Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can reduce a bump on the bridge, refine a wide, thick or drooping tip, narrow flared nostrils and straighten a crooked nose, and can also improve internal structures that affect breathing. It suits healthy people, usually aged 15 or older, whose facial growth is complete.
- AnaesthesiaUsually general anaesthesia
- DurationTypically 1 to 3 hours
- Hospital stayDay case or one night
- Back to routineUsually 7 to 10 days for work; about 3 weeks for exercise
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is suggested for a nose that looks too wide from the front, has a drooping or plunging tip, a thickened or enlarged tip, excessively flared nostrils, a bump on the bridge, is too large for the face, or is off-centre or crooked, including asymmetry after an injury. The aim is a natural-looking nose that suits the rest of the face.
At consultation the surgeon reviews your medical history, previous surgery including nasal injury repairs, medicines, breathing difficulty, allergies and nasal spray use. The internal nasal structures, skin quality and the relationship of the nose to other features are examined. Chin surgery is sometimes advised to improve facial balance and can be done during the same operation.
The cost is discussed after full evaluation and an individual surgical plan. Insurance usually does not cover purely cosmetic reshaping, but may cover surgery on internal structures to treat breathing problems.
Who is rhinoplasty for?
- People aged about 15 or older whose facial growth is complete
- Physically healthy non-smokers with realistic goals
- Those choosing surgery for themselves, not to meet others' expectations
- People with a nasal hump, wide or drooping tip, flared nostrils, or a nose large for the face
- People with a crooked nose or asymmetry from a past injury, or breathing problems from internal structures
How is it done?
- Consultation, examination of internal and external nose, and an individual surgical plan
- Surgery reshapes bone, cartilage and soft tissue through incisions hidden inside the nose or across the small skin strip between the nostrils
- Internal structures such as the septum can be corrected at the same time to help breathing
- Chin surgery can be added in the same operation if advised for facial balance
- A splint may be placed on the nasal bridge to support the tissues while they settle
What is recovery like?
- Avoid straining, bending and heavy lifting in the early days
- Many people return to work within 7 to 10 days
- Most activities, including exercise, can usually resume in about three weeks
- Avoid sun exposure for several months and use sunblock; if nasal bones were altered, glasses may need taping support for some weeks
- Improvement is often visible within weeks, but final shape typically takes up to a year
What are the risks?
- Haematoma (collection of blood) or bleeding
- Infection
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Temporary numbness of the nasal skin
- Possibility of a touch-up or revision procedure, which is usually less extensive
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for rhinoplasty?
Candidates are generally at least 15 years old, when facial growth is complete. Earlier surgery may be considered only for specific medical reasons. Your surgeon will also check that you are physically healthy and that you want the surgery for yourself, with realistic goals.
When will I see the final result of my nose surgery?
Healing is gradual. Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks once the splint is removed and swelling reduces, but subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take up to a year to settle completely. Final judgement of the result is usually made after that time.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Yes, if breathing difficulty is caused by internal structures such as a deviated septum, these can be corrected during rhinoplasty. Insurance may cover the portion of surgery that treats breathing problems, while purely cosmetic reshaping is usually not covered.
Are rhinoplasty results permanent?
Results are generally long-lasting. The nose may still change gradually with normal ageing. A small number of patients need a touch-up procedure, which is usually less extensive than the first operation. Regular follow-up with your surgeon helps monitor healing.
When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
If the nasal bones were altered, heavy glasses resting on the bridge can affect healing. Your surgeon may advise taping glasses to the forehead or using light frames for some weeks. Contact lenses can usually be worn sooner.
