Rhinoplasty

Reshapes the nose — bridge, tip, nostrils, and internal structure — for appearance, breathing, or both, in one of the most technically demanding operations in plastic surgery.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve proportion with the rest of the face, correct a hump, refine or lift the tip, narrow the nostrils, or straighten a crooked nose. It also addresses function: a deviated septum or collapsed internal valves can be corrected in the same operation (septorhinoplasty), and breathing should always be part of the plan, not an afterthought. Because the nose is central to the face and its tissues are thin, small changes have large visual effects, and revision is harder than the first operation.

How is rhinoplasty done?

Through incisions inside the nostrils (closed approach) or with an additional small incision across the columella (open approach), the surgeon reshapes bone and cartilage, removes or adds structure as needed, and refines the tip. Cartilage grafts, often from the septum, support the new shape. Surgery is usually outpatient under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. A splint is worn for about a week, and internal packing or splints are sometimes used briefly.

What are the options for rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty. A small external incision allows direct visualization of the nasal structures, favored for complex or revision cases and major tip work. Closed rhinoplasty. All incisions inside the nostrils, with no external scar, suited to more limited changes. Septorhinoplasty. Combines cosmetic reshaping with septum correction for breathing. Preservation rhinoplasty. Preserves the natural dorsal structures where possible, reshaping from below rather than removing the bridge, suited to selected patients.

What affects the cost of rhinoplasty?

There is no single fixed charge for rhinoplasty, and this guide does not publish prices: the written quote you receive at consultation is the binding figure.

Factors that commonly move the total include the surgeon's experience, the facility type (office procedure suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital), the type and length of anesthesia, the complexity of the surgical plan, whether other procedures are combined in the same operation, garments and follow-up visits, and the revision terms. Ask for an itemized written quote that states exactly what is included, and what would cost extra if a revision or an overnight stay became necessary.

What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?

Expect swelling and bruising, often around the eyes, for the first one to two weeks, with the splint removed at about one week. Many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks, once bruising fades, and to strenuous activity in about four to six weeks, with glasses kept off the bridge until cleared. The nose looks substantially improved within weeks, but the tip refines slowly: final shape emerges over a year or more, especially in thicker skin. Florida sun protection on healing skin matters, and swimming should wait until cleared.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, breathing difficulty (including new nasal obstruction if support is weakened), numbness, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result — the most common reason for revision rhinoplasty. Over-resection can collapse the nose or create a pinched tip, which is difficult to correct. A surgeon who discusses what cannot be achieved, and shows a range of realistic outcomes, is more trustworthy than one who promises a specific celebrity nose.

What should I ask at a rhinoplasty consultation?

• Open or closed approach for my goals, and why?
• How will my breathing be protected or improved in the same operation?
• What is realistic for my nose and skin thickness, and what would you not attempt?
• What is the total quote, broken down, and what are the revision terms?
• Can you confirm your board certification? (Check the badge on each profile in this directory.)

Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons patient information and procedure guidance; U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance where applicable. General information only, not medical advice. Confirm details with a board-certified surgeon at consultation.