What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be performed for three main reasons:

• Cosmetic — to improve the appearance of the nose
• Functional — to correct breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum or structural problems
• Reconstructive — to repair the nose after an injury or trauma

When rhinoplasty is performed purely to improve breathing, it is often called septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty. When both cosmetic and functional goals are addressed together, the procedure is called septorhinoplasty.

Who is a good candidate?

Many patients ask me, “Am I the right candidate for a nose job?” You may be a good candidate if you experience any of the following:

• Your nose appears too large or small compared to the rest of your face
• There is a visible bump or hump on the nose bridge
• Your nose tip droops, is too wide, or is bulbous
• Your nostrils are too wide or uneven
• Your nose leans or points to one side
• You injured your nose in an accident or sports injury
• You have difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• A previous rhinoplasty did not deliver the result you hoped for

The ideal candidate is physically healthy, a non-smoker (or willing to quit before surgery), has realistic expectations, and has fully developed facial bones — generally age 16–18 or above.

Types of rhinoplasty

1. Open rhinoplasty

A small incision is made at the base of the nose (the columella), between the nostrils. This gives the surgeon complete visibility of the nasal structures and is ideal for complex reshaping and tip refinement.

2. Closed rhinoplasty

All incisions are made inside the nostrils, so there is no visible external scarring. Recovery is faster, and it works well for minor corrections such as reducing a nose hump or mild tip reshaping.

3. Revision rhinoplasty

This is a secondary surgery performed to improve or correct the results of a previous rhinoplasty. It is more complex and requires a highly experienced surgeon.

4. Non-surgical rhinoplasty

Also called a liquid nose job, this uses dermal fillers to temporarily reshape the nose without surgery. It involves no downtime but the results are not permanent.

5. Ethnic rhinoplasty

Designed to reshape the nose while preserving the patient’s natural ethnic features — especially important for patients of South Asian, African, or East Asian backgrounds who want improvement without losing their cultural identity.

What happens during the surgery?

Here is a simple step-by-step overview of what to expect on the day of your rhinoplasty:

The entire procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on its complexity.

Recovery timeline: week by week

One of the most common questions I receive is — “How long does rhinoplasty take to heal?” Here is a realistic, week-by-week breakdown:

Benefits of rhinoplasty

Risks and side effects

Every surgery carries some risk, and rhinoplasty is no exception. As your surgeon, it is my responsibility to be completely honest with you. Possible risks include:

• Temporary swelling and bruising (very common, resolves with time)
• Infection (rare with proper post-operative care)
• Difficulty breathing due to post-surgical swelling
• Asymmetry or results that differ from expectations
• Need for revision surgery in rare cases
• Minor scarring (minimal with an experienced surgeon)
• Anaesthesia-related reactions

With a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon and proper patient selection, complications are uncommon and manageable.

Rhinoplasty cost in India

During your consultation with Dr. Sachin Verma, you will receive a clear, transparent cost breakdown with no hidden charges. The final cost depends on the technique chosen, hospital facilities, and the complexity of your case.

Why choose Dr. Sachin Verma?

• Extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery
• Personalised treatment planning tailored to every individual patient
• Advanced techniques including 3D imaging for pre-surgery simulation
• Natural-looking, aesthetically balanced results
• Full support through pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery
• A compassionate, judgment-free approach to every consultation

I believe every patient deserves honest advice. If rhinoplasty is not the right option for you, I will tell you clearly — and suggest what will work better for your goals.

Frequently asked questions