Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Rhinoplasty reshapes the bones, cartilage and skin of the nose. People choose it to raise a low bridge, narrow or refine the tip, straighten the nose, or fix a hump, and sometimes to help breathing.

Your surgeon looks at the nose in relation to your whole face so the result looks natural.

To raise the bridge, a surgeon can use your own cartilage or an implant material. Gore-Tex (a soft synthetic material) is one of the options that may be used, and some people choose it for the bridge.

Each material has its own benefits and risks, and the right one depends on your nose and goals. Your surgeon explains the options and recommends what suits you.

The incisions are made inside the nose or in a small area at the base of the nose, depending on the plan. The framework is reshaped, any implant or graft is placed, and the skin is draped back. A splint is usually put on the nose afterward.

Expect swelling and some bruising around the nose and eyes, and a stuffy feeling at first. The splint stays on for about a week or as your surgeon advises. Keep your head raised, and avoid blowing your nose, pressure on the nose and strenuous activity until you are cleared.

Most of the swelling settles in the first weeks, but fine swelling, especially at the tip, can take many months to go away.

Risks include bleeding, infection, breathing difficulty, asymmetry, a shape you are not happy with, problems with the implant or graft, and the possibility of a revision. Results differ from person to person, and any procedure can need a touch-up or revision.

What shape is realistic for my face? Will you use my own cartilage or an implant, and why? How long until I can see the final result? What happens if I want a change later?