Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes or resizes the nose by modifying the underlying bone and cartilage framework — improving facial balance, proportion and harmony with the surrounding facial features. It can reduce a nasal hump (dorsal hump reduction), refine an enlarged or drooping tip (tip rhinoplasty), narrow wide nostrils (alar base reduction), straighten a crooked or asymmetric nose (corrective rhinoplasty with osteotomies), reduce overall nose size, improve nostril symmetry or — when combined with septoplasty — simultaneously correct structural breathing problems like a deviated septum. The goal of a well-performed rhinoplasty is never to create a standardised or "celebrity" nose but to produce a nose that looks naturally proportionate and harmonious with the patient's own face and ethnic features — an improvement that enhances appearance without appearing surgically altered.

The ideal rhinoplasty candidate is an adult whose nasal and facial growth is complete (typically 18 years or older for most patients) who is in good general health, is a non-smoker (or willing to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery), and has a specific, clearly defined concern about the appearance or function of their nose that cannot be resolved by non-surgical means. Good candidates have realistic expectations — understanding that rhinoplasty produces a natural enhancement that improves the proportions of their own nose rather than creating an entirely different face — and have no active nasal infections, uncontrolled medical conditions or blood clotting disorders. Patients experiencing psychological distress about minor nasal features (body dysmorphic disorder) may require assessment before surgery. A consultation with our board-certified surgeon is the definitive way to confirm suitability and establish exactly what is achievable for your specific nasal anatomy.

For a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made entirely inside the nostrils — there is absolutely no external scar visible on the nose. For an open rhinoplasty, a small additional incision is made across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils at the base of the nose). This external incision heals remarkably well in the vast majority of patients and becomes practically imperceptible within a few months — particularly with proper sun protection, which is important for Indian skin as UV exposure can darken healing scars. Our surgeons use meticulous multi-layer closure technique to minimise scar width. Most people will never be able to tell that rhinoplasty has been performed, as the result appears entirely natural and the columellar scar (if present) is very well concealed. The technique used for your procedure is determined by the complexity and type of changes required — not by a preference for hidden scars.

Most rhinoplasty patients return to desk-based work and normal daily activities within 7–10 days, once the nasal splint is removed at their first post-operative review. Bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose is most noticeable in the first week and reduces significantly during weeks 2–3. Most patients feel comfortable in social and work environments by weeks 2–3. Strenuous exercise, contact sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. You must not blow your nose for 3–4 weeks. Glasses should not rest on the nose bridge for 4–6 weeks post-operatively (use contact lenses or tape glasses to your forehead during this period). Complete resolution of fine swelling — especially at the nasal tip — takes 6–12 months for the fully final result, though the vast majority of improvement is visible and evident well before this. The overall recovery experience is consistently reported by patients as more manageable than they anticipated before surgery.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia — you feel nothing during the surgery itself. Post-operatively, most patients describe the sensation as more of a pressure, tightness and congestion rather than acute sharp pain — typically described as similar to having a severe cold or blocked nose. The nose feels congested and blocked for the first 1–2 weeks as internal swelling reduces. Prescribed oral pain medication controls this effectively during the first week. By days 5–7, the majority of patients are managing comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief. There may be some sensitivity and achiness in the nose when touching the area and in the first few weeks, which resolves progressively. The overwhelming feedback from our rhinoplasty patients is that the post-operative discomfort was significantly less than they anticipated before their surgery.

In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made entirely within the nostrils — no external incisions, no external scar, and the nose skin is not lifted off the underlying framework. This approach is suitable for patients requiring moderate changes such as dorsal hump reduction, minor tip modification or narrowing of the nasal bones. Closed rhinoplasty typically involves less swelling and a slightly faster recovery. In open rhinoplasty, a small additional incision is made across the columella (the bridge of tissue between the nostrils), allowing the surgeon to lift the skin and gain complete, direct access to the full nasal framework. This approach allows more precise, complex changes — extensive tip reshaping, significant cartilage grafting, revision rhinoplasty, correction of severe asymmetry or major structural reconstruction. Our surgeons select the appropriate approach based entirely on the complexity and type of changes required for your specific nose — not on a preference for one technique over the other.

Yes — rhinoplasty can be combined with septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum) in a single procedure called septorhinoplasty. This simultaneously improves the external appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty) and corrects the internal structural deviation that is causing airflow obstruction, chronic nasal congestion, mouth breathing or snoring (septoplasty). Many patients choose septorhinoplasty to address both their cosmetic and functional nasal concerns in one surgery, under one anaesthetic, with one recovery period — rather than having two separate procedures at different times. If your primary concern is purely breathing improvement without any cosmetic change, a standalone septoplasty may be more appropriate and less complex. Our surgeons assess both the cosmetic and functional aspects of the nose at every rhinoplasty consultation to determine the most appropriate and comprehensive surgical plan.

Yes — rhinoplasty results are permanent. The structural changes made to the nasal bone and cartilage during rhinoplasty are lasting — the reshaped framework does not return to its previous shape. The nose continues to age naturally over the decades (as all facial features do), but the improvement achieved by surgery is maintained throughout the patient's life without needing repeat treatments, top-ups or maintenance procedures. This permanence is one of the key advantages of surgical rhinoplasty over non-surgical nose fillers, which dissolve and require repeat injections every 9–18 months indefinitely. For patients who have had a septorhinoplasty (combined cosmetic and functional correction), both the cosmetic improvement and the breathing improvement are equally permanent. The permanence of rhinoplasty results makes choosing a skilled, board-certified surgeon and having a thorough consultation critically important.

Rhinoplasty cost at Maynee in Chennai is discussed in full at your initial surgeon consultation, after your nose has been assessed and a personalised surgical plan has been created. The total cost depends on the technique required (open or closed rhinoplasty), the complexity of the changes needed (hump reduction, tip work, osteotomies, septoplasty, cartilage grafting, alar reduction — or a combination), surgeon's fee, anaesthesiologist's fee, accredited facility charges, nasal splint and dressings, prescribed medications and post-operative care. We provide complete, transparent pricing at consultation with no hidden charges — the full cost is explained clearly before you are asked to make any decision. We do not publish fixed per-procedure prices because rhinoplasty is genuinely individualised for each patient's unique nasal anatomy and surgical goals, and quoting a cost before seeing the nose and creating a specific surgical plan would be clinically misleading.

The initial improvement in nose shape is visible as soon as the nasal splint is removed at 7–10 days — the change is immediately apparent even through residual swelling. Most swelling reduces significantly by weeks 3–4, and by 3 months patients see approximately 70–80% of their final result — the nose is clearly improved and most patients are very pleased with their appearance at this stage. Fine swelling — particularly at the nasal tip — resolves more slowly and the truly final, fully refined result is typically apparent between 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Indian and South Asian skin tends toward the longer end of this range (closer to 12 months) due to skin thickness characteristics. This extended swelling resolution is entirely normal and well-known in rhinoplasty — it is not a sign of complications. Our surgeons explain and manage this timeline in detail at every follow-up appointment, so patients feel fully informed and supported throughout their complete healing journey.