Nose Job or Rhinoplasty

Nose Job, nose reshaping or Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. Nose Jobs are meant to correct the disproportionate appearance of the nose by altering the shape, size, correct a deviated septum or alter the angle of the nose and upper lip.

The anatomy of the nose is primarily made of bone and cartilage. During the cosmetic surgery procedure your surgeon will make small incisions inside the nostrils to gain access to the bone and cartilage. Using very small instruments, he/she will reshape the nose by removing or adding bone, cartilage and tissue to achieve a desired appearance. If the nasal tip is wide the surgeon may remove cartilage from the tip or use sutures to bend or pull the cartilages inward to create a narrower tip or adjust the position.

If you have a dorsal hump at the bridge of the nose, he/she may choose to use a chisel-like device (osteotome) to cut the bone to carve away areas of the cartilage and bone. After the removal of the dorsal hump the nose will have an open roof in which the surgeon will have to reposition the nasal bones. Repositioning involves breaking the nasal bones by tapping the device gently along a designated path. Once broken, the bones are shifted upward to close the open roof.

When the procedure is over the surgeon will close the incision with dissolvable sutures. Bandages and splints are applied to protect and help the tissues conform to the new cartilage and bone structure. The procedure may last up to two hours.

You will likely experience some pain, bruising and swelling. These symptoms will dissipate after a few days. The bandages/splints may stay in place up to seven days. You may return to work within seven to ten days. Although a Nose Job may not achieve perfection, it may help to enhance your self-confidence and appearance.