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Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is referred to as nose reshaping. Cosmetic nose surgery can do more than improve your appearance, it can improve your ability to breathe. Nose reshaping gives you a more attractive shaped nose and puts your nose in better proportion with your other facial features. At the Henry Ford Center for Cosmetic Surgery, nose reshaping is often combined with chin augmentation to create a more balanced facial harmony.

Rhinoplasty requires a tremendous amount of skill and technique. Our board certified physicians at the Henry Ford Center for Cosmetic Surgery have unique training in this regard.

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Interested in a consult with one of our board certified cosmetic surgeons? Let us help you love the way you look.

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What to expect

During your consultation, the surgeon will perform a complete evaluation of your nose, including function and the balance of your nose in relationship to your other facial features. Any cosmetic concerns will be evaluated, including profile bumps, size, width, length, tip fullness, crookedness, nostril asymmetry, etc.

The surgeon will then discuss a detailed plan for what to expect from the surgery. Photographs will be taken.

Surgery is done as an outpatient. There is often swelling over the nose and around the eyes, as well as some bruising. The majority of swelling resolves in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, however final results make take several months to see. Work and strenuous activities can be resumed within 1 week of surgery.

Common questions about cosmetic nose surgery

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Some Insurance companies will cover portions of the surgery if done for the purpose of breathing difficulties, however, simply a reshaping of the nose is generally not covered.

When will I see my results?

The majority of the swelling resolves in 1-2 weeks, however, the finer changes especially in the tip of the nose may take up to a year to become noticeable.

Can I choose the type of nose I want?

The surgeon will discuss with you the types of changes that are or are not possible, keeping in mind your overall facial features. The goal is to create a natural appearing nose, which is in balance with the rest of your face.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Surgery is most often recommended for healthy men and women above the age of 15. It is important that patients have reasonable expectations and are committed to their overall good health and well-being.

What type of anesthesia is used?

 The surgery is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia and under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. 

  • Before your cosmetic nose surgery
    • Bring a list of questions to ask your doctor. It is important that you understand exactly what is planned for your surgery, including the risks, benefits, and other options.
    • Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your surgery. You may need to stop taking them up to one week before surgery so plan on discussing this with your doctor.
    • If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, be sure to tell your doctor. They will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your surgery. Make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
    • Before your surgery, you will speak with an anesthesia provider to discuss your anesthetic options, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives to each. This may be on the phone or in person.

    Getting yourself ready for surgery:

    • Build healthy habits into your life. Changes are best made several weeks before surgery, since your body may react to sudden changes in your habits.
    • Stay as active as you can.
    • Eat a healthy diet.
    • Cut back or quit alcohol and tobacco.
    • Do not take any of the follow medications for 1 week prior to surgery: asprin, motrin, aleve, coumadin/warfarin, Plavix
    • If you are unsure if a medication you are taking may cause bleeding, ask your doctor.
  • After your cosmetic nose surgery

    When recovering from your surgery it is important to be aware of the following:

    • You have received an anesthetic and may be mildly groggy and dizzy.
    • Use pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks after surgery.
    • Expect bleeding from the nose the day of surgery and a bloody mucous discharge for the first week after surgery. Do not be concerned by this discharge unless it should increase significantly and persist. The gauze dressing may be discontinued whenever the bleeding stops, usually the day after surgery.
      • A gauze dressing will be placed under the nose to collect drainage.
      • It will be necessary to change the gauze as it becomes saturated. A gauze dressing that becomes saturated every hour is not uncommon.
      • If you are changing the dressing every 5 – 10 minutes or there is a constant flow of blood, contact your doctor.
    • Occasionally, packing in the nose is used. It may be absorbable or it may have to be removed in a day or two.
    • Do not blow your nose. If you sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
    • Nasal stuffiness, bruising and swelling are common after nasal surgery.
    • Avoid exposure to sunlight. Sunlight may act on the blood pigment in the skin and cause permanent discoloration.
    • Do not lie flat. Keep your head above the level of your heart. Sleep in a reclining chair or use pillows to support your shoulders and head.
    • You may have a plastic dressing (cast) on your nose. Keep this cast dry. You may wash your hair, neck, and face as usual, avoiding the cast. If no cast is present, you may bathe as usual.
    • Glasses:
      • Do not wear your glasses until directed by your doctor.
      • You may wear your regular glasses or sunglasses on top of the nose cast.
      • After the nose cast is removed, do not wear regular glasses which rest on the bridge of the nose for about four weeks as they may leave permanent indentations.
      • If you must wear glasses, tape may be used to position the glasses to the forehead so that they do not rest on the bridge of the nose.
    • Only the outside of the nose may be cleansed of crusts using cotton swabs dipped in peroxide.
    • Avoid striking or bumping the nose, or turning on it while sleeping.
    • Avoid contact sports for one month. No swimming for two weeks and no diving for four weeks.

    Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you develop any unusual symptoms, such as:

    • Shaking chills and/or fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Excessive pain
    • Excessive swelling
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