Rhinoplasty — commonly called a nose job — is one of the most technically demanding and personally meaningful procedures in plastic surgery. Whether the goal is to address breathing difficulties, correct a birth defect, or refine the nose's appearance after an injury, the outcome can have a profound impact on both confidence and quality of life.
At Inform Clinic in Hyderabad, Dr. Dushyanth Kalva performs rhinoplasty with a philosophy rooted in subtlety and harmony — the goal is never a dramatic transformation, but a nose that looks like it was always yours.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose by modifying the bone, cartilage, or both. It can address the bridge (dorsum), tip, nostrils, or overall size and projection of the nose. There are two primary approaches: open rhinoplasty, where a small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils), and closed rhinoplasty, where all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils.
The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the changes needed. Open rhinoplasty offers better visibility and control, making it preferable for significant structural changes. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scar and typically involves less swelling, but is suited to more limited modifications.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most adults in good overall health who do not smoke and have realistic expectations are good candidates. Ideal candidates have fully developed facial bones (usually after age 18), are bothered by specific features — a hump, drooping tip, wide nostrils, or asymmetry — or experience breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum. A thorough consultation includes a detailed facial analysis, discussion of your goals, and imaging to preview potential outcomes.
The Procedure: Step by Step
Anaesthesia
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully equipped operating theatre. The procedure typically takes 2–3 hours depending on complexity.
Incisions
For open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella. The skin is carefully lifted to expose the underlying cartilage and bone. For closed rhinoplasty, all incisions remain inside the nostrils.
Reshaping
Depending on the plan, Dr. Dushyanth will reduce a hump by removing bone and cartilage, refine the tip using sutures or cartilage grafts, narrow the nostrils through small excisions, or correct the septum if breathing is compromised. Cartilage grafts, when needed, are typically harvested from the septum itself, or in complex revision cases, from the ear or rib.
Closing and Splinting
Once reshaping is complete, the skin is redraped and sutured. A splint is applied to the outside of the nose to protect the new structure during initial healing.
Recovery: Week by Week
Week 1
Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose are at their peak. A nasal splint is worn. Most patients are comfortable resting at home. Pain is usually mild and well-managed with prescribed medications.
Week 2
Bruising begins to fade. The splint is removed at your follow-up appointment. Swelling remains significant but is much less noticeable to others. Most patients return to desk work.
Weeks 3–6
The majority of visible swelling resolves. You will begin to see the shape taking form. Strenuous activity should still be avoided.
3–6 Months
Residual swelling, particularly at the tip, continues to subside. The nose gradually refines further.
12–18 Months
Final results are visible. Rhinoplasty results are considered complete only at this stage — patience is essential.
Rhinoplasty vs Non-Surgical Nose Job
A non-surgical nose job using dermal fillers can address minor asymmetries, smooth a small bump, or lift a drooping tip — but it cannot reduce the size of the nose, correct breathing issues, or achieve the same precision as surgery. If your goals are modest and reversibility appeals to you, fillers are a valid option. For meaningful, permanent reshaping, rhinoplasty remains the gold standard.
Risks and How They Are Managed
Like all surgical procedures, rhinoplasty carries risks including infection, bleeding, anaesthesia reactions, and asymmetry. At Inform Clinic, these are minimised through rigorous pre-operative screening, sterile surgical environments, and meticulous technique. Revision rates are low when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon — but patients should understand that some degree of imperfection is possible in any rhinoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a visible scar?
In open rhinoplasty, the columellar scar fades significantly over 6–12 months and is typically imperceptible in normal conversation. For closed rhinoplasty, there is no external scar at all.
Can rhinoplasty fix my breathing?
Yes. When rhinoplasty is combined with septoplasty — straightening the septum — or turbinate reduction, breathing function can be significantly improved. This combined procedure is sometimes referred to as septorhinoplasty.
How long do results last?
Rhinoplasty results are permanent. The nose may undergo minor changes with ageing, but the structural modifications made during surgery are lasting.
When can I return to exercise?
Light walking can resume within 2 weeks. More vigorous exercise — running, gym, contact sports — should wait 6 weeks. Contact sports require a minimum of 3 months.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering rhinoplasty and would like a detailed assessment and a personalised surgical plan, Dr. Dushyanth Kalva is available for consultations at Inform Clinic, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The consultation includes full facial analysis, discussion of goals and expectations, and a clear explanation of the procedure, recovery, and costs.