Rhinoplasty may be done in a hospital, an ambulatory facility, or an office-based surgical suite. The location depends on several factors, including the patient's medical condition and the extent of surgery being done. During surgery, the skin of the nose is elevated from the underlying supporting framework of bone and cartilage. The framework is revised, and the skin is then redraped. At the end of the surgery a splint is usually applied to the outside of the nose, and inner nasal packs or soft splints are sometimes used.
Most patients go home within a few hours of surgery, but some require an overnight stay.
Head elevation and restricted activities are required during the first few postoperative days in order to minimize swelling and bleeding. Bruising and swelling around the eyes and cheeks are common. The coloration improves over the first week or two, and the noticeable swelling continues to decrease over several weeks time. Minor swelling can persist for several months. Packing and sutures are removed during the first week.