Rhinoplasty is also commonly known as nose reshaping or nose job. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, or maxillofacial surgeon, or a plastic surgeon. This surgical procedure is performed to reach the aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes to correct trauma, birth defects or breathing problems. In order to improve the aesthetic results the Rhinoplasty surgery is performed in combination with other surgical procedures such as chin augmentation.

Under the Rhinoplasty surgery, the local anesthesia is pumped into numb the area and temporarily reduce vascularity. This surgery can be performed under a general anesthetic, sedation, or with local anesthetic which is a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine. The rhinoplasty surgeon made aesthetic improvements may include altering the tip or bridge of the nose, decreasing or increasing the size of the nose, and narrowing or changing the shape of the nostrils.

The Rhinoplasty surgery can be approached under two ways one is closed approach and the other is open approach. Under the closed rhinoplasty surgery incisions are made inside the nostrils and under the open rhinoplasty surgery an additional inconspicuous incision is made across the columella. Columella is the bit of skin that separates the nostrils.

Under the Rhinoplasty surgery, initially the surgeon separates the skin and soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures. Following the separation the cartilage and bone is then reshaped, and the incisions are sutured closed. A few surgeons use a stent or packing inside the nose, followed by tape or stent on the outside. In a few cases, the surgeon would shape or restructure a small piece of the patient’s own cartilage or bone, as a graft, to strengthen or change the shape of the nose.

The candidates who want to go for the nose reshaping surgery should be at least in their mid-teens between 14 to 15 years for girls and a bit older for boys, since at these ages the bones related to the nose are shaped and matured and are also stabilized. Prior to the rhinoplasty surgery, it is better for the patients to discuss their personal expectations or goals in detail with the rhinoplasty surgeon.

Similarly as the other surgery, rhinoplasty carries the same risks and its probable side effects include bleeding, infection, and reactions to medications or anesthesia. Apart from these, the rhinoplasty surgery also includes several risks that are unique to the plastic surgery of the nose. Its various other risks include burst blood vessels that can lead to red spots and small scars on the underside of the nose. The patient may also require a revisionary second procedure at some point in the future to remove or correct tissue.