What Does A 'Nose Job' Involve?

A 'nose job' is an operation to change the shape of the nose. The basic procedure is to change the shape of the underlying bone and cartilage.  Small incisions are made on the inside of the nose or in the skin under the nose.  This allows the surgeon to reach the bone and cartilage under the skin and to reduce or reshape as required.  

The bridge of the nose, the nostrils and the tip of the nose can all be adjusted. Sometimes areas of the nose need to be built up.  This is known as an augmentation rhinoplasty and is achieved using bone, cartilage or synthetic materials. Bone can be taken from another area of the body such as the hip or ribs.  Cartilage may be taken from the ear or from another part of the nose.

This type of cosmetic surgery is always carried out under a general anaesthetic. Very minor operations to the nose, involving only superficial changes may be done with a local anaesthetic and light sedation.