Nose Recontouring - Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty - Nose Reconstruction by Albuquerque Center for Plastic Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape a person's nose. It may be performed by itself or may involve treatment of the internal wall called the septum, to improve nasal breathing ability. Occasionally, the tip (cartilage) alone is corrected provided the nasal bones are in proper position and alignment. Frequently, the nasal bones and cartilage are treated together to reshape nasal contour and profile. An open Rhinoplasty involves making a very small incision on the skin just above the upper lip as it meets the nose. Another technique is to place the incision inside the nose. Depending on your individual needs, the procedure is tailored to your individual features. Unfortunately, individual characteristics and inherited traits may limit a patient's results. However, with realistic goals a more balanced nasal profile can be expected.

Complications are rare but must be thoroughly discussed and considered before you decide to have surgery.


Incisions are made inside the nostrils or at the base of the nose, providing access to the cartilage and bone, which can then be sculpted into shape.	The surgeon removes a hump using a chisel or a rasp, then brings the nasal bones together to form a narrower bridge. Cartilage is trimmed to reshape the tip of the nose.	Trimming the septum improves the angle between the nose and upper lip.

If the nostrils are too wide, the surgeon can remove small wedges of skin from their base, bringing them closer together.	To improve the nasal airway, the shape of position of the septum may be altered. Or, the deviated portion of the septum may be partially removed.	A splint made of tape and an overlay of plastic, metal, or plaster is applied to help the bone and cartilage of the nose maintain their new shape.

Before and After Photos

Pre-op	Post-op

Procedure Description:	Reshape nose by reducing or increasing size, removing hump, changing shape of tip or bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and upper lip. May also relieve some breathing problems. (May be covered by insurance.)
Surgery Length:	1 to 2 hours or more.
Cost Range :	$3,000 - $5,000 (includes Operating Room and an Anesthesiologist) See our payment options for cosmetic surgery.
Anesthesia:	Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary swelling, bruising around eyes, nose and headaches. Some bleeding and stiffness.
Risks associated with Surgery:	Infection. Small burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots. Incomplete improvement, requiring additional surgery.
Recovery Period:	Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid hitting nose or sunburn: 8 weeks. Final appearance: 1 year or more.
Duration of Results:	Permanent.