Rhinoplasty: nose reshaping.

Open vs closed.

Open rhinoplasty: Incision across the columella (base of nose between nostrils). Gives surgeon direct visualization — better for complex work (tip refinement, structural grafts, revision). Tiny external scar heals invisibly in 95% of cases. This is what most top surgeons prefer for most cases.

Closed rhinoplasty: All incisions inside the nostrils. No external scar. Limited visualization — best for minor dorsal hump reduction or simple cases. Faster recovery.

How to pick a surgeon.

• Board certification in Plastic Surgery (ABPS) OR Facial Plastic Surgery (ABFPRS). Not just "cosmetic surgery."
• Rhinoplasty is 50%+ of their practice. A surgeon doing 20 rhinoplasties/year is a weekend hobbyist. Top surgeons do 100-300/year.
• Ethnically-specific experience if relevant. Asian, Middle Eastern, African, Hispanic noses have distinct anatomy — surgeons who specialize deliver dramatically better results.
• Request 10+ before/after galleries of patients with YOUR nose shape and YOUR skin type.
• Second opinion from a different surgeon. Compare their plans. If they're wildly different, keep consulting.

Recovery timeline.

Day 1-7: Splint, bandages, swelling peak at day 3. Significant bruising around eyes.

Week 2: Splint off. Nose looks "done" but swollen. Most patients return to desk work.

Month 1-3: 60% of swelling resolved. Not yet picture-ready.

Month 6: 90% settled. You can see the result clearly now.

Month 12: Final result. Tip refinement complete.