Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems. The surgery corrects deformities of the nose framework under the skin, can change the shape of the nostrils or change the angle between the nostrils and the lip. Depending on the extent of the problem, the surgery can be performed with no skin incisions. To address problems with the tip, sometimes a small incision is made between the nostrils. If the nostrils are too wide they can be reshaped during the procedure. Splints on the outside and perhaps inside the nose might be necessary after the surgery. Procedure The nose is reshaped to improve the external appearance. Breathing problems can be addressed at the same time. Duration 1-4 hours Anesthesia Usually general Hospital stay Outpatient Recovery Usually one week before returning to work