How is Rhinoplasty performed?

During rhinoplasty surgery, the aesthetic plastic surgeon reshapes the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues forming the contours of the nose. A nose job can make the nose appear smaller or larger, the tip differently shaped, or the bridge more streamlined by removing a bump. Rhinoplasty can also re-set a nose that has been broken or repair a deviated septum or congenital defect.

Rhinoplasty procedures take between one and three hours, depending on the degree and type of change desired. This procedure is usually performed with general anesthesia, although it is also possible to perform rhinoplasty with local anesthesia. First, the surgeon makes incisions to access underlying tissues. In open rhinoplasty, this incision is made across the small piece of skin separating the nostrils. With the ‘closed’ rhinoplasty technique, all necessary incisions are located inside the nose, where they will not leave visible scars.

Then, the surgeon reshapes the tissues to achieve the desired nose reshaping. This process can include removal of cartilage or bone, reshaping of cartilage or fat, or the addition of tissues such as artificial implants or bone grafts. The techniques used by the aesthetic plastic surgeon depend on your desired results; no two rhinoplasty surgeries are identical. Once the reshaping work is complete, the incisions are closed, and the new shape of the nose is supported with a splint.