Rhinoplasty (Nose) Rhinoplasty, also called cosmetic surgery of the nose or a "nose job," is a very popular procedure that can make profound differences not only in the balance of facial features, but also in a person’s self-esteem. The aesthetic improvements that a rhinoplasty surgeon can make include decreasing or increasing the size of the nose, altering the tip or bridge of the nose, and narrowing or changing the shape of the nostrils. Procedure: It can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local or IV sedation. Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable for at least five to eight days. If packing is placed inside the nose during surgery, it is removed the morning following the surgery. Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication may be required. In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area. Cold compresses often reduce the bruising and discomfort. Absorbable absorbable tacks are usually used that do not have to be removed. Nasal dressing and splints are usually removed six or seven days after surgery. Swelling normally occurs after a nose job as the tissues that have been reshaped heal and adjust to their new forms. The swelling, which will reside mostly around the eyes and the nose itself, will be very noticeable at first, but will begin to subside around the third day and should be largely gone within two weeks. Some minor swelling will remain for up to six months afterwards, but this will be mostly unnoticeable to anyone other than you and your surgeon.