Cosmetic & Functional Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The nose is one of the first features people notice, and small changes can make a meaningful difference in its overall appearance. Whether you’re looking to refine shape, correct asymmetry, or improve breathing, rhinoplasty can help bring your features into better harmony.

Columbia’s expert facial plastic surgeons take a careful, individualized approach—focusing on results that look natural and support both appearance and function.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty (RINE-oh-plast-tee), also known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance, function, or both. It can involve adjusting the bone, cartilage, and/or soft tissue to change size, contour, or alignment. In some cases, bone and cartilage may be supported with cartilage grafts.

Rhinoplasty can address:

• A hump or bump along the nasal bridge
• A nose that appears too large, small, wide, or narrow
• A drooping, upturned, or undefined nasal tip
• Crookedness or asymmetry
• Wide or flared nostrils
• Breathing difficulties caused by structural issues

Rhinoplasty at Columbia

Your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, nasal anatomy, and breathing function to determine the most appropriate technique. We offer:

• Open rhinoplasty: This traditional procedure consists of a small incision at the base of the nose. This allows for greater visibility and precision and is often used for more complex reshaping.
• Closed rhinoplasty: This minimally invasive technique involves incisions made inside the nostrils, with no visible external scar.
• Septoplasty: The septum can cause breathing problems if it’s off-center, known as a deviated septum. Our specialists can straighten the septum during a cosmetic rhinoplasty or as its own procedure.

What to Expect From a Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or sedation. The length of surgery varies depending on the changes being made.

After surgery, it’s common to have swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. This will fade over the following weeks, though it can take up to a year for the swelling to completely disappear. We will provide thorough pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure a smooth experience and recovery.