A nose job (rhinoplasty) is a procedure used to reshape the nose. The operation may take place under a general or local anaesthetic.
The two main techniques used are called “open” or “closed”. Open means that some or all of the cuts are made outside the nose, whereas closed means all the cuts are made inside the nose.
A nose reshaping operation normally involves separating the soft tissue that lies on top of the nose from the bone and cartilage underneath. Depending on the operation, the surgeon might break the nose bone and reposition it, or reshape the cartilage.
You may need to stay in hospital for one of two nights, and you will probably need to wear a protective splint over your nose for at least a week. Stitches inside your nose will probably be dissolvable and will not need to be removed. Your surgeon will advise you about when any stitches outside your nose need to be removed.
What are the risks?
- As well as the general risks of surgery, specific risks of nose jobs include:
- your nose may be an odd shape after surgery, although this will usually settle down during the following 12 months
- your nose may bleed heavily for about a week, which may require hospital admission
- you may find it difficult to breathe through your nose for the first week after surgery
- any implants used may protrude through the skin or become infected, in which case further surgery may be required to remove and replace them.
More information can be found at the following websites:
http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/rhinoplasty-reduction
http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures /rhinoplasty-augmentation
http://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/rhinoplasty