Rhinoplasty is a surgery to change the shape of the nose. Both breathing and the nose’s shape are related. A rhinoplasty can be used not only to change the way the nose looks but also to improve breathing.

Septoplasty is a surgery to improve breathing. It straightens the wall inside the nose that divides the nasal passages into a right and a left side, known as the nasal septum. When the septum is crooked, it can make it harder to breathe through the nose. A septoplasty is often done at the same time as a rhinoplasty.

No. Rhinoplasty is a difficult operation. This is due to several factors. First, the nose is a complicated 3D shape that is in the middle of the face. Changes made during rhinoplasty often are very small. But these changes can make a big difference in the way the nose looks and functions. Because these changes are small, so is the margin for error.

Swelling and the placement of local anesthetic in the skin distort the nose during surgery. That can hide many of the small changes made. Rhinoplasty also doesn’t have a regular plan or set order of steps. Surgeons personalize each operation to the needs of the patient.

Nearly everyone who has rhinoplasty is able to safely leave the hospital the same day as the surgery. In rare cases, you may stay in the hospital for one night if you’re having a hard time with nausea or have other health problems that need to be monitored.

Plan to take a week off from work, school or other duties. You will feel better each day during the first week. One week after surgery, people usually feel like they are themselves again.

After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to go away. Most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to doing most activities after a week and all activities after 2 to 4 weeks.