularities, such as a broad nasal tip, crooked nose, dorsal hump and short nose.

Should You Speak to a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?

Talk to a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, which can be a decisive factor in helping you make the right choice about rhinoplasty, your surgeon will discuss the essential aspects of the procedure. Together you will review before and after images or computer-generated images to help you set realistic expectations for rhinoplasty. Find out what to expect from the initial meeting and how to choose a surgeon.

Where Will the Surgery Be Performed?

In most cases, rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure in a surgeon's surgical suite, in the hospital or another ambulatory facility, but may require an overnight stay at the hospital. These facilities must meet certain quality standards set forth by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). Visit their page at Surgery Facilities Web, to review the standards and verify that the surgeon's office or facility is accredited.

What Should You Know About Anesthesia?

Nose reshaping is an invasive procedure and requires the use of local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of augmentation. Going under anesthesia can be unsettling. Therefore, you should learn about the different types of anesthesia available to you and how anesthesia may affect you.  For more information on anesthesia, visit Anesthesia: Options and Considerations by the Mayo Clinic.

How Do You Prepare for Rhinoplasty?

Since nose reshaping is a serious procedure, you have to fully prepare yourself for all possible outcomes. Find out more about preparation for rhinoplasty and what to expect on the day of surgery.

What Happens During Rhinoplasty?

During an "open" rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils for minor reshaping. In more complex cases, the vertical strip of skin between the nostrils is cut. (As a result, there is no visible scarring.) Separated from the skin, bone and cartilage can then be augmented to form a new shape. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will conduct a thorough consultation to determine the most appropriate nose surgery method. Generally, minor cosmetic changes can be achieved through closed rhinoplasty, while major nose reshaping requires open rhinoplasty. The latter technique is also preferred in nose reconstruction cases, such as surgery to correct deformities incurred as a result of car accidents. Access Rhinoplasty: Overview from the American Academy of Otolaryngology for more information on the surgery. Learn the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

Immediately after surgery, a cotton dressing or soft plastic splints will be placed inside the nasal passage and an external splint on the outside to protect and support the nose. Both supports will remain in place for about a week.

What Are the Risks and Potential Complications?

As with any invasive surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks associated with anesthesia and potential post-surgery complications, such as bleeding or infection. Find out what you can do tominimize the risks.

In rare cases, secondary (revision) rhinoplasty may be necessary to correct unsuccessful initial surgery.

You may also want to educate yourself about possible complications of rhinoplasty, such as a nasal tip boss, which is an irregular knoblike protuberance of cartilage that creates a noticeable asymmetry at the tip of the nose.

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