Rhinoplasty: A cosmetic procedure used to enhance or change the appearance of the nose. Commonly referred to as a nose job.

The cost for rhinoplasty ranges from about $3,000-$8,000. During the surgery, incisions are made to access the bone and cartilage support system. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, and will not be apparent later. Occasionally, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. After the incisions are made, underlying bone and cartilage are removed, added to, or moved, to achieve the patient’s desired look. In the first 24 hours after surgery your nose will ache, you will have a headache, along with swelling and puffiness in much of your face. Bruising and swelling will increase for a couple of days and black eyes are common – expect to look like you just lost a street fight. Your nose will feel stuffy for awhile — at least until the packing is removed a few days after the surgery. And you will have to avoid blowing your nose as best you can for at least seven days. At two weeks, you should be free of packing, bandages, splints and sutures, and the swelling should have subsided to the point of being unnoticeable to most people. You’ll be advised against strenuous activity for about a month. And don’t forget to ask your doctor about glasses if you where them! It is not unusual to have to keep your glasses off the bridge of your nose for two MONTHS while you fully heal.

• Want to know what people in your area look like after rhinoplasty? You can find before and after photos by city on this website dedicated to the nose.
• Six surgeons weigh in on rhinoplasty recovery here.
• And it’s all in layman’s terms here on the Face Forum.