Rhinoplasty or surgery to reshape the nose is one of the most common plastic surgical procedures.

The surgery:
Rhinoplasty  can reduce or increase the size/height of  the nose,  change  the shape of  the tip or the  bridge, narrow  the span  of the nostrils,  or change the angle  between  the nose  and the upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect and any defects due to injury, or help to relieve some breathing problems.

Best Candidates:
Any person above the age of 15 yrs with realistic expectations is a good candidate. It is important for the patient to anticipate the likely outcome of this surgery, thereby avoiding a mismatch between the patient’s expectations and the surgical result. The health and psychological motivation of the candidate is assessed before surgery.

Technique:
Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complex procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting frame-work of bone and cartilage. The nose is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of sculpting depends on the patient’s problem and the surgeons preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new frame-work. A splint is applied over the nose to maintain the new shape.

Variations:
The skeleton is approached either by the open method or the closed method. In the closed method no external   sutures are seen whereas in the open method a small suture line is seen.
In some individuals optimal profile correction is better achieved by correction of jaw bones  and teeth. If such multiple procedures are contemplated it is better to undergo in a proper sequence.                    

Anesthesia:
Rhinoplasty is done either under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia.

Before Surgery:
It is necessary to discuss in detail the desired shape of the nose.Also taken into consideration is the desire or need to combine other minor aesthetic procedures of the face like chin-augmentation and lip augmentation / reduction.

After Surgery:y
Minor inconveniences may be experienced:

• Bruising around the eyes   and cheeks can persist for up to three days.
•  After surgery the nose may be swollen for up to 2 days.The swelling gradually subsides after a week.
• The nose may be packed for 24 hrs after surgery.
• The nasal splint, if used, will be removed within a week.
• Moderate activity can be resumed 1-2 weeks later.
• Strenuous activity can be resumed 2-3 weeks after surgery. 
• The dressing on the nose is kept for up to 7 days after surgery.

Duration of Results: Permanent

Cost:  The cost depends on the magnitude of correction and the usage of implants. However in general it ranges between  INR 30,000 – 75,000