What Happens During a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) Surgery?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. The entire process usually lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Here's a step-by-step overview of what happens during the surgery:

Anesthesia Administration

The procedure begins with administering general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.

Incision Placement

The surgeon will then decide on the best incision placement to facilitate the surgery. These incisions are carefully planned to be as discreet as possible, usually made in less noticeable areas like the inside of the nostrils or along the natural creases of the nose. This helps achieve optimal results with minimal visible scarring.

Reshaping the Nose

Depending on the patient's unique needs, the surgeon will remove, reshape, or reposition cartilage and bone. In some cases, cartilage may be trimmed, or sections may be removed entirely to achieve the desired nose shape.

Fracturing and Reshaping Nasal Bone

If needed, the nasal bone may be broken and repositioned during the procedure. This decision is made based on the specific goals of the surgery, such as correcting a nasal hump, narrowing the bridge, or refining the nose tip.

Completion of Surgery

After reshaping the cartilage and/or bone, the surgeon closes the incisions and may place a splint on the nose to support the new structure during the initial healing process.

Each rhinoplasty surgery is tailored to the individual's anatomy and desired results, meaning no two procedures are exactly the same. The surgeon's decisions during the surgery are informed by the patient's unique nasal structure and the goals outlined during pre-surgical consultations.