Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Description of Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
The Surgical Procedure
What to Expect After Surgery
Resuming Physical Activities
Before/After Nose Surgery Photos

What is Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)?

Nasal surgery, often called a "nose job" or by its technical name "Rhinoplasty," is usually performed to alter the size and/or shape and the function of the nose. The exact appearance of the nose cannot be determined before surgery. A patient cannot expect to be able to select a particular nose since changes are limited by factors such as skin and bone thickness, nostril size and general facial configuration. The patient must be very comfortable with the surgeon's surgical and aesthetic judgment before proceeding.

The surgery package price includes the surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, the hospital and operating room expenses. The cost of the procedure depends on the extent of the modifications necessary; a general range would be from $6,500 to$9,000.

The Surgical Procedure

The length of time required to perform the operation is 2 to 4 hours. The surgical procedure is done through incisions inside the nose, so the scars are not visible. If work on the nasal tip is necessary, or if this is a revision surgery, it is frequently helpful to expose the cartilages of the nose and repair them directly.

Modern concepts in rhinoplasty include building up the nose to achieve an aesthetically pleasing form (rather than just breaking the bones and removing tissue). Very importantly, the surgeon must individualize the surgery and "diagnose" the nose. Each thing done to the nose should be easily explained to the patient. Breathing should improve after nasal surgery. Often, surgery aimed at improving the internal airway is necessary.

What to Expect After Surgery

There is usually discomfort due to headache and a feeling of stuffiness. Swelling and bruising may occur usually around the eyelids. The bruising is usually gone within 7-10 days as is a major portion of the swelling. The ultimate result of the rhinoplasty won’t be obvious for at least six months, as it takes that long for the mild residual swelling to dissipate.