Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose or change the size or shape of the tip, bridge or nostrils. It can also correct nose-related breathing problems as well as disfigurement of the nose caused by trauma or birth defects.

Rhinoplasty usually takes about an hour or two, though complicated procedures can take longer. During surgery, the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage and then sculpted into the desired shape.

A splint is applied after the procedure to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may also be placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

If your nose is being reduced in size, a splint will have been applied and the nose will be packed with a medicated gauze. Sometimes only tape is used to support the nose. The stitches are self absorbing and do not require removal. If an incision is made across the columnella, or vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils, skin stitches are placed which require removal in 3-5 days. The need to do this is usually identified and discussed fully prior to the procedure, and is usually necessary in only about 5-10% of people.

You will see some swelling and stuffiness for several weeks, but most patients resume normal light activity after a few days.