Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job” is a surgical procedure that involves changing the appearance of the nose. Some patients may have a functional problem breathing through their nose and this can be addressed at the same time as the cosmetic problem. Some surgeons prefer to perform an “open” rhinoplasty where a small incision is made across the columella (the vertical strip of skin between the nose) or a “closed” technique where the incisions are made inside the nose.

With cosmetic rhinoplasty, the goal is to enhance the aesthetics of the nose. This may involve the removal of a bony hump, a change in the size or position of the nasal tip, or a change of the nasal width. The changes are made to balance the nose with the face and create a more harmonious appearance.

A functional rhinoplasty will improve the patient’s ability to breathe through their nose. This will often involve changes to the nasal septum or other internal structures to alleviate breathing difficulties. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove or reshape the bones and cartilage of the nose.

The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia or a combination of local and intravenous anesthesia. Swelling and bruising are common and the initial swelling can take several months to subside. Sometimes internal or external splints are used for the first 10 days to maintain the new shape. Pain medications can be prescribed for the immediate postoperative period. As with any surgical procedure, the risks of rhinoplasty would include infection and bleeding. There is always the possibility of not achieving the desired aesthetic result. A successful rhinoplasty often requires a highly individualized result.