There are two primary types of rhinoplasty:
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty helps people who want to change the shape, size, or general appearance of their noses. Some people feel that their nose does not match the rest of their face or that it causes them to feel self-conscious.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty can treat several health conditions, especially a deviated septum (bending of the cartilage that separates the nostrils), a crooked nose due to past nasal trauma, nasal obstruction, and congenital defects. Breathing problems often disappear or are drastically reduced.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
Your team will keep you under anesthesia for the duration of the procedure to keep you from feeling any discomfort. During the surgery, the surgeon will make small incisions, mostly inside the nose, and will reshape the cartilage, bone, and skin to achieve the desired shape or to correct the functional defect.
What Is Recovery From a Rhinoplasty Like?
You will have a splint placed over your nose for several days to stabilize the nose while it begins to heal. You will go home the same day and will need someone to drive you, since you may be foggy from the anesthesia.
Your surgeon is going to prescribe medications for pain until your discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medications. You will need to avoid activities that could cause trauma to your nose while it is healing. Your surgeon will discuss what types of activities you may need to avoid. You should be able to return to work in about a week.