Rhinoplasty: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Rhinoplasty?
A plastic surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, also called an ENT surgeon, usually performs rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Rhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose. It is also called cosmetic nose surgery or a nose job. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Rhinoplasty can be used for the following reasons.
- To reduce the size of the nose
- To change the shape of the tip or the nasal bridge
- To narrow the opening of the nostrils
- To correct a birth defect or injury
- To help with problems with airflow through the nose
Nose surgery is considered elective when it is done for cosmetic reasons. Many surgeons prefer to do cosmetic nose surgery after the nasal bone has finished growing. This is around age 15 to 16 for girls and a bit later for boys.
How to prepare
Your surgeon may give you instructions to follow before your surgery.
- Stop blood thinning medicines if your surgeon tells you to. Your surgeon will give you a list of these medicines.
- You may need to see your regular health care provider to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery.
- You may need to stop smoking at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after surgery.
- You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
What happens during it
Rhinoplasty can be done with local or general anesthesia. With local anesthesia, the nose and the area around it are numbed. You will probably be lightly sedated but awake. General anesthesia allows you to sleep through the operation. The procedure often takes 1 to 3 hours and may take longer.
The surgery is usually done through a cut made inside the nostrils. In some cases, the cut is made from outside, around the base of the nose. An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. If the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is deviated, it can be straightened to improve airflow.
A splint may be placed on the outside of the nose to help keep the new shape of the bone.
Recovery
You will usually go home on the same day as your surgery. Right after surgery, your nose and face will be swollen and painful. The nasal packing, if present, is usually removed in 3 to 5 days. The splint and cast may be left in place for 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery takes a year, but most swelling will have improved by 2 to 3 months. The tip of the nose may have some swelling and numbness for several months.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks of rhinoplasty include the following.
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding, infection, or bruising
- Change in skin sensation, such as numbness or pain
- Worse airflow through the nose
- Poor wound healing or scarring
- Skin discoloration and swelling
- A nose that does not look the way you hoped
- The need for further surgery
Nasal septal perforation, a hole in the nasal septum, is rare.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon performs rhinoplasty. It is performed in a surgeon's office, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center.
Common questions
Will rhinoplasty leave visible scars?
There are no visible scars if the rhinoplasty is done from inside the nose. If the procedure narrows flared nostrils, there may be small scars at the base of the nose that are not often visible.
When can I see the final results of rhinoplasty?
You may not be able to see the final results for up to a year and sometimes longer. Most swelling will have improved by 2 to 3 months.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Rhinoplasty
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Rhinoplasty Procedure Steps
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Rhinoplasty Risks and Safety
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
