Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty before and after photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Sedgh, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, California. Results may vary.
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that changes the shape and appearance of the nose. The medical name for a nose job, rhinoplasty, comes from the Greek: rhinos means “nose” and plassein means “to shape.”
This nose reshaping procedure is sometimes combined with septoplasty to correct a deviated septum, a condition where the dividing wall between the nasal passages is crooked. Septoplasty improves the function of the nose and makes breathing easier, while rhinoplasty is performed to improve the nose’s aesthetics, or to correct an injury (like a broken nose) or birth defect.
These two nose surgeries can be combined in a single operation called a septorhinoplasty, to improve nasal function and form. In this case, the septoplasty may be covered by insurance.
For some patients, cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery also involves alarplasty, which narrows the base of the nostrils (the ala) and reduces nostril flare.
Nose job surgery is also frequently combined with a chin implant, to help create a more balanced profile.
RealSelf Tip: Rhinoplasty for people of Asian or African descent requires a specialized skill set. Surgeons who specialize in what many call "ethnic rhinoplasty" say that the challenge lies in reshaping and resizing the nose while retaining its distinct features and keeping it proportional to the face.
It's worth seeking out a surgeon who has the expertise to meet your aesthetic goals, while being sensitive to your racial identity. Make sure that their rhinoplasty before and after photo gallery includes pictures of people who look like you and have the kind of result you're after.
See real RealSelf community members decide whether or not they want to have a nose job.
This plastic surgery procedure can be completely customized to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whatever your personal reasons for nose surgery, it can create the best nose shape for your face by:
Most rhinoplasty surgeons offer 2D simulations, and some now offer 3D modeling so you can virtually “try on” changes to your nose during your initial consultation, says Dr. Sam Naficy, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Bellevue, Washington. In a recent survey, 63% of surgeons reported using computer imaging in rhinoplasty consultations.
It also helps to bring wish pics of your ideal result, so you can have a frank discussion about your goals, and will look natural and proportionate to your features.
Pros
Cons
Your nose job cost will include fees for your rhinoplasty surgeon, anesthesia, surgical supplies, and the facility where your procedure is performed.
Most surgeons offer payment plans or accept financing options like CareCredit.
See our complete guide to rhinoplasty costs
As you're choosing your surgeon, look for nose job before and after pictures that show balanced facial features and the kind of results you want. The rhinoplasty photos in our gallery have been shared by the surgeon who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
A nonsurgical nose job—also called a liquid rhinoplasty—temporarily reshapes the nose with hyaluronic acid–based injectable fillers, like Juvéderm Voluma or Restylane Lyft.
The relatively quick treatment has no downtime. Results can last between eight months and two years, depending on the type of filler used and how your body metabolizes them.
This minimally invasive procedure can:
Injections to the nasal tip are also possible but considered more risky, notes Dr. Naficy.
Related: Doctors Weigh In on Surgical Rhinoplasty vs. Liquid Nose Jobs
However, the nonsurgical approach has limitations. “If you have a large nose, it’s not going to get any smaller with fillers,” says Dr. Andrew Miller, a facial plastic surgeon in Edison, New Jersey, "though changes in proportion can sometimes trick the eye and make the nose appear smaller."
It also can’t fix a crooked nasal bridge.
The nose is one of the most dangerous areas on the face to inject. Since injecting filler into the nose carries serious risks, including blindness, it’s not an FDA-approved use.
Learn more about how nonsurgical rhinoplasty works and how much it costs.
Whether rhinoplasty surgery is right for you depends on a number of factors, including the cosmetic and structural issues you’re looking to change, your budget, and whether you can take up to two weeks off work for recovery.
Facial features need to reach maturity before any surgery for the nose, so girls should wait until they’re at least 15 and boys until they’re 16 years old.
Beyond that, “there is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty as long as you are in good health,” says Dr. Naficy.
Certain safety risks may increase with age. If you're an older patient, you may need to provide a more detailed medical history and go through a more rigorous health screening. Still, it’s not unusual for patients beyond age 40 to combine a facelift with rhinoplasty, especially because the nasal tip can descend over time.
RealSelf Tip: A study published in a 2011 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that out of 226 patients seeking rhinoplasty, 33% showed moderate to severe symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which negative thoughts about a physical feature, like your nose, interferes with your quality of life.
A follow-up study two years later showed a strong correlation between those pre-op symptoms and patient dissatisfaction with their results. If you find yourself obsessed with having a perfect nose and think you might have untreated BDD, keep in mind that you may still not like your nose, even after a successful surgery.
