Nose surgery is technically called "rhinoplasty". Rhinoplasty is usually performed to reduce the overall size of the nose, improve the tip, remove a bump, narrow or widen the width or even improve the angle between the nose and the upper lip. At times, it is employed to relieve breathing problems. Generally, any or all of these changes can be made during one operation which usually takes from one to three hours. The procedure is almost always done on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia with sedation.

Working from inside the nose, the surgeon carefully modifies and reshapes the bones and cartilage. After surgery, a splint is placed on the nose to maintain the new shape and to protect it. Often a nasal pack is inserted in the nose to support the inside. You'll be up and around a day or two after surgery and any pain you feel can be controlled by medication. Cold compresses on your eyes can reduce swelling and bruising while you keep your head elevated. Within a couple of days the nasal packing comes out. The splint usually comes off within a week.

Bruising around your eyes starts to fade within a couple of days and disappears totally within a few weeks. Most people return to work within a week to ten days and makeup can be used to cover any bruises. You should avoid hitting the nose for at least eight weeks. There will be subtle swelling of the nose which subsides slowly over time. Your final result may not be realized for weeks or even months.

The results will be immediate and dramatic if the nose was very large or if a big hump was removed. But usually, the changes are less dramatic. A slight hump or over-sized tip can be improved without attracting a great deal of attention. Friends may say that they don't see a major difference, but that's okay.

Remember the idea is not to create a new nose, but rather to improve and enhance the one you have. Your final result will be a permanent improvement which will last the rest of your life.

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The Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates for nose surgery are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.