Nose Reshaping or Rhinoplasty

Nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is a common surgical procedure done either under general anesthetic or sedation with local anesthetic. An open or a closed technique is performed to make the nose smaller, reduce a bump on the nose, change the shape of the tip and sides of the nose, as well as other changes.

Rhinoplasty nose reshaping is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed; however, it is considered to be the most difficult cosmetic surgery procedure. Rhinoplasty nose reshaping is used to make the nose smaller, larger, thinner or flatter, change the bridge or tip of the nose, and the surgery is also implemented on people who have birth defects and to improve breathing problems related to the internal structure of the nose.

During a nose reshaping surgery much of the work is performed from inside the nose, but some procedures are best carried out using small incisions outside of the nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthetic or under local anesthetic with sedation, benefits to using local anesthetic include a faster recovery and less cost, but not all patients are able to endure being awake through such an invasive cosmetic procedure.

How fast a person recovers from a nose reshaping operation depends on the kind of anesthesia used, the procedure itself, and also the person who had the surgery. For a short while after surgery patients are unable to breathe through their nose. Icepacks are routinely used to reduce swelling, and pain killers will be prescribed for use after the surgery. Most people return to work 1-2 weeks after rhinoplasty.

There are a few risks involved in a nose reshaping surgery; early postoperative complications include bleeding, infection, swelling, nose bleeds, and bruising – in most cases, bruising in 2-4 weeks. Swelling can take months or even years to completely resolve. Death of the nose skin is a rare but devastating risk. 5-10% of nose reshaping surgery patients have to return to the operating room.