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Rhinoplasty - Nose Job Continued

One of the most common requests by patients of rhinoplasty involves removal of a “hump” on the nose. This is done by the surgeon by shaving off the bone and cartilage to create a straighter profile. The bones of the nose are also often moved closer together to create a narrower bridge, which is done by separating the bones from the skull and then pushing them together into the desired shape. The tip of the nose may be reduced by shaving the cartilage, or built up with cartilage grafted from elsewhere. The shape of the nostrils may be altered to make them narrower or more pleasingly shaped.

Recovery from Rhinoplasty

Many rhinoplasty patients experience depression for a brief period following their surgery because of their appearance. Substantial bruising and swelling often occurs around the nose and the eyes, and may not subside for several weeks. A splint will have to be worn on the nose for one or two weeks, and dressings will remain inside the nose to absorb any bleeding for a few days. Minimal swelling will not subside for several months, but is usually not noticeable to most people.


As with any surgery, there are certain risks that must be understood. Severe bleeding will require immediate attention, and some people may have a reaction to the medication used for general anesthesia. Some patients, especially smokers, may develop a chest infection after being anesthetized. However, rhinoplasty is usually a fairly straightforward process and most patients go home the same day.

Some patients have bad experiences with plastic surgeons and require reconstructive surgery to repair damage that may occur. For example, a built-up tip that is not done correctly may eventually collapse and leave the nose malformed. A nose may become more uneven after a botched surgery, or be very different from anticipated results. For these reasons, it is important to go to skilled plastic surgeons who has adequate experience to put his or her patients at ease. However, candidates are always advised that the exact results of a rhinoplasty are impossible to predict and even the most skilled surgeon cannot guarantee the exact results.

By Kira Lee