Plastic Surgery
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Haute MD Editorial Team
Rhinoplasty (nose job) is one of the most technically complex and artistically demanding surgical procedures in plastic surgery, reshaping the nose to improve aesthetic proportion and facial harmony or to correct functional problems such as a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, refine the nasal tip, narrow the bridge, remove a bump, improve the angle between the nose and upper lip, and correct asymmetry.
Open vs. closed rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty: a small incision is made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), providing maximum visibility and access. Preferred for complex cases, significant tip refinement, and revision surgery. Closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty: all incisions are inside the nostrils with no external scar. Appropriate for more limited changes. Most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons prefer the open approach for its superior precision.
Structural vs. reduction rhinoplasty
Traditional reduction rhinoplasty reduces nasal structures — removing cartilage and bone. Structural rhinoplasty uses grafts and suture techniques to reshape, support, and refine the nose, producing more natural-looking results with less long-term distortion.
Preservation rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasty is the most advanced technique, preserving the natural nasal structures rather than resecting them — producing extremely natural results, faster recovery, and reduced revision rates. It is performed by a smaller number of highly specialized surgeons.
Who it's for
Patients seeking to refine the nasal tip, bridge or overall proportion of the nose; patients with breathing difficulty from a deviated septum (functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty); patients seeking ethnic rhinoplasty that preserves heritage while refining specific features; patients seeking revision of an unsatisfactory prior result; and patients in good health, non-smokers, with realistic expectations and a fully developed facial structure.
How it works
Rhinoplasty reshapes the underlying bone and cartilage of the nose to refine appearance and improve airflow. It can be performed open (a small incision across the columella) or closed (incisions inside the nostrils). The surgeon adjusts cartilage, may use grafts from the septum or ear, and sometimes reshapes the nasal bones. Functional improvements often happen at the same time as cosmetic refinement.
Cosmetic, functional, and combined
Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines appearance — the bridge, tip, width or symmetry. Functional rhinoplasty (often with septoplasty) corrects breathing problems like a deviated septum. Many patients have both addressed together in a septorhinoplasty, where insurance may cover the functional portion while the cosmetic part is self-pay.
Recovery
An external splint is worn for about a week. Bruising and swelling peak in the first days and largely settle over the following weeks, while subtle swelling — especially at the tip — refines over many months. The final result can take up to a year to fully settle.
How to choose a surgeon
Verify board certification in facial plastic surgery (ABFPRS) and otolaryngology, or American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. Review before-and-after galleries showing noses with anatomy similar to yours, ask about revision rates, and make sure the surgeon takes time to understand both cosmetic and functional goals.
Why surgeon choice matters most
Rhinoplasty is widely considered among the most demanding cosmetic surgeries — small changes have large effects on both appearance and breathing, and a poor result often requires complex revision. Board certification, specific rhinoplasty experience and before-and-after results matter far more than choosing on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is rhinoplasty recovery?
An external splint is commonly removed at about 5–10 days after surgery (AAFPRS). Exact timing is set by the operating surgeon. Most visible bruising and swelling improve over 2–3 weeks; tip refinement can take 6–12 months or longer (ASPS notes contour refinement can take up to a year).
What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty reshapes the external nose for cosmetic purposes. Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum to improve breathing. The two are often performed together (septorhinoplasty).
What is the right age for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is generally performed after the nose has reached its adult size — typically age 15-16 for girls and 16-17 for boys. There is no upper age limit for healthy adults.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Yes. Functional rhinoplasty combined with septoplasty and turbinate reduction can significantly improve nasal airflow. Functional components may be covered by insurance.
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Costs vary widely by surgeon, market, and whether the procedure is cosmetic, functional, or both. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered by insurance; functional components sometimes are. Request an itemized quote. See our rhinoplasty cost guide for a sourced overview.
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