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Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can be done for appearance, to correct a birth or injury-related shape, or to improve breathing.
Causes & risk factors
- Desire to change the shape or size of the nose
- A nose shape from injury
- A deviated septum affecting breathing
- Birth-related nasal differences
- Breathing difficulty through the nose
Common symptoms
- A nose shape the person wishes to change
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- A crooked nose after injury
- A blocked nose from a deviated septum
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical nasal examination
- Photography for planning
- CT scan in selected cases
Treatment & management
- Assessment and planning of the desired result
- Reshaping the bone and cartilage during surgery
- Correcting a deviated septum if breathing is affected
- Care of splints and dressings after surgery
- Avoiding knocks to the nose during healing
- Follow-up as swelling settles over months
When to see a doctor urgently
- Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose
- A nose deformity after injury
- Bleeding or signs of infection after surgery
- Considering surgery and wanting an assessment
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about rhinoplasty (nose surgery). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery take after rhinoplasty?
Splints and major swelling settle within a couple of weeks, but subtle swelling can take several months to a year to fully resolve for the final shape.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Yes. When combined with correcting a deviated septum, it can improve nasal breathing as well as change appearance.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.