For nose surgeries, inform your surgeon of previous nasal surgeries, allergies and any airway obstruction. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.

There are 2 surgical approaches to a rhinoplasty – open and closed. In a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are placed within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, in addition to the nostril, the incision is also extended onto the collumella – the skin over the septum in between the nostrils. The factors affecting the choice between the two approaches may depend on the type of surgical correction required, surgeon’s expertise and patient’s preference. The open approach provides better visualisation of the surgery and may allow the surgeon to perform more complex manoeuvres. The closed approach has the benefit of no external scar and less downtime.

During a rhinoplasty, tissues may be removed, for example, to reduce a nasal hump. To reshape the nose, build up height or open up the airway, the plastic surgeon often needs to add materials to your nose during a rhinoplasty. The materials used may be grafts from your own body (cartilage, skin or bone) or implants made of materials such as silicone and Goretex.   

After surgery, you may have a splint over your nose and / or packs in your nostrils. Most of the swelling and bruises usually improves after a week or two. Your upper lip may not move naturally for a few weeks.  Residual swelling may last for a few months and the final result is seen usually after 3 to 6 months, or longer if it is a revision rhinoplasty.