Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum.

• Length

  Surgery takes approximately one hour or more.

• Anesthesia

  General or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.

• Inpatient/Outpatient

  Either is possible and depends on the patient’s health and the doctor’s preference.

• Possible Side Effects

  Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes and/or nose, and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.

• Risks

  Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible.

• Recovery

  The patient may go back to work after one week. Activities that are more strenuous may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or allow it to become sunburned for at least eight weeks. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB protection is useful. The final results may take one year and sometimes longer to achieve.

• Results

  Permanent.