Division of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Nose Reshaping / Rhinoplasty

What is nose reshaping?

Cosmetic nose reshaping is also known as rhinoplasty. The procedure can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, and/or change the tip or bridge of the nose. It can also correct some breathing problems.

Rhinoplasty involves the resculpting of the bone and cartilage. When operating on the nose, the surgeon can either work from within the nose by making an incision inside the nose, or work from the outside by making a small incision across the tissue that separates the nostrils. The latter is known as an "open" procedure.

Possible complications associated with rhinoplasty:

repetitive surgery
Although not common, sometimes a second procedure may be required to correct a minor deformity that occurs as a result of the initial rhinoplasty.
surgery complications
As in any surgery there is a risk of infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Nosebleeds can also occur after surgery.
burst blood vessels
Sometimes small blood vessels may burst causing tiny red spots on the nose to surface. The spots are usually minor in appearance but can be permanent.
scarring
With the "open" procedure there is the possibility of scarring on the base of the nose.

About the procedure:

Location options include:
- surgeon's office-based surgical facility
- outpatient surgery center
- hospital outpatient
- hospital inpatient
Anesthetic options include:
- local anesthesia
- general anesthesia
Probable length of procedure: about two hours
Probable recuperation period:
- usually up and around in a few days
- usually return to school or sedentary work a week or so
- surgeon will provide guidelines for resuming normal activities
Short-term side effects of surgery:
- splint applied to nose to help maintain new shape
- nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in nostrils to stabilize septum
- face will feel puffy
- nose may ache
- dull headache
- swelling around the eyes
- bruising around the eyes
- small amount of bleeding in first few days
- small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface
Final results:
- Healing is a slow and gradual process. Some swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip of the nose. Final results of nasal surgery may not be apparent for a year or more.
- When a traditional open surgical technique is used, or surgery is performed to narrow flared nostrils, small scars will be located on the base of the nose. The scars usually are not noticeable. Scarring is not visible when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose.

This page was last updated on: September 20, 2007.

For more information about UM Division of Plastic Surgery or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-492-5538 or 410-328-2360 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).