Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
Rhinoplasty reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to change its size or shape and bring it into better balance with the rest of the face. It can smooth a bump, refine the tip, straighten a crooked nose, or — as a functional septorhinoplasty — improve blocked breathing. Results settle gradually over many months, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Rhinoplasty (a 'nose job') changes the shape or size of the nose by carefully reshaping the underlying bone and cartilage and re-draping the skin over the new framework. It can address a dorsal bump, a wide or drooping tip, a nose that looks too large or too long for the face, or a crooked outline. When breathing is a problem — often from a deviated septum — the same operation can correct the internal structures too, which is called a functional septorhinoplasty. It cannot give someone an entirely different nose or a copy of another person's, and it works within the limits of your own bone, cartilage and skin.
The surgery is done either 'closed' (all cuts hidden inside the nostrils) or 'open' (with a tiny bridging incision across the strip of skin between the nostrils), and the choice depends on what needs changing. Rhinoplasty is one of the more technically demanding cosmetic operations, and a natural, balanced result depends heavily on the skill and judgment of a qualified plastic surgeon and on setting realistic, individual goals together at the consultation. Small residual irregularities are common, and a proportion of people choose or need a minor revision later.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges a consultation and prepares a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before you travel. Our surgeons can review photographs and your history remotely to give an initial opinion, but the nose must be examined in person — including how it breathes — before the final plan is confirmed and the operation is booked.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults who feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their nose and want it better balanced with their face
- People with a nasal bump, a wide or drooping tip, or a crooked or over-long nose
- Those with a blocked airway or deviated septum wanting appearance and breathing addressed together
- People whose facial growth is complete and whose general health is suitable for surgery
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop around surgery, with realistic expectations that results vary and cannot be guaranteed
What happens
- 1
Consultation & assessment
The surgeon examines your nose inside and out, discusses what bothers you and what is realistically achievable for your anatomy, checks your breathing, and agrees the goals with you. Photographs are taken for planning.
- 2
Planning & preparation
A tailored plan and, where relevant, the open or closed approach are decided. You receive instructions on medicines to avoid, stopping smoking, and preparing for anesthesia.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia (or sedation for minor work), the bone and cartilage are reshaped through hidden incisions, and any septal or airway correction is made. A small splint, and sometimes soft internal support, is applied.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
The splint is usually removed after about a week and bruising fades over two to three weeks. Swelling settles slowly, so the final shape takes months to a year. Your team reviews progress and after-care can continue at home.
Benefits
- Can bring the nose into better balance with the rest of the face
- Addresses concerns such as a bump, a wide or drooping tip, or a crooked outline
- Functional septorhinoplasty can improve nasal breathing at the same time
- Incisions are usually hidden inside the nose, leaving little or no visible scarring
- A thoughtful, individualized plan aims for a natural result that suits your features
Risks & considerations
- Scarring (usually hidden, but a small external scar with the open approach)
- Asymmetry, small contour irregularities, or a result that needs revision surgery
- Persistent swelling that takes many months to fully settle
- Temporary numbness, nosebleeds, infection, or breathing changes
- Risks of general anesthesia, and the possibility the result differs from what you hoped
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping) — frequently asked questions
It can. When the plan includes correcting the septum or other internal structures — a functional septorhinoplasty — the same operation can improve a blocked airway as well as appearance. Your surgeon assesses your breathing at the consultation and discusses whether functional work is needed for you.
Closed rhinoplasty keeps all the incisions inside the nostrils, while open rhinoplasty adds a tiny incision across the skin between the nostrils to give the surgeon a fuller view. The choice depends on what needs changing; the small external scar of the open approach usually fades to become barely noticeable.
You will look presentable once the splint comes off at about a week and bruising fades over two to three weeks, but swelling settles slowly. The refined, final shape can take several months up to about a year to appear, and the exact outcome is individual and cannot be guaranteed.
Our surgeons can review clear photographs and your history remotely to give an initial opinion on what may be achievable. However, the nose has to be examined in person — including how it breathes — before the final plan is confirmed, so an in-person assessment is arranged as part of your visit.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Your coordinator confirms the details, including the length of stay and follow-up.
Related treatments
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