Rhinoplasty
- Approximate time: 1–2 hours
- General anesthesia
- Outpatient surgery
- Recovery: approximately 3 weeks
- Informational consultation
- Assessment
- Preoperative care
- Postoperative follow-up visits
- 24-hour emergency phone line
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the surgery that modifies the shape of the nose and is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. It also corrects congenital problems, trauma, and certain breathing issues.
Frequently asked questions
What type of anesthesia is used?
Rhinoplasty is always performed in the operating room as an outpatient procedure. It may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, or, more commonly, with general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery. If performed under local anesthesia with sedation, the patient feels relaxed and the nose and surrounding area are numb to pain; under general anesthesia, the patient is asleep during the procedure.
How long does the surgery take and what is it like?
A rhinoplasty usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, though in complex cases it may take longer. During the surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its underlying support, which consists of bone and cartilage and is sculpted into the desired shape. Finally, the skin is repositioned over this new support. We prefer to perform this procedure from within the nose (closed rhinoplasty), using small incisions inside the nostrils; for certain specific cases, an open rhinoplasty may be performed, in which a small incision is made in the columella.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients who undergo rhinoplasty feel well within 2–3 days, when the packing is removed. They are then able to return to work or school in about a week or so. However, some activities should not be done until a few weeks have passed. Avoid strenuous activities (jogging, swimming, doing push-ups, …) for 2 to 3 weeks, avoid bumps to the nose, and avoid sun exposure for at least 8 weeks. Apply makeup carefully.
Will there be a visible scar?
There is no visible scar, so there are no issues related to scarring, since the incisions are made inside the nose; even in open rhinoplasty, the scar is hardly noticeable.
Is recovery painful?
After surgery, and especially during the first 24 hours, you may feel your face is swollen, experience discomfort over the nose, and have a headache, which will ease with medication.
What follow-up visits do I need after the procedure?
When you leave the procedure, you will have nasal packing in place, which is removed after 2 days; and a cast that covers the entire surface of the nose, which is removed between 7 and 9 days. After that, routine follow-up visits will be scheduled.
Can I wear glasses after the procedure?
You can start wearing contact lenses as soon as you like, but if you wear glasses you must take certain precautions. You will be monitored over the following months to see how things progress.