Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is among the most common and complex procedures in plastic surgery. Patients seek nasal surgery for a variety of reasons: to enhance their facial appearance, improve breathing function, correct prior surgical outcomes, or address congenital or traumatic deformities. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I’ve guided thousands of patients through the process of choosing the right nose surgery tailored to their anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
This in-depth guide explains the different types of nose surgeries available, from aesthetic rhinoplasty to functional airway corrections. Whether you’re considering surgery for cosmetic refinement or medical necessity, understanding your options is the first step toward a confident, healthy future.
- Rhinoplasty: Reshaping for Aesthetics and Balance
Rhinoplasty is the most widely recognized type of nasal surgery. Often referred to as a “nose job,” it is used to alter the external appearance of the nose. Depending on your facial structure and goals, rhinoplasty can:
- Refine the nasal tip
- Narrow or widen the nasal bridge
- Remove a dorsal hump
- Adjust the nostril size or shape
- Create symmetry after trauma
- Improve overall harmony between the nose and facial features
- Correct underlying breathing issues
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty involves an incision at the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils), allowing the surgeon complete visibility and access to underlying nasal structures. It’s ideal for more complex reshaping and structural work.
Closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is performed entirely through incisions inside the nostrils. This method reduces recovery time and avoids visible scarring. It’s best for more straightforward refinements.
Cosmetic Benefits
Cosmetic rhinoplasty can profoundly impact self-confidence. A nose that better fits the contours of your face can make other features stand out, helping patients feel more aligned with how they wish to present themselves to the world.
- Functional Rhinoplasty: Breathing Better While Enhancing Form
While rhinoplasty is often associated with aesthetics, functional rhinoplasty is performed primarily to correct airflow issues. This may be caused by:
- A deviated septum
- Internal or external valve collapse
- Enlarged turbinates
- Prior nasal trauma or poorly healed surgeries
Functional rhinoplasty is often covered by insurance when medically necessary and is sometimes performed alongside cosmetic procedures.
This approach may benefit patients who struggle with chronic nasal congestion, snoring, mouth breathing, or exercise-induced shortness of breath.
- Septoplasty: Correcting a Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your two nasal passages. When this wall is off-center or crooked—a condition known as a deviated septum—it can block airflow and lead to sinus problems, headaches, sleep disruption, or nosebleeds.
Septoplasty is a targeted surgical correction of this deviation. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, septoplasty focuses solely on internal nasal structure. It can be done alone or combined with cosmetic procedures for dual functional and aesthetic improvement.
What to Expect from Septoplasty
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Incisions are made inside the nose—no visible scarring
- Recovery is generally faster than open rhinoplasty
- Breathing improvement may be noticed within weeks
- Turbinate Reduction: Clearing the Airway
The turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help humidify and warm the air we breathe. In some individuals, the turbinates become enlarged (due to allergies, inflammation, or anatomy), contributing to chronic nasal obstruction.
Turbinate reduction surgery aims to reduce their size and improve nasal airflow while preserving function.
Types of Turbinate Reduction
- Submucosal resection: Removes excess turbinate tissue while preserving the outer mucosa.
- Outfracture: Pushes the turbinate bone laterally to open more airway space.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Uses controlled heat to shrink turbinate tissue with minimal trauma.
This surgery is often performed alongside septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty and can provide lasting relief from congestion, snoring, and mouth breathing.
- Revision Rhinoplasty: Correcting or Refining Past Surgeries
Revision rhinoplasty is performed to correct complications, restore nasal function, or improve aesthetic outcomes from a previous procedure. Reasons for seeking a revision include:
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic result
- Breathing issues post-surgery
- Nasal asymmetry or collapse
- Scar tissue development
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
Because revision cases involve altered anatomy and often scarred tissue, this procedure is among the most technically demanding in nasal surgery. Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in revisions is critical to achieving a safe and satisfying outcome.
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Preserving Identity While Enhancing Form
Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to techniques tailored for patients of non-Caucasian backgrounds, such as African American, Middle Eastern, Asian, or Latino individuals. The goal is to refine the nose while preserving distinct ethnic characteristics, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all ideal.
This type of surgery often focuses on:
- Bridge augmentation or reduction
- Tip refinement
- Nostril reshaping
- Strengthening structural support
The approach requires cultural sensitivity and deep anatomical understanding. Every face has its own story, and ethnic rhinoplasty ensures that beauty enhancement aligns with each patient’s heritage and identity.
- Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Minimally Invasive Alternatives
For those seeking subtle, temporary changes without surgery, non-surgical rhinoplasty (or “liquid rhinoplasty”) is an increasingly popular option. This procedure uses dermal fillers to smooth small bumps, lift the nasal tip, or create the illusion of symmetry.
Key Benefits
- Quick, in-office treatment (typically 15–30 minutes)
- No anesthesia or downtime
- Immediate results
- Lasts 6–18 months, depending on filler type
However, non-surgical rhinoplasty is limited in scope—it cannot reduce nasal size or improve breathing. It’s best suited for patients who want to “test-drive” a new look or avoid surgery altogether.
While liquid rhinoplasty can offer temporary aesthetic improvements, it carries serious risks, including rare but devastating complications like tissue necrosis or blindness due to vascular compromise, so much so that some plastic surgeons choose not to perform the procedure at all.
Choosing the Right Nose Surgery for You
Selecting the appropriate procedure begins with a thorough consultation and physical exam. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we assess not only the anatomy and function of your nose but also your aesthetic goals, facial structure, and medical history.
What to Expect During a Consultation
- Nasal exam to evaluate cartilage, bone structure, and airway
Facial balance analysis - Digital imaging and planning
- Discussion of risks, recovery expectations, and long-term goals
- Personalized surgical plan
Recovery: Healing and Expectations
Each type of nasal surgery comes with its own recovery timeline, but in general:
- Swelling and bruising are common for 1–2 weeks post-op
- Splints or packing may be placed inside or outside the nose
- Sleeping upright and avoiding strenuous activity are essential
- Final results may take up to 6–12 months as swelling resolves
Most patients return to work or school within 1–2 weeks and report significant improvements in both appearance and function over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need functional or cosmetic surgery?
Often, patients benefit from a combination of both. A detailed exam can determine if breathing issues are contributing to your symptoms.
Will insurance cover my procedure?
Insurance often covers functional procedures like septoplasty and turbinate reduction, but not cosmetic rhinoplasty. We can provide documentation and support during the approval process.
Is there a best age for rhinoplasty?
We typically recommend waiting until nasal growth is complete, around age 15–17 for girls and 16–18 for boys. However, healthy adults of all ages are eligible for surgery.
How long does surgery take?
Depending on complexity, nasal surgeries typically last 1.5 to 3 hours and are performed under general anesthesia.
Improve Your Breathing. Enhance Your Appearance. Schedule a Consultation Today.
Whether you’re seeking improved breathing, refined aesthetics, or both, nasal surgery can be a life-changing procedure when done right.
At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons combine technical precision with artistic vision to deliver exceptional outcomes in nasal surgery. We take time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and tailor your care with compassion and expertise.
Ready to learn more? Schedule your private consultation today.
We proudly serve patients throughout Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Prescott, and Kingman.
