Rhinoplasty Surgery Explained

Rhinoplasty refers to cosmetic plastic surgery of the nose – thus, it is also commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’.  Rhinoplasty cosmetic plastic surgery aims to enhance the appearance of the nose by repositioning or refining nasal features such as nose-associated skin, cartilage, and bone.  Rhinoplasty has been around since the 19th century when early plastic surgery pioneer, Jacques Joselph, developed the early surgical procedures that would be used for rhinoplasty.  Today, rhinoplasty is one of the most established plastic surgery procedures and the second most requested cosmetic surgical procedure after only liposuction.

Rhinoplasty Statistics

In 2004, over 305,000 rhinoplasty operations were performed in the United States alone.  Rhinoplasty surgery typically takes anywhere from one to three hours depending on the extent and complexity of the individual procedure. 

Rhinoplasty surgery involves an incision to separate the skin of the nose from the underlying bone and cartilage – it is the bone and cartilage that are manipulated and sculpted to create the desired look of your new nose.  After this is done, the nose skin is then placed back over top and resealed.  Some supportive splints will usually be applied to stabilize your new nose structure as you allow your nose to heal for the next few days.  You will need to take it easy for the next few weeks as your nose strengthens within its new frame, and you should be back to normal in about a month to six weeks.