Nose Surgery

(Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, surgery to repair or reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.  It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

                                                      BEFORE                              AFTER

Photos courtesy of Dr McBride, Texas

Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer.

During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon's preferred technique. Finally, the skin is re-draped over the new framework.

Many surgeons perform rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an "open" procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.

When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilise the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

After rhinoplasty surgery, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. Some subtle swelling, unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon, will remain for several months. A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks.

Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you are entirely recovered.

Average Price Range: $8000-$12000

Please ask your doctor for further information.