What Is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons (to improve the appearance of the nose), functional reasons (to improve breathing or correct deformities), or both.

• Cosmetic Rhinoplasty aims to enhance the appearance of the nose—such as refining a dorsal hump, altering the nasal tip, narrowing the nose, or changing nasal symmetry.
• Functional Rhinoplasty focuses on correcting issues that impair nasal breathing, such as deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or congenital deformities. It is sometimes combined with a septoplasty.

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What does the surgery involve?

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia as a day procedure or with an overnight stay.

Surgical approaches may include:

• Open Rhinoplasty: A small incision is made across the columella (the skin between the nostrils) and inside the nostrils to allow greater exposure and precision.
• Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made within the nostrils, with no visible external scar.
• Structural Grafting: Cartilage grafts (commonly from the nasal septum, ear, or rib) may be used to support or reshape the nose.

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The procedure is typically carried out under general anaesthesia and may be performed as a day procedure or involve an overnight stay, depending on the complexity. There are two main surgical approaches: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision on the columella (the skin bridge between the nostrils), along with internal incisions, allowing full visibility and precision. Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions made entirely within the nostrils, leaving no external scar. In some cases, cartilage grafts may be required to support or reshape the nose. These are commonly harvested from the nasal septum, ear, or, more rarely, the rib. The operation usually takes between 2 and 3 hours.

After surgery, a nasal splint is typically applied to protect and support the nose and is kept in place for about a week. Swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks is common, particularly in the first few days, and generally resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Patients often experience nasal congestion or blockage due to internal swelling, which may take several weeks to settle. Mild to moderate discomfort is expected but can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients can return to work or school after 7 to 10 days, resume light exercise after 3 weeks, and participate in contact sports after 6 weeks or more. While an initial improvement is visible once the splint is removed, the nose continues to refine over 6 to 12 months as residual swelling gradually resolves.

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As with all surgical procedures, rhinoplasty carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and scarring. Specific complications related to rhinoplasty may include nasal obstruction or worsened breathing, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result, asymmetry or contour irregularities, persistent numbness or altered sensation, and, rarely, septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum). In some cases, a revision surgery may be required to refine or correct the result. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in more detail during your consultation.

It is important to have realistic expectations when considering rhinoplasty. While the goal is to improve the nose's appearance and/or function, perfection cannot be guaranteed, and minor asymmetries may persist. A thorough preoperative consultation will help ensure that the surgical plan aligns with your goals and facial features. Healing is gradual, and patience is required to appreciate the final result. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon or care team.