Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, improves the shape, size, and symmetry of a person’s nose, bringing it into better proportion with the rest of the face. The goals of nose reshaping depend on individual patient requirements. By reshaping the nasal structures, including bone, cartilage, and skin, a rhinoplasty can help to:

• Straighten a crooked nose
• Smooth a prominent bump in the bridge of the nose
• Reduce the length of an over-protruding nasal tip
• Refine the size of a bulbous nasal tip
• Narrow a nose
• Reduce the size of a nose
• Restore symmetry to the nose following injury
• Correct breathing problems by opening up blocked nasal passages

Nose surgery is highly individualised, and the exact techniques used during a procedure will depend on a patient’s anatomy and desired changes. Some typical surgical approaches include:

• Open rhinoplasty - A small incision is made under the nasal tip, between the nostrils. This approach allows more complete access to the nasal structures, making it possible for the nose to be sculpted into the desired shape. This approach will typically be used for patients requiring more extensive reshaping. The resulting scars are well hidden in the natural contours of the nose so they are as inconspicuous as possible.
• Closed rhinoplasty - Incisions are made inside the nostril. This approach is most commonly used for patients who need more minor adjustments to the nasal structures to achieve their desired improvements. The advantage of closed rhinoplasty is that there is no visible scarring after surgery, however, this approach may not be suitable for more extensive rhinoplasty procedures.
• Tiplasty - This refers to the area of reshaping, rather than the incision techniques. As you might have guessed, tiplasty involves reshaping the nasal tip only, without affecting the other nasal structures. The open or closed approach may be used for tiplasty depending on patient anatomy and desired outcome.

After the surgery you need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest, to reduce bleeding and swelling. Your nose may be congested because of swelling or from the splints placed inside your nose during surgery.

In most cases, the internal dressings remain in place for one to seven days after surgery. Your doctor also tapes a splint to your nose for protection and support. It's usually in place for about one week.

Slight bleeding and drainage of mucus and old blood are common for a few days after the surgery or after removing the dressing. Your doctor may place a "drip pad" — a small piece of gauze held in place with tape — under your nose to absorb drainage. Change the gauze as directed by your doctor. Don't place the drip pad tight against your nose.

To further decrease the chances of bleeding and swelling, your doctor may ask that you follow these precautions for several weeks after surgery:

• Avoid strenuous activities such as aerobics and jogging.
• Take baths instead of showers while you have bandages on your nose.
• Don't blow your nose.
• Eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to avoid constipation. Constipation can cause you to strain, putting pressure on the surgery site.
• Avoid extreme facial expressions, such as smiling or laughing.
• Brush your teeth gently to limit movement of your upper lip.
• Wear clothes that fasten in the front; don't pull clothing, such as shirts or sweaters, over your head.

In addition, don't rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least four weeks after the surgery, to prevent pressure on your nose. You can use cheek rests, or tape the glasses to your forehead until your nose has healed.

Use SPF 30 sunscreen when you're outside, especially on your nose. Too much sun may cause permanent irregular discoloration in the skin of your nose.

Some temporary swelling or black-and-blue discoloration of your eyelids can occur for two to three weeks after nasal surgery. Swelling of the nose takes longer to resolve. Limiting your dietary sodium will help the swelling go away faster. Don't put anything such as ice or cold packs on your nose after surgery.

Your nose changes throughout your life whether you have surgery or not. For this reason, it's difficult to say when you have obtained your "final result." However, most of the swelling is gone at a year.