Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape your nose. It can be done to improve your appearance, fix a birth defect, or help you breathe better.
The doctor will make a cut inside your nostrils. This cut is called an incision. You might also get one across the skin between the nostrils. Then the doctor will pull back the skin. Parts of the bones and cartilage under the skin will be removed or reshaped. Then the doctor will put the skin back in place and close the incisions with stitches. You will have thin scars that will fade with time. You won't even see the scars inside the nostrils.
Sometimes a part of the outside of the nostrils is removed to make the nostrils smaller. This usually leaves a very thin scar along the side of the nostrils, where they attach to the cheek. You can hide the outside scars with makeup.
You will go home about 1 to 2 hours after surgery.
Rhinoplasty can change the size, shape, and angle of your nose and bring it into better proportion with the rest of your face. It may also correct structural problems with the nose that cause chronic congestion and breathing problems.
Cosmetic surgery should only be done on a fully developed nose. This has usually occurred by age 15 or 16 in females and by age 17 or 18 in males. If surgery is done sooner, continued growth of the nose can change the results of the surgery. And it could cause complications.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
If your expectations are realistic and your plastic surgeon shares them, the surgeon will probably be able to give you the results you want. That's why it's important that you and your plastic surgeon agree on the goals of the surgery.
The results of rhinoplasty may be minor or significant, depending on what kind of correction you want.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated