Nose reshaping
Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping is the operation to reduce and/or reshape the nose. Our noses are our most prominent facial feature but many of us are not happy with their size or shape making nose reshaping the most popular facial cosmetic surgery. Most men or women wish to reduce the size and shape of a large nose, but occasionally an increase in profile is appropriate. You can reshape the bridge, tip or overall profile; surgery also relieves breathing difficulties caused by injury.
Those considering surgery are often distressed by comments or remarks made over a number of years, perhaps even to the extent that they may refuse to be photographed in profile or hide their nose behind long hair. Others may have sustained nasal injuries causing a misshapen nose. The vast majority of people undergoing rhinoplasty gain a feeling of increased self-confidence due to the improvement of their own perceived body image.
The procedure
Rhinoplasty is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. During surgery an incision is made inside the nostrils, to separate the soft tissues from underlying structures so that they can be repositioned or reshaped. In some cases, cartilage can be taken from another part of the body to help build a new profile.
Your recovery
You will need to wear a small plaster dressing (splint) for about a week to support and protect the bones while they set in their new position. There should not be any external scars unless the size of the nostrils are also reduced but if your nasal bones have been reset, you may have 'black eyes' initially and your eyes and face will be a little swollen. Most people return to work within about a week but you will need to be careful to avoid direct contact or pressure on your nose until it has completely healed.
