Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in India: Cosmetic vs Functional, Types, Preparation and Recovery
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in India: Cosmetic vs Functional, Types, Preparation and Recovery
Understand cosmetic rhinoplasty in India: how it differs from functional rhinoplasty, types, preparation, recovery and risks.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in India
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is nose surgery done mainly to change the appearance of the nose, such as its size, shape or proportions, while functional rhinoplasty is done to improve breathing or repair structural problems. The two are often combined. This guide explains cosmetic rhinoplasty in India: how it differs from functional rhinoplasty, the types of nose surgery, how to prepare, what recovery involves, and the risks. Rhinoplasty services are available at Newface, Chengannur, Kerala, with Dr. Mathew P C, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the appearance of the nose. It can reshape or resize the nasal tip or bridge, reduce a hump, narrow the nostrils or adjust the overall profile. It is often combined with correction of a structural problem, such as a deviated septum, when breathing also needs to be improved. It is a personal choice, and the result depends on your anatomy and goals.
What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is done to change the appearance of the nose.
Functional rhinoplasty is done to improve breathing, treat nasal obstruction, or repair structural problems, including after an injury or a previous surgery.
Many people have both concerns, and surgeons often plan a combined operation after assessing the nose.
Who May Consider Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Adults in good general health with realistic expectations may consider it, for example if they are concerned about:
A nasal hump, a wide bridge or a wide or bulbous tip
A crooked or drooping tip
A nose that looks out of proportion with the face
Asymmetry or changes after injury
A consultation with a qualified surgeon is needed to confirm whether surgery suits you. In younger people, cosmetic surgery is usually deferred until nasal growth is complete.
What Are the Types of Rhinoplasty?
Closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty: incisions are made inside the nostrils, and the nose is reshaped through them.
Open rhinoplasty: an extra small incision across the tissue between the nostrils gives the surgeon a wider view of the nasal structures, and is often used for more extensive reshaping.
Revision rhinoplasty: corrects problems after a previous nose surgery. Read more about revision rhinoplasty.
Post-traumatic rhinoplasty: repairs a nose damaged by injury. Read more about post-traumatic rhinoplasty.
Non-surgical (injectable) rhinoplasty: dermal fillers are injected to change the contour of the nose for a limited time, for example to smooth a small irregularity. It is not suitable for everyone, it does not make the nose smaller, and it carries risks, including, rarely, a serious complication if filler blocks a blood vessel. Read more about non-surgical rhinoplasty.
How Do I Prepare for Rhinoplasty?
Have a consultation so the surgeon can examine your nose, discuss your goals and explain the options. You can book through the Contact Us page.
Tell your surgeon about your medical history, medicines and allergies, and follow instructions on which medicines, such as blood thinners, to stop.
Stop smoking for the period your surgeon advises, because it slows healing.
Follow the instructions on eating and drinking before surgery.
Arrange for someone to take you home and help you for the first days.
How Is Rhinoplasty Done?
Consultation and planning: examination, photographs and discussion of the plan.
Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation.
Incision: inside the nostrils (closed) or across the columella and inside the nostrils (open).
Reshaping: bone and cartilage are reshaped, reduced, repositioned or supported with grafts.
Closure and support: the incisions are closed, and a splint is usually placed over the nose.
What Is Recovery Like After Rhinoplasty?
Splint: usually removed after about a week.
Swelling and bruising: common, and bruising usually settles in one to two weeks. Swelling, especially at the tip, can take months to settle.
Work and activity: many people return to work after one to two weeks, and avoid strenuous activity for at least four to six weeks, or as advised.
Final result: the nose continues to settle, and the final shape can take up to a year or more to become clear.
Healing Tips
Sleep with your head raised to reduce swelling.
Avoid blowing your nose for the first few weeks, as advised.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on medicines and aftercare.
Protect your nose from the sun, and from knocks.
Attend all follow-up visits.
Breathing may feel blocked at first and usually improves as swelling settles. Contact your surgeon if you have heavy bleeding, fever, or increasing pain or swelling. Read more about pain after rhinoplasty.
What Are the Risks of Rhinoplasty?
As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness, breathing difficulty (for example if too much cartilage is removed), asymmetry, a result that does not match your expectations, and the need for revision surgery. Your surgeon should explain these risks before surgery. Results are not guaranteed and vary from person to person.
How Do I Choose a Rhinoplasty Surgeon in India?
Registration: check that the surgeon is registered with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council, and verify the registration number and qualifications on the National Medical Register.
Specialist training: nasal surgery is performed by ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons with relevant training. Ask about training and experience in the type of rhinoplasty you need.
A clear plan: the surgeon should examine you, explain the options and alternatives, and tell you the risks, recovery and follow-up.
Be careful with guarantees and rankings: no surgeon can guarantee a result. Testimonials and before-and-after photographs used in advertising may not reflect your outcome, so do not decide on them alone. Consider a second opinion.
Learn about the surgeon at Newface on the About Us page.
What Affects the Cost of Rhinoplasty in India?
The cost depends on the extent of the surgery (for example tip refinement or major structural change), whether grafts are needed, the surgeon’s fees, the hospital, anaesthesia and follow-up. A surgeon can give you an estimate after assessing you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cosmetic rhinoplasty?
It is nose surgery done mainly to change the appearance of the nose, such as its size, shape or proportions.
How does cosmetic rhinoplasty differ from functional rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional rhinoplasty improves breathing or repairs structural problems. They are often combined.
How long is recovery after rhinoplasty?
The splint comes off after about a week, many people return to work in one to two weeks, and swelling can take months to settle. The final shape can take a year or more.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Surgery is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards there is usually mild to moderate discomfort, swelling and congestion, managed with prescribed medicines.
Is non-surgical rhinoplasty safe?
It is temporary and carries risks, including, rarely, a serious complication if filler blocks a blood vessel. It is not suitable for everyone.
How do I choose a rhinoplasty surgeon in India?
Check registration and qualifications, ask about training and experience in your type of rhinoplasty, and ask for a clear plan covering risks, recovery and follow-up. Be cautious about guarantees and “best” claims.
More questions are answered on the FAQ page. See all procedures offered at Newface.
Information provided by: Dr. Mathew P C, [QUALIFICATIONS], Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Registration status: [REGISTERED]. [STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL / NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTER] registration no.: [NUMBER].
This page provides general health information for education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and does not promise or guarantee any result. Outcomes vary from person to person.
Newface, 8J4F+X7X, Hatchery Junction, Chengannur, Kerala 689122. Phone: +91 8330077198