How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Take?

Dissatisfaction with your nose can affect how you feel about your entire face. Your nose affects your facial balance, so its size and shape can play a major role in how satisfied you feel with your features. The popularity of rhinoplasty comes from its ability to not only reshape your nose but transform your face into a more harmonious whole. 

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a form of plastic surgery used to reshape, resize, or adjust the proportions of the nose. Also known as nose surgery or a “nose job,” this procedure continues to rank as one of the most commonly performed procedures year after year. Dr. Rankin is an expert in this procedure and performs several types, including advanced procedures like revisions and reconstructions after skin cancer.

How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take?

Because each nose is different, each rhinoplasty is a unique procedure. As a result, it can be difficult to estimate how long they take. The average primary (first-time) rhinoplasty takes three to four hours. However, a revision rhinoplasty or reconstructive procedure can take longer. The technique used plays a role in how long the procedure will last. 

Closed Rhinoplasty

If Dr. Rankin plans to perform smaller adjustments to your nose, he may perform a closed rhinoplasty. During this procedure, incisions are made inside the nostrils so they are completely hidden, but the surgeon has limited access. 

Open Rhinoplasty

For more significant changes, an open rhinoplasty is usually needed. Dr. Rankin makes the incision between the nostrils at the base of the nose so he can access more of the nasal structures. The incision leaves a tiny, nearly invisible scar. 

Dr. Rankin will review your surgical plan with you before your procedure and let you know how long he expects it to take. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia, so after surgery, you will spend some time waking up under observation before you are released to go home.

What is Recovery Like After Nose Surgery?

Your nose and the area under your eyes will usually look bruised and swollen after your rhinoplasty, and you may have splints inside or outside your nose. Discomfort and swelling improve after the first few days, and people with low-activity jobs typically return in one to two weeks. However, each person feels comfortable with a different timeline. 
You can resume most components of your exercise routine after about four weeks. However, some activities, including those that could cause trauma to your nose, will need to wait six to eight weeks. Swelling and bruising are mostly gone after a few weeks, but you can expect some swelling to last for several months.

Next Step

If you are interested in shaping your nose with rhinoplasty, please reach out to our qualified staff to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Walnut Creek and Tiburon. Give us a call at (925) 397-5486 or fill out our online form. Helping you achieve your cosmetic goals is an honor and a privilege at NorCal Plastic Surgery, proudly serving the East Bay, Marin County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to hearing from you.