Rhinoplasty is most often performed under general anesthesia. Duration of surgery is approximately one hour to one and a half. In most cases, the remaining scars are within the nose and thus inconspicuous to others. In a minority of cases, surgery is performed in the “open” approach, necessitating an incision at the base of the lower nose (columellar region). In cases that necessitate narrowing of the nostrils, the remaining scars are well hidden within the natural lines and contours of the face.
The surgery involves reconstruction of the skeleton of the nose—a framework made up of both bony and cartilaginous elements, and enclosed by the overlying skin. The sutures placed are absorbable, and there is not need to have them removed.

At the end of surgery, the patient is bandaged with a specialized nose cast that is to remain in place for one week. Nasal packing with tampon gauzes may or may not be necessary, however if placed, must remain within the nose for three days after surgery. The goal of internal bandaging is to reduce swelling, absorb any exudate, and minimize bleeding by applying pressure that aligns the mucous layer back in place.
The initial recovery period may be accompanied by increased tenderness of the area, local swelling and edema, and facial skin bruising that passes after approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The final structure of the nose takes shape only after several months, once all swelling has subsided.