Rhinoplasty

Nose reshaping — Nose

Surgery that brings the shape of the nose into harmony with the face and, where needed, also improves the airway.

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Side-profile portrait of a young woman with a natural nasal line

Procedure card

Duration
2–3 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Hospital stay
1 night
Recovery
Splint removed on day 7
Back to social life
10–14 days
Settled result
Settles within 12 months

Because the nose sits in the middle of the face, even a small change affects the whole face. That is why planning starts not with the nose itself but with its relation to the forehead, lips and chin. The aim is not a sharp change that looks “done” but a profile in harmony with the face.

At the examination the inside of the nose is assessed as well as its appearance. If a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates make breathing difficult, they can be corrected in the same operation.

Open and closed technique

In the closed technique all incisions are inside the nose. In the open technique a few-millimetre incision is added on the skin between the nostrils, which allows more detailed work, especially on the tip. The right technique is decided together at the examination.

Preparation and procedure

  1. Consultation and measurement

    Facial proportions are assessed with photographs and measurements; breathing complaints are discussed.

  2. Planning

    Your expectations are discussed on profile photographs and the technique is agreed.

  3. Before surgery

    Blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment; smoking and blood thinners are stopped two weeks before.

  4. Surgery

    Under general anaesthesia the bone and cartilage are reshaped.

  5. Check-ups

    Day 7 and months 1, 3, 6 and 12.

Recovery timeline

Drag along the line or tap a day to see what usually happens at that point.

0 day

Day of surgery: one night at the clinic; a splint on the nose and, if needed, thin silicone packs.

  1. Day 0Day of surgery: one night at the clinic; a splint on the nose and, if needed, thin silicone packs.
  2. Day 1Any packs are removed. Bruising and swelling begin around the eyes.
  3. Day 3Swelling peaks, then starts to settle. Sleep with your head raised.
  4. Day 7Splint and stitches removed; you see the nose for the first time, still swollen.
  5. Day 14Most bruising has faded; back to work and social life.
  6. Day 30Light exercise can start; ask your surgeon about glasses.
  7. Day 90Most of the swelling has resolved; the tip may still be slightly full.
  8. Day 365The nose reaches its final shape; one-year check-up.

The timeline describes an average course; recovery varies from person to person. Your surgeon gives you your own timeline.

Questions about this procedure

All questions
When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
Glasses should not rest on the bridge of the nose until the bones have settled, usually 4–6 weeks. Meanwhile you can tape glasses to your forehead or wear contact lenses.
Does rhinoplasty affect breathing?
The airway is assessed during planning. Problems such as a deviated septum can be corrected in the same operation. In the first weeks, swelling can make the nose feel blocked; this eases as swelling settles.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical procedure carries its own risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided after an examination.

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