Is Cosmetic Nose Surgery Right for You?

Reshaping your nose can profoundly impact your appearance and self-confidence. Cosmetic nose surgery—also known as rhinoplasty or a nose job—may involve increasing or decreasing your nose size, changing the bridge or tip of your nose, altering the angle, or making other changes. This procedure is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures.

Depending on the changes you desire and discuss with your surgeon, your nose job will either be open, when the surgeon makes small incisions at the base of your nose, or closed—when the surgeon performs your surgery inside of the nose. Results can range from drastic to minor, and create an overall more aesthetically pleasing look.

For some people, a rhinoplasty may improve breathing, if you were experiencing breathing problems due to the internal structure of your nose. Insurance companies may pay for that portion of the surgery, but not the cosmetic portion.

The cost of cosmetic nose surgery varies based on your specific treatment goals and other services you may also undergo. Your surgeon will discuss the cost of rhinoplasty with you during your consultation, and our team is always available to help establish a rhinoplasty payment plan that works for you.

The Penn Experience

What to expect before, during and after a nose job

Prior to getting nose surgery, your care team will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including any foods, drinks and medications to avoid. Your care team also will share individualized aftercare instructions to help hasten your recovery.

Even though rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, it requires anesthesia, which means you will need to arrange for transportation home. Your care team will give you individualized instructions on how to care for your surgical site and advise you on complications to watch for.

Back at home, you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for a few days after surgery, and most swelling or bruising around the eyes and cheeks should subside within one to three weeks. At that time, you’ll begin to see your refreshed, brighter appearance. It may take a full year before you see the complete results of your nose surgery, but the vast majority of patients feel satisfied with their new look.

Nose job surgical risks

Rhinoplasty is typically safe, but as with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, or scarring. To avoid these, follow your care team’s pre- and post-operative instructions, and keep an open dialogue about any concerns you have throughout the recovery process.

Occasionally, small red spots (broken blood vessels) appear on the nose after surgery. These spots happen unpredictably and can happen in the hands of the most experienced surgeons. While minor, they are also permanent, but a minor revision after surgery can complete the alteration. If this is something you experience or are worried about, discuss options with your surgeon throughout your recovery and after.