Rhinoplasty has an impressive 90% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members, meaning that a majority of the thousands of people who have recently reviewed their procedure think their results are worth the cost, discomfort, and recovery time.
A good result from this facial plastic surgery can boost self-esteem and self-confidence, while decreasing anxiety.
“My nose was a huge insecurity of mine,” says one RealSelf member. “I felt like my face wasn’t mine because my old nose threw everything off.” Of her new nose, she says “I’m truly obsessed with it in the best way possible.”
Unfortunately, some patients are obsessed with their new nose in a negative way, either because of the way it looks or functions, or both. In fact, 10% of nose job patients opt for revision rhinoplasty surgery, which can cost upwards of $12,000.
According to a 2019 study on patient satisfaction rates following rhinoplasty, “Patient selection is very crucial in rhinoplasty, as a significant percentage of patients may not be satisfied despite a good surgical result.” The researchers note elsewhere in the paper that “there may be unexpected responses from patients even after good surgical corrections because rhinoplasty has a huge psychological impact.”
Rhinoplasty is considered by many plastic surgeons to be the most difficult and complex of cosmetic surgery procedures, and it takes considerable training and experience to get predictable results.
During your consultation, ask what percentage of a surgeon’s practice is devoted to nasal surgery; 100 rhinoplasties a year is a good number. Make sure their patient reviews reflect happy patients and their before and after photos align with the kind of results you’re after.
The key to a successful result—a nose that matches the shape and size you desire, looks natural, and functions as well as (or better than) before surgery—is to work with a rhinoplasty surgeon who is board-certified and specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Surgeons should also be able to produce simulated images of what your final result would look like, says Dr. Gary Linkov, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City. “This is imperative to make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page when it comes to the look you’d like to achieve.”
Doing a few things before rhinoplasty surgery can reduce your post-surgery swelling, bruising, and healing time.
Your plastic surgeon might recommend that you:
You’ll also need to pick up a few recovery supplies beforehand, for better healing and comfort.
Your surgeon will probably give you a list of the essentials, but here’s what other RealSelf members have said are the must-haves after a nose job:
RealSelf Tip: Avoid applying antibiotic ointments that contain neomycin, which can cause severe skin reactions.
The type of rhinoplasty anesthesia you’ll have will depend on the complexity of your procedure and the personal preference of you and your surgeon.
During your initial consultation, discuss the benefits and potential risks of each option with your provider.
Every surgeon has their own preferred surgical techniques, and there have been considerable advancements in the field in recent years, but here’s how a nose job works, generally speaking.
It typically takes 1–3 hours to perform rhinoplasty surgery, but more complicated procedures and revisions may take longer. Ideally, your surgeon will take their time to meticulously create the best result for your unique anatomy.
First, you’ll be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Before making any incisions, your surgeon may draw guidelines on the nose with a pen, indicating the areas they will modify.
There are two primary nose surgery approaches: open and closed.
Some people are very concerned about the scar from an open rhinoplasty approach, but “the incision is usually well-hidden and only seen if you lift your head back,” says Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Brooke R. Seckel. He notes that an open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon “to see and more accurately modify the nasal structures.”
The specifics of your surgery will depend on your anatomy, desired result, and surgeon's technique, but it may involve:
Once the nose has been reshaped, your surgeon closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches.
Your nose will be secured with a cast or splint, which you'll wear for the first week of recovery. Your surgeon will remove it at your follow-up appointment.
Some surgeons also fill the nostril cavities with cotton or gauze nasal packing post-op, to absorb blood and help secure the new nose structure. However, current clinical guidelines advise against painful packing. This practice is also becoming less common with modern nose surgery techniques, which have reduced post-op bleeding. However, if you do come home with nasal packing, your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics, and you may need to be seen in a few days to remove the packing.
RealSelf Tip: Many rhinoplasty surgeons are now adopting preservation rhinoplasty techniques, which are less aggressive and aim to preserve as much tissue as possible rather than removing/reducing significant bone and cartilage to reshape the nose. Preservation rhinoplasty can be done open or closed, but it’s commonly performed as a closed procedure.
Recent studies comparing preservation rhinoplasty to traditional methods have not found one approach to be superior. In a 2022 retrospective study, the authors acknowledged the “theoretical functional and aesthetic benefits of SPR [structural preservation] techniques,” but concluded that “the patient reported benefits may be minimal.”
