How Long Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Take?

Your aim might be to refine a nasal hump that makes you feel self-conscious. Or your motives might have more to do with breathing more easily. Either way, the results of this surgery are highly visible – so it’s vital to make sure you’re in the hands of a surgeon you can trust. 

If you’re considering this procedure, you’ve probably ended up here in search of the answer to an obvious question: how long does rhinoplasty surgery take? In this post, we’ll take you through what to expect at each stage in this transformative process, which varies greatly from one person to the next.

What is rhinoplasty and who is it for?

Rhinoplasty, or a ‘nose job’, to give it its common name, is a surgical procedure to reshape or reconstruct your nose. This is sometimes for cosmetic reasons, but there are practical reasons why you might be seeking this surgery, too. The main reasons why people come to Dr. Cuno for rhinoplasty here in Geneva are:

• Cosmetic changes: many of Dr. Cuno’s patients come to him wanting better facial harmony, whether that’s refining the shape of their nose, smoothing a nasal hump, creating a slimmer bridge or reshaping the tip.
• Practical improvements: whether it’s repairing trauma, correcting a deviated septum or putting right issues that affect breathing, there are a host of non-cosmetic reasons why you might be considering rhinoplasty.

Of course, these aren’t mutually exclusive: you could achieve both these aims in a single surgery, resulting in a nose that looks its best while also allowing optimal breathing.

How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take on average?

While the length of rhinoplasty surgery varies from person to person, the average duration is around 1.5 to 4 hours. There are a number of factors that will affect how long this surgery lasts for you, in particular:

• Primary versus revision rhinoplasty: if it’s your first rhinoplasty procedure – known as a primary rhinoplasty – this typically takes less time. But a revision rhinoplasty (also known as secondary rhinoplasty) can be more complex and time-consuming, often involving correcting previous scar tissue and requiring the use of advanced reconstructive techniques.
• Open versus closed rhinoplasty techniques: these two different types of rhinoplasty methods affect how long your surgery will take. Open rhinoplasty requires a small incision at the columella (the soft tissue between your nostrils), which gives your surgeon better visibility and enables greater precision, but takes a little more time than closed rhinoplasty, where all the incisions are made inside your nostrils.

The technique and experience of your surgeon, and the surgical team they have around them, can make a difference too. Highly experienced surgeons like Dr. Cuno are often able to work more efficiently without sacrificing their meticulous attention to detail.

Image source: Freepik

What affects the duration of rhinoplasty surgery?

Keeping in mind the different types of surgery and techniques we’ve just covered, there are a few other individual factors that affect how long you’re likely to be in the operating room. These come down to the level of complexity of the changes you desire, with the amount of time needed depending on factors such as:

• How much reshaping or reconstruction you require: it goes without saying that if you only need minor adjustments, these will take less time than major structural modifications.
• Whether or not you need septoplasty: if your goal is to correct a deviated septum, your rhinoplasty will be combined with septoplasty, which will take longer as it requires both practical and cosmetic improvements.
• Cartilage grafts: depending on the amount of reconstruction required, you may need cartilage taken taken from your ear or rib to provide the support needed for your nose, which will add to the time your surgery takes.
• Any additional procedures: if your goal is to improve facial harmony, it might be that your rhinoplasty is only part of the picture. If it’s being combined with surgery elsewhere on your face – such as chin augmentation – to create better balance, this will take more time.

Timeline before rhinoplasty: consultations and preparation

It’s important to bear in mind that the length of the actual surgery is only part of the picture. There are a number of important steps you’ll go through before you reach Dr. Cuno’s operating room in Geneva, along with recovery time (which we’ll come onto shortly).

Before your surgery day, you’ll go through a series of consultations to prepare for your rhinoplasty, and this pre-operative phase usually takes around 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your needs and what you’re having done. This will include:

• Initial consultation: a first appointment, during which your surgeon will assess your nose and create a tailored treatment plan based on your goals.
• Medical evaluations: you’ll undergo medical evaluations such as blood tests, imaging and any specialist clearances that you may need to make sure you can safely undergo anesthesia and surgery.

In addition to this, you may be advised to make adjustments to your lifestyle to help prepare you for surgery. For example, in the weeks leading up to your surgery you may be asked to avoid alcohol, smoking and certain medications (blood thinners, for example). It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated, eat nutritiously and get plenty of rest to prepare your body for surgery.

Step-by-step breakdown of nose surgery day

On the day of your procedure, the length of time you’re actually in surgery is only one step in the overall process, so you’ll need to allow plenty of time on top of this. This is how your surgery day will usually unfold at Dr. Cuno’s clinic in Geneva:

1. Arrival at the clinic: after checking in at the clinic, you’ll have some paperwork to complete and you’ll be introduced to your care team.
2. Anesthesia: for your comfort and safety, some rhinoplasty procedures take place under a general anaesthetic, while others may be performed under IV sedation.
3. Surgery: typically lasting between 1.5 and 4 hours, this will involve several surgical phases, from the initial incision to structural adjustments and refinements. Once these are complete, incisions will be closed and dressings put on.
4. Recovery room: when your surgery is complete, you’ll usually spend an hour or two in a recovery room where your care team can keep an eye on you and decide when you’re ready to go home.

Recovery time after rhinoplasty: from week 1 to long-term results

Once you’re cleared to go home, you’ll still have a gradual recovery period to factor into your surgical timings. Here’s what you can expect in the immediate and longer-term aftermath of your surgery:

• First week: to start with, you’ll wear a nasal splint to keep your nose protected while it recovers. It’s common to experience some swelling and bruising around your eyes, and this may be mildly uncomfortable. However, you’ll usually be able to resume your daily activities after a week or 10 days.
• Weeks 2 to 4: after two to four weeks you’ll notice the swelling begin to reduce significantly, and by this time most patients feel comfortable going back to work and resuming their social life.
• Months 2 to 6: the tissues in your nose are continuing to heal, and it’s at this point that more subtle refinements will start to become more visible. Once you get the go-ahead from your surgeon, you’ll be able to resume strenuous exercise.
• Up to 1 year (and beyond): any residual swelling will subside and you’ll be left with the final shape of your new nose. This can take up to 18 months, particularly following a revision rhinoplasty.

Read more in our article on recovering from rhinoplasty.

Does surgeon experience affect rhinoplasty surgery time and results?

In short, yes. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Cuno will be able to carry out a rhinoplasty procedure more efficiently while maintaining the highest attention to detail, resulting in greater surgical precision and patient satisfaction. 

Dr. Cuno’s double-board certification in facial plastic and ENT surgery reflect his position as a leading specialist in rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery, giving you the confidence that he will perform your rhinoplasty to exceptional standards while minimising time in the operating room.

Summary: how long does a full rhinoplasty journey take?

To recap, your rhinoplasty journey will take a total of around 12 to 18 months from initial consultation to full recovery. This includes a 2 to 6-week pre-operative phase, around 1.5 to 4 hours in surgery and a gradual recovery when it’s complete.

Book your consultation with Dr. Cuno today

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, the most important step is to find a surgeon you can trust. At his Geneva-based clinic, Dr. Cuno’s precision-driven, patient-centered approach ensures that your procedure enhances your facial harmony while preserving your natural expressions. 

Your path to natural, balanced results begins with a personalised assessment. Book your appointment with Dr. Cuno today.

Images source: Freepik