The Levels of Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty is more commonly known as a ‘nose job’, and it is a surgical procedure that is done to reshape your nose. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon reshapes the nose’s cartilage framework to change the way it looks. Rhinoplasty can be conducted to change the shape of the bridge, tip, and nostrils, and alter the angle between the upper lip and the nose. The surgery is not merely conducted for cosmetic purposes. At times, rhinoplasty may help correct breathing problems in some patients.

There are different levels or types of rhinoplasty surgery, with the two major types classified as either closed or open. Closed rhinoplasty is conducted for minor reshaping. Incisions are made inside the nose, and the skin is separated from the cartilage and bone. Once the bone and cartilage are exposed, they can be reshaped, rearranged, or removed to achieve a desired shape. Open rhinoplasty pertains to major reshaping. This time the surgeon makes incisions in the vertical skin strip, which separates the nostrils. Soft tissue and skin are then raised off an underlying structure of your nose to expose the nasal anatomy.

Rhinoplasty surgery can be conducted as a secondary procedure involving the revision or correction of problems that may have developed or persisted after a previous nose job. Another type of rhinoplasty surgery involves the use of injectables or fillers to smooth the sharp angles, fill depressions, or alter the angle of the tip for symmetry.

An operation usually lasts from two to three hours, and it can be performed under local or a general anaesthetic. Depending on the procedure, you may be able to go home within the same day or stay overnight at the hospital. After surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but these are normal and should subside after a few days or a few weeks.