The preservation rhinoplasty technique, used in both primary and revision surgery, involves preserving as much of the original nasal structure as possible, while correcting cosmetic or functional issues. It can be performed as an open or closed procedure, but it’s most commonly done as closed.
“Preservation rhinoplasty is not a novel concept,” says Dr. Joseph Shvidler, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Seattle. “The technique has been recently revisited and refined by a group of talented surgeons. Many preservation techniques focus on preserving natural dorsal lines, while some preserve a natural looking tip.”
According to Dr. Shvidler, preservation rhinoplasty has several benefits:
However, he also cautions that it has drawbacks.
Recent studies comparing preservation rhinoplasty to traditional methods have not found one approach to be superior.
In a 2022 retrospective study, the authors acknowledged the “theoretical functional and aesthetic benefits of SPR [structural preservation] techniques,” but concluded that “the patient reported benefits may be minimal.” The most important factor in your outcome will be the skill and experience level of your surgeon.
Rhinoplasty is a very safe procedure, when it’s performed by an experienced surgeon.
However, all surgical procedures come with risks and side effects. During your consultation, your surgeon should walk you through these nose job side effects and potential complications.
Related: The 6 Biggest Rhinoplasty Risks, According to Plastic Surgeons
Rhinoplasty surgery doesn’t hurt, thanks to the anesthesia.
You will feel some discomfort and pain around the nose during the first 1–3 days of rhinoplasty recovery, but it’s usually far less than people expect and they’re often pleasantly surprised, says Dr. Oakley Smith, a facial plastic surgeon in Toronto, Ontario.
“Use pain medication for as long as needed,” advises Dr. Smith, who says that most patients don’t need prescription pain medication. He recommends extra-strength Tylenol. “Remember it’s easier to stay on top of pain than to play catch-up. As the pain diminishes, break the pill in half or even a quarter.”
The initial recovery after rhinoplasty surgery can take up to 2 weeks for the visible bruising and swelling to dissipate, but most patients are back to work in 10-14 days, according to Dr. Portuese.
The entire healing process takes a full year.
During your immediate nose job recovery, expect swelling, bruising, and a clogged-nose feeling—but not necessarily pain. Once the cast is removed at the one-week mark, that stuffy feeling will start to dissipate.
Here’s what to do (and avoid) during rhinoplasty recovery to help reduce swelling:
These rhinoplasty recovery tips can also help you heal more quickly, with the best possible results:
Related: 8 Things Not to Do After a Nose Job
Swelling after rhinoplasty can affect the appearance of the nose for months. When your splint first comes off you’ll be excited to show off your new nose to the world, but these early results probably won’t look like what you were expecting.
After a few days, the swelling actually gets worse. Don’t panic—this is normal.
The nasal splint provides compression for the soft tissues, and removing it causes the nose to swell.
Seattle-based facial plastic surgeon Dr. William Portuese says, “The amount of swelling after a rhinoplasty procedure depends upon the type of rhinoplasty performed [open versus closed], the thickness of the skin, the amount of alteration required to the nasal tip, and the patient’s variability with the healing process itself.” He also notes, “Some patients require taping and steroid shots in the tip of the nose to reduce swelling in that area for the first several months after the procedure.”
Doctors on RealSelf say you should expect this timeline for swelling after rhinoplasty.
It can take a year or more for nasal tip swelling to resolve, especially if significant work was done. “The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose,” says Beverly Hills, California, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar.
If you think you still have a bulbous tip after rhinoplasty or want a smaller nose, wait at least a year for it to heal completely before considering a revision.
Surgical rhinoplasty results are permanent. You will see some subtle changes to your nose as you age, but the shape and size will probably remain largely consistent.
If you’re not happy with your results or have breathing difficulties once you’ve healed, you may be a candidate for revision surgery. In many cases, scar tissue is the main culprit.
“The force of a scar is very strong,” says Dr. Miller. “It can pull a nose one way or another—push it in, pull it out, turn it.” When this happens, a surgeon has to go back in and tweak the work.
According to Dr. Naficy, “older rhinoplasty techniques left the structure of the nose somewhat weaker, potentially allowing the forces of healing and scar tissue to change the nose over time. But newer techniques provide more structural stability to the nose, which may mean that the nose is a bit stiffer early only, but does a much better job retaining its shape and resisting the healing forces of scar tissue.”
Updated April 27, 2023