How is it done?

Rhinoplasty can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on what you and your surgeon prefer. Incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the rim of the nose. Soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures, and the cartilage and bone causing the deformity are reshaped.

The exact nature of that sculpting depends on your particular problem, and should be discussed at the consultation. If the nose is being reduced in size, the nasal bones are carefully fractured toward the conclusion of the procedure. Breathing problems may be improved by a procedure called septoplasty, in which the obstructions are removed. Another type of soft-tissue surgery, alar narrowing, is used to adjust the width of the nostrils.

There are two major ways to perform a rhinoplasty: the closed and the open techniques. The open technique includes an incision across the colummella, the small skin between the two nostrils. One major advantage of this technique is the ability to completely visualize the internal structures of the nose, and place sutures precisely where they may be required. With this type of rhinoplasty, the swelling takes significantly longer to subside and some of the tissues may be unnecessarily disrupted. The scar is most often quite small and fades rapidly. The closed technique does not require an external incision, heals more quickly and does not disturb the tissues as much as the open technique.