Facial Aesthetics
Rhinoplasty
“Sculpted in millimeters, noticed in moments.”
What is Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?
​
Rhinoplasty is a delicate surgical procedure designed to refine and reshape the nose, enhancing facial balance and harmony. It can address both aesthetic concerns — such as a dorsal hump, wide nasal bridge, drooping tip, or asymmetry — as well as functional issues like breathing difficulties due to structural deviations.
​
The surgery involves precise modification of the nasal bone and cartilage to achieve the desired contour while preserving natural proportions. Depending on the patient’s needs, rhinoplasty may be performed through an open or closed approach. In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made at the columella for better visualization and control, while closed rhinoplasty involves incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars.
​
Rhinoplasty is highly individualized — every nose is shaped to complement the patient’s unique facial features rather than follow a universal ideal. The goal is subtle refinement, not change for its own sake — creating a nose that looks natural, functions well, and enhances overall facial aesthetics.
Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of aesthetic and functional nasal concerns, restoring both balance and breathing comfort.
​
Aesthetic Corrections:
-
Dorsal Hump: Smoothing or refining a prominent nasal bridge for a more balanced profile.
-
Wide Nasal Bridge: Narrowing or reshaping the bridge to achieve finer definition.
-
Bulbous or Drooping Tip: Refining the nasal tip to make it more defined, elevated, or proportionate.
-
Overprojected or Underprojected Nose: Adjusting the nose’s projection to suit the face’s overall dimensions.
-
Asymmetry or Crooked Nose: Correcting deviation or uneven contours for a more symmetrical appearance.
-
Large or Wide Nostrils: Reducing nostril flare or size for a softer, more refined look.
-
Flat or Low Nasal Bridge: Augmenting the bridge, often with cartilage or implant support, for better facial contour (common in Asian rhinoplasty).
Functional Corrections:
-
Deviated Nasal Septum: Straightening the septum to improve airflow and breathing.
-
Collapsed Nasal Valves: Reinforcing internal structures to support proper nasal function.
-
Post-Traumatic Deformities: Restoring shape and symmetry after injury.
-
Previous Unsatisfactory Rhinoplasty (Revision Cases): Refining or correcting prior surgical outcomes.
Whether performed for cosmetic enhancement, functional improvement, or both, rhinoplasty achieves harmony, proportion, and confidence — one of the most artful transformations in aesthetic surgery.
Types of Rhinoplasty
​
-
Liquid Rhinoplasty: This is the correction of minor defects of the nose using HA fillers. Only minor corrections can be made via this technique and the effects are temporary (approximately 6-8 months).
-
Mini-Rhinoplasty: This technique tends to correct minor defects of the nose surgically, under local anesthesia. It is limited in the things it can correct, but the results are permanent.
-
Full Rhinoplasty: This is the proper open or closed rhinoplasty procedure, always performed under general anesthesia. It can correct any deformity of the nose, with the results being permanent.
Rhinoplasty Combined with Other Procedures
​
Rhinoplasty is sometimes combined with:
Combination procedures enhance overall facial balance.
How Rhinoplasty Surgery is Performed
​
-
Anesthesia: Liquid & Mini-Rhinoplasty is performed under local anethesia, while the full rhinoplasty is done under general anesthesia.
-
Incisions: No incisions are required for Liquid Rhinoplasty, while small columellar incisions are placed for the surgical rhinoplasty.
-
Procedure: After exposing the defect, the involved cartilage/bone is reshaped and fixed using fine non-absorbable sutures. The skin to redraped on top to check if the deformity is corrected. The procedure continues till all the defects have been individually corrected.
-
Closure: The small columellar incision is closed via delicate non-absorbable sutures. The inner incisions are closed via delicate absorbable sutures. A nasal splint (external and/or internal) applied after surgery.
-
Total Time: Liquid Rhinoplasty takes around 30 minutes. Mini-Rhinoplasty can take around 60-90 minutes. Full Rhinoplasty can take around 2-4 hours. Overnight stay is required for the full rhinoplasty, but in the other 2 techniques, the patient can go home immediately afterwards.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
​
After surgery, patients may experience:
-
swelling and bruising around eyes.
-
nasal congestion.
-
mild discomfort.
-
nasal discharge (clear or blood-stained).
Recovery timeline:
-
splint & stitch removal: 7–10 days.
-
return to routine work: 10–14 days.
-
swelling reduces gradually over weeks.
-
final nose shape settles over 6–12 months.
Most swelling is not noticeable to others after the first few weeks.
Complications of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a safe and refined procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like all surgeries, it carries certain potential risks. Most complications are minor and temporary, and with careful technique and proper postoperative care, they are uncommon.
-
Swelling and Bruising:
Common in the early postoperative period and gradually subsides over several weeks. -
Nasal Obstruction or Breathing Difficulty:
May occur temporarily due to swelling or internal splints; persistent obstruction is rare. -
Bleeding or Hematoma:
Usually minor and controlled easily; significant bleeding is uncommon. -
Infection:
Rare, but may occur if nasal hygiene is neglected; treated effectively with antibiotics. -
Asymmetry or Irregular Contours:
Subtle differences in shape or contour can occur and may require minor revision for perfection. -
Tip Stiffness or Numbness:
Temporary numbness and reduced mobility of the nasal tip are common and typically resolve with time. -
Scar Formation:
Scarring is minimal in closed rhinoplasty and discreet in open rhinoplasty, as the incision heals almost invisibly. -
Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Result:
Occasionally, further refinement may be desired once healing is complete. Revision procedures are rare but possible.
Book Consultation — Rhinoplasty in Pakistan
​
Dr. Saud Majid is a plastic and cosmetic surgeon practicing since 2020, providing cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty with a focus on facial harmony, patient safety, and natural-looking results.
For personalized assessment and treatment planning:
Consultation includes:
-
nasal and facial analysis.
-
breathing assessment (if required).
-
explanation of suitable rhinoplasty technique.
-
realistic outcome and recovery discussion.