What is an attractive nose? Quite simply, it is a nose that fits your face. It is a natural-looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial features. If you feel that your nose is not a good fit, you may benefit from cosmetic surgery of the nose, also called rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty can enhance the shape, size and general appearance of your nose. (See Figures A and B.)

Figure A. If you feel your nose is not a good fit for your face, rhinoplasty can enhance the shape, size and general appearance of your nose.		Figure B. After surgery, the patient has a straighter bridge, a well defined nasal tip and an improved angle between the nose and upper lip.

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you have any of the following conditions:

• Your nose appears too large for your face.
• There is a bump or depression on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile.
• The nose seems too wide when viewed from the front.
• The nasal tip droops or plunges.
• The tip is thickened or enlarged.
• The nostrils are excessively flared.
• Your nose is off-center or crooked.
• A previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical.
• You have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing.

How will I look and feel after surgery?

When the surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery area. Any discomfort that you feel will be controlled with medication prescribed. A splint may be applied to the bridge of your nose to protect the nose and hold the tissues in place until they have stabilized. You may also have a small, triangular bandage beneath the tip of your nose and packing inside the nostrils, especially if work has been done to improve your breathing.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline:

The first day:

In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize swelling. Activity must be kept to a minimum. You may experience a small amount of bleeding and stuffiness. Packing may be removed 1 to 3 days post surgery.

Within ten days:

Swelling reaches its peak and then begins to subside. Bruising will begin to diminish. You can safely use makeup to conceal any discoloration. Stitches will have been removed. You may discontinue wearing the splint. You may return to school or a non-strenuous job.

After several weeks:

You may resume exercise and most of your normal activities. Most of the swelling will subside (it usually takes weeks to months for complete resolution of the swelling). Numbness will diminish; however, some loss of sensation may persist for several months. You may resume wearing eyeglasses normally. (In the early stages of healing, patients often use tape to keep their glasses from resting on their healing noses).

In the months following surgery, it is important to keep your nose shielded from direct sunlight and contact. Wearing sunblock lotion is essential for protecting your skin.