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The surgery
Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures
may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its
supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the
desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and
your surgeon's preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
If your nostrils are too wide, the surgeon
can remove small wedges of skin from
their base, bringing them closer together.
Many plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their
incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an "open" procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across
the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
Incisions are made inside the nostrils
or at the base of the nose, providing
access to the cartilage and bone, which
can then be sculpted into shape.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose
maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be
placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
The surgeon removes the hump using a
chisel or a rasp, then brings the nasal
bones together to form a narrower
bridge. Cartilage is trimmed to reshape
the tip of the nose.
Trimming the septum improves the
angle between the nose and upper lip.
Continue reading about rhinoplasty
Back to top of rhinoplasty section
Rhinoplasty Patient Information 
Highlights:Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Activity Restrictions
Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
FAQs on Rhinoplasty
FAQs on Recovery From Plastic Surgery
Surgery of the Nose Illustrations
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