Nasal Surgery: Improving the Appearance of Your Nose

Nasal surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the look and function of the nose. It's also called rhinoplasty. Beyond its cosmetic benefits, rhinoplasty can help breathing issues and correct congenital or traumatic nasal deformities. Any surgery to improve the way you look is called aesthetic, plastic, or cosmetic surgery. In most of these surgeries, bone and cartilage in the nose are trimmed and moved.

What's done during your surgery depends on the type of changes to be made. The nasal bones and the upper and lower cartilage may need to be trimmed. Or they may need to be moved to give your nose the shape you want. Most cuts (incisions) are made inside the nose so the scars won't be seen.

You may want the base of your nose to be narrowed. To do this, tissue needs to be removed from around the nostrils. Incisions are made on the outside of the nose and some tissue is removed. The tissue is then stitched (sutured) together. The scars will be hidden by the folds of the nostrils.

As with any surgery, nasal surgery has some risks. Your doctor will discuss risks and complications with you. These may include:

• A hole in your nasal septum
• Infections
• Bleeding in the nose
• Poor wound healing
• Skin discoloration
• Unsatisfactory appearance
• Pain
• Scarring
• Additional surgery
• Change in the sense of smell
• Uneven nose

After aesthetic surgery, you'll be taken to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to be watched as you wake up from the anesthesia. Your experience may be as follows:

• You'll have gauze bandages or other material (packing) or a plastic splint inside your nose. This holds the new shape of your nose, prevents bleeding, and promotes healing. You'll also have a dressing (bandages) and a splint on the outside of your nose. These also help the nose keep its shape as it heals.
• Expect mucus and some blood to drain through the dressing.
• You may have swelling or bruising around your eyes.
• If you have packing, you will have to breathe through your mouth until the packing is removed. This may cause throat dryness and irritation.
• While healing, be careful not to move your dressing or touch your nose.
• Pain medicine will be prescribed as needed. Don't take medicine containing aspirin or ibuprofen. These can increase bleeding.

You'll need to follow up with your doctor after your surgery. Here's what to expect:

• Any packing, splint, or dressings will likely be removed. You may feel mild pain and bleed a little when this is done.
• Expect some numbness, swelling, and nasal congestion.
• Any bruising and swelling around your eyes and nose will most likely go away in about 3 weeks.
• If you're told to do compression exercises to help your nose hold its shape, do so only as directed.

During later follow-up visits, your doctor will assess your healing and your surgery results. It may take 12 to 18 months for your nose to reach its final shape. In most cases, any thick or uneven areas will go away with time. Talk with your doctor about any problems or concerns you may have. In some cases, a second surgery will be needed.