During your initial consultation, you’ll work with your surgeon to address your concerns and desired results. You’ll also undergo an extensive physical exam and blood tests before your surgeon takes photographs to aid in planning and performing your nose reshaping surgery. Finally, you’ll receive important instructions to prepare for treatment, as well as a realistic explanation of the results you can expect to achieve.

Depending on your particular case, your rhinoplasty surgery will involve one of the following procedures:

• Reducing the nasal bridge or building it up with a cartilage graft
• Sculpting the tip of the nose
• Refining the nostrils
• Straining the septum or reducing oversized turbinates to address the appearance and breathing function of your nose.

In some cases, an implant or cartilage from another part of the body may also be added to obtain your nose’s final shape. However, since most rhinoplasty procedures are done inside the nose, there are virtually no visible incisions or scarring.

At the end of your procedure, your surgeon will apply taping and a protective splint over your nose. These are generally left in place for seven days. Your nose may also be packed with light gauze for five days. However, the placement and removal of the packing are painless. Swelling and discoloration of the nose and bruising around the eyes is standard following nose shaping and should not alarm you. Reduction in swelling and bruising begins on the fourth or fifth day.

You can resume moderately active sports such as swimming, tennis, and golf after three weeks. Sports involving body contact such as football, wrestling, etc. are prohibited for six weeks. Your surgeon will also give you specific instructions regarding rest, sleeping position, washing your face and hair, and breathing techniques.