Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery Procedure Steps

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery 

Rhinoplasty is a delicate cosmetic surgery performed to reshape the nose. Plastic surgeons use their deep knowledge of nasal anatomy and their skill to create a nose that meets the aesthetic goals of their patients.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides rhinoplasty (nose job) to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.

Important Steps in Rhinoplasty

The actual surgical procedure may vary slightly between surgeons and even from one patient to another, but the major steps remain the same and they include the following:

Step 1: Marking the Area to be Operated

Your surgeon will place discreet marks on the parts of your face that are to be operated. Depending on the extent of surgery, markings are generally made below the nasal surface for rhinoplasty. If an alar reduction is planned, marks are made in the nostrils.

Step 2: Administration of Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty surgery mainly uses general anesthesia. Your surgeon may also inject your nose with a combination of a local anesthetic and adrenaline to control the bleeding, and make the surgery easier and safer.

Step 3: Making the Incision

In open or transcutaneous rhinoplasty, the incision is made through the skin. In closed or intranasal technique, incisions are placed through the nasal lining.

Step 4: Refining the Nose Tip

In patients who have a significant or bulbous nose tip, the surgeon will reshape the cartilage in this area and suture it together to make the nose appear narrower and more defined.

Step 5: Dealing with a Drooping Nose Tip

If a patient’s nasal tip is droopy, the surgeon corrects it by elevating the cartilage in the area and reshaping the lowest part of the nasal cartilage to remove the droopy appearance.

Step 6: Correction of Short or Upturned Nose

A short nose often appears upturned at the tip. To correct this, the surgeon will perform a downward counter-rotation that increases the nose length to change its appearance. Revision rhinoplasty may require further graft tissue to lower the nose tip.

Step 7: Septoplasty

When the shape of the nose is altered in rhinoplasty, it may cause the air passageways to grow narrow, and this can reduce the ability to breathe. To overcome this effect, your surgeon may use tissue grafts to support the nasal structure.

Step 8: Closing the Incision

Dissolvable stitches are used to bind the inner lining of the nasal mucosa. The surgeon seals the skin below the nose using tiny sutures that will be removed about a week after the surgery.

Step 9: Splint Placement

At the end of the surgery, your surgeon will place a splint on your nasal bridge. As your nose begins to recover from the surgery, the splint helps the bone stay in position and also reduces inflammation.

Step 10: Taping the Area

Your surgeon will apply a skin-colored, fine tape across the nasal splint to give greater support to your nose tip. Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for nose job.

Contact Virginia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sundin Today for a Consultation

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Tidewater, Sullfolk, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.