Rhinoplasty is often done in an outpatient facility or in a plastic surgeon’s office.

You may be given a general anesthesia medicine that puts you into a deep sleep. Or your nose area may be numbed with a local anesthesia medicine and you will have IV (intravenous) sedation to make you feel sleepy. Talk with your surgeon about the type of anesthesia that is best for you.

You can usually go home the same day you have the procedure. With more extensive surgeries, an overnight hospital stay might be needed.

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might get in the way during the surgery.

You may be asked to remove your clothing and will be given a gown to wear.

You will lie on your back on an operating table.

An IV (intravenous) line will be started in your arm or hand.

In most cases, medicine will be used to numb your nose and the area around it. You will also be given medicine in your IV to make you relax and feel sleepy. In some cases, you may be given general anesthesia to put you into a deep sleep.

Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen level will be checked during the procedure.

The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution.

In most cases, the surgeon will make some small cuts (incisions) inside your nose so any scarring won’t be seen. This internal approach is called a closed rhinoplasty. In other cases, the incision may be on the lower part of your nose above your lip, as well as inside. This is called an open rhinoplasty.

The surgeon will then work on the bone and tissue (cartilage) beneath the skin of your nose. Bone and cartilage may be removed, reshaped, or made larger. The bone may be fractured and moved into a better position.

The surgeon will then put your skin back into place and sew the incisions closed.

Once the surgery is done, the surgeon will put a splint over your nose. This will support your nose for about a week while it heals. Soft packing or tubes may also be put inside your nose for a few days. This will help your nose keep its new shape.