While there is no upper age limit for having rhinoplasty, patients may be advised to wait until they are 14 or 15 (when the nose is fully developed) before undergoing rhinoplasty.

Sometimes breathing problems related to the internal nasal structures can be corrected at the same time as nose reshaping. It is important to have a clear idea of how you would like your nose to look as well as know there are some limitations to cosmetic nasal surgery.

You may asked whether you have difficulty breathing through your nose, suffer from allergies or use nasal spray excessively.

In evaluating you for rhinoplasty, your doctor will examine your nose both internally and externally. Skin quality as well as the size and shape of your nose must be carefully studied. Sometimes, chin augmentation may be suggested so that a more pleasing facial balance can be achieved.

With rhinoplasty, work is done on the cartilage and bone that form the structure of your nose. Sometimes, certain bones may need to be altered in order to make your nose look narrower and straighter. If your nose needs to be augmented, this can be accomplished using cartilage from your nose or cartilage from another part of the body. The skin and soft tissues will re-position themselves over the new form of your nose.

In most cases, the incisions will be placed inside your nose so they will not be visible. If the base of the nose is narrowed or the nostrils reduced, small pieces of skin below the nostrils will be removed. External incisions are well hidden in the crease where the nose and cheek join.

In an open rhinoplasty, a short incision is made across the columella that separates the nostrils.

Skin numbness after rhinoplasty may occur but is usually temporary.
Occasionally, extra surgery may be necessary to refine the result.

Bruising should be gone after a week and you can use concealing makeup if you wish. Swelling, however, can last a number of weeks or months though residual swelling usually affects just the nasal tip.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

It is very common among Asians and non-Caucasians to correct a flat nose with a round bulbous tip and flaring nostrils. The aim is to build an aesthetically pleasing nasal bridge with an elegant projection and well defined nasal tip, and at the same time narrow the flaring nostril base. An implant is usually used. The implanted material is biocompatible and extremely safe. It is common for Asians to have a Bimaxillary Dental Protusion, i.e. a prominent overbite and an underdeveloped chin.
Augmentation rhinoplasty with a chin augmentation therefore gives tremendous aesthetic results.

Reduction Rhinoplasty

For patients who have prominent large noses with oversized bridges and depressed nasal tips, reduction rhinoplasty is the treatment of choice. It aims to create a well balanced nose by reducing the dorsal hump, narrowing the bridge, improving the nasal tip projection and definition. For patients with underdeveloped chins, it is important to recognize that part of the visual effect of an oversized nose is from an underdeveloped chin. Chin augmentation is therefore an integral part of a successful reduction rhinoplasty in such cases.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, nasal packing may or may not be necessary. A nasal pack to prevent bleeding blocks off breathing through the nose. This pack is usually removed after two or three days. A splint may be applied to maintain the shape of the new nose and this is usually removed within a week. Swelling and bruises around the eyes fade within a few days and disappear within two to three weeks. It is not uncommon to feel that the nose is congested after surgery. Oral decongestants may be prescribed. Swelling of the nose subsides quickly and continues over the next six months. During the healing process, avoid wearing glasses - prescription or sunglasses - that exert pressure on the nose.