What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or a nose job, is a surgical procedure which can alter the size and/or shape of the nose, as well as relieve some breathing problems. There are many changes to the nose that can be achieved through rhinoplasty, including a reduction or increase in size, a reduction of the nostrils, removal of a hump, reshaping of the tip or bridge, or an alteration in the angle of the nose and upper lip.

What makes someone a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance and/or function of the nose may be good candidates for rhinoplasty, though they must also be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations.

Can rhinoplasty be performed at any age?
Rhinoplasty should not be performed on younger patients until their nose has finished growing. The nose tends to be finished growing around the age of fourteen for girls and a bit later for boys.

What will take place during a consultation for rhinoplasty?
During a consultation for rhinoplasty, your nose will be examined and your medical history taken. The doctor will discuss your goals, your options and all details of the surgery.

What type of facility is rhinoplasty performed in?
The rhinoplasty surgery can be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital.

What type of anesthesia will I receive for my rhinoplasty procedure?
In most cases, rhinoplasty patients receive either a combination of local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia.

What happens during the surgery for rhinoplasty?
During the rhinoplasty surgery, incisions are made either inside of the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or inside of the nose along with a small incision made on the underside of the nose between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). With the incisions made, the surgeon will separate the skin from its underlying framework. The bone and cartilage will then be sculpted to achieve the desired shape. The skin is then redraped and the incisions are closed.

How much time does rhinoplasty surgery take?
In most cases, rhinoplasty surgery can be completed within one to two hours.

Where will the incisions be located for my rhinoplasty procedure?
There are two locations for the incisions and they are referred to as open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. For closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are located on the inside of the nose. For open rhinoplasty, incisions are made on the inside of the nose as well as one small incision which is made between the nostrils on the underside of the nose.

Will I have noticeable scars after rhinoplasty?
If you are undergoing closed rhinoplasty, in which the incisions are located on the inside of the nose, you will have no noticeable scarring. If you are undergoing open rhinoplasty, you will have a small scar that is well-concealed as it is located between the nostrils on the underside of the nose.

How much pain can I expect from rhinoplasty?
Patients may expect some discomfort as the head and nose may ache during the first few days after surgery. However, pain medication can be prescribed.

What sort of recovery is there with rhinoplasty?
Swelling and bruising is common, and patients may experience some discomfort. Some bleeding can also occur. Nasal packing, if used, is usually removed within a few days, while stitches, dressings and splints are usually removed within one to two weeks. Though some subtle swelling of the nose can take as much as a year to fully fade, the majority of swelling will clear up in about two weeks.

How much vacation time will I need to take off at work after rhinoplasty?
Most rhinoplasty patients find that they can return to work in about one to two weeks. Patients should, however, avoid very strenuous activities for two to three weeks.

When will the stitches be removed after my rhinoplasty procedure?
Stitches are usually removed in about one to two weeks after the rhinoplasty procedure.

What sort of risks or complications can occur with rhinoplasty?
Some of the potential complications that can occur with rhinoplasty are as follows: adverse anesthesia reactions, incomplete improvement, infection, small burst blood vessels, and the need for additional surgery.

Is the cost of rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Though some amount of coverage may be available for rhinoplasty procedures performed for reconstructive purposes or to correct a deformity or breathing problem, most rhinoplasty procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. Patients should check with their own insurance company.

Can a rhinoplasty procedure be financed?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.