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Alternative names Return to top
RhinoplastyDefinition Return to top
Rhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose. See also septoplasty (nasal septum repair).Description Return to top
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It can be used to:
Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's preference. It may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center. Complex procedures may require a short inpatient stay. The procedure usually takes an hour or two, but may take longer.
With local anesthesia, the nose and the surrounding area is numbed. The patient will usually be lightly sedated, but awake during the surgery -- relaxed and insensitive to pain. General anesthesia allows the patient to sleep through the operation, and is typically used in children.
The surgery is usually done through the incision inside the nostrils.
Indications Return to top
Nose surgery is considered "elective" when it is done for purely cosmetic purposes. In these cases, the purpose is to change the shape of the nose to one that the patient finds more desirable. Age may be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to perform cosmetic nose surgery until the growth of the nasal bone is completed (around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys).
In other cases, nose surgery may be needed for medical purposes. For example, surgery may be needed to treat a serious breathing problem or an injury. Age may be less of a factor.
Risks Return to top
The risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
A splint (metal or plastic) will be applied externally to maintain the newly shaped bony structure when the surgery is complete. Soft plastic splints or nasal packs may also be placed within the nostrils to stabilize the septum (the dividing wall between the air passages).
Immediately following surgery, the nose and face will be swollen and painful. Headaches are common. Pain medications will control these discomforts.
Swelling and bruising around the eyes will increase and reach a peak after 2 or 3 days. Keeping the head raised (elevated) and placing cold compresses to the eyes can help reduce the swelling. Within 2 weeks, most of the swelling and bruising disappears. Some subtle swelling remains for several months, but this is generally unnoticeable to anyone but the patient.
During the first few days, minor bleeding from the nose is common. Do not blow the nose, pick the nose, or insert items into the nose for the first week while tissues heal.
The nasal packing is usually removed after 3 to 5 days and the patient will feel much more comfortable. All dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed within 1 or 2 weeks.
Convalescence Return to top
Within 2 days, most patients are up and about, and able to return to school or non-strenuous work within about a week following surgery. Full recovery takes several weeks.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |