Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the structure of the nose for either cosmetic or functional purposes. The first phase of the procedure typically involves a detailed pre-operative consultation where the surgeon evaluates the patient's nasal structure, discusses their aesthetic goals, and performs necessary medical assessments. On the day of the surgery, the patient is administered either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery and patient preference. The surgeon then makes incisions either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella, the strip of tissue separating the nostrils (open rhinoplasty), to access the underlying bone and cartilage.

In the second phase, the surgeon meticulously reshapes the nasal structure according to the pre-operative plan. This may involve removing bone or cartilage, augmenting the structure with cartilage grafts, or repositioning existing tissues. In some cases, the septum, which is the partition inside the nose, may be straightened and the internal nasal passages improved to enhance breathing. After the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and the nose is often stabilized with internal tubes or splints to support the new structure during the initial healing phase. Post-operative care includes monitoring for swelling and bruising, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing with follow-up appointments. Patients typically see initial results within a few weeks, though the final shape of the nose may not be fully apparent until up to a year after the procedure due to gradual subsiding of swelling.