Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can make the nose larger or smaller; change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip; alter the tip of the nose; or correct bumps, indentations, or other defects in the nose.

During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and Reference cartilage Opens New Window that support the nose. The incisions are usually made inside the nose so that they are invisible after the surgery. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). After the surgeon has rearranged and reshaped the bone and cartilage, the skin and tissue is redraped over the structure of the nose. A splint is placed outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals.

Rhinoplasty may be done using Reference general Opens New Window or Reference local anesthesia Opens New Window. It is usually done as an Reference outpatient Opens New Window procedure but sometimes requires a 1-night stay in the hospital or surgery center.

Surgeons who do rhinoplasties typically have training in either Reference plastic surgery Opens New Window, Reference otolaryngology Opens New Window (ear, nose, and throat specialty), or both.

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