Reduction rhinoplasty is one of the procedures known colloquially as a “nose job”. This will reduce the size of your nose. The nose may be reshaped, as well. The shape of the bridge and the tip, as well as the nostrils, can also be changed. In some cases, rhinoplasty is also done to correct breathing problems.

What can reduction rhinoplasty do?

This operation is generally performed reduce the size of the nose’s framework. The skin itself is not changed. The nose’s frame, made of bone and cartilage, is approached through small cuts inside your nostrils or underneath your nostrils. The bridge may be reduced, and then reshaped to a smaller size. Reduction rhinoplasty also narrows the width of your nose. The nostrils can be narrowed as needed, and the nose can be shortened. The changes may be performed to help correct breathing difficulties.

Are there limits to what can be accomplished?

As with any surgery, there are limitations to what can be removed, changed or added. Your surgeon will endeavor to produce the best possible outcome for your needs, goals and structure. The surgery’s objective is to make your nose look in proportion to your facial features. You should explain what you want clearly to your surgeon, and he or she will let you know what can be done, and what cannot. If your nose is quite large, or you are middle aged, there are limits to what can be reduced. This is due to your skin’s lack of elasticity to shrink onto a smaller frame. If your nose has been bent by injury, it may not be able to be made perfectly straight. Larger nostrils can only be reduced so much.

What risks are involved with reduction rhinoplasty?

Like all operations performed under a general anaesthetic, there will always be a risk of infection in the chest, especially if you smoke. This risk can be minimised by telling your surgeon if you have a sore throat, cold or cough before the surgery, so that it can be postponed or your anaesthetic altered. Surgery can be complicated if you have heavy nose bleeding after the procedure, or after 7 to 10 days. This may require in-hospital treatment. You may experience some breathing difficulties during the first week after surgery. This will usually disappear as the swelling subsides. If after the surgery you or your surgeon are not happy with the outcome a revision rhinoplasty can often be performed. However, it is not recommended to opt for surgery again until at least a year after the first surgery, as rhinoplasty generally takes 12 months to heal completely.

What may be expected on operation day?

This surgery is often done under general anesthetic where you will likely be required to stay in hospital overnight. The procedure itself usually causes mild to moderate pain, and you will probably not need anything stronger than mild pain relievers after the surgery. The dressings in your nostrils may cause discomfort, as may a splint, used over your nose. This is important, though, as it holds your bones in the proper position. When you go home, you may experience minor bleeding from the nose for a day or two. Rinse this blood away gently. Keeping your head elevated will help. Avoiding hot baths will help, as well. Do not sneeze or blow your nose. After your dressings are removed, you can clear the nose by simply blowing your nose and rinsing with a sinus wash.

If you have questions about reduction rhinoplasty contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a rhinoplasty specialist.

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