What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (commonly called a "nose job") is one of the most technically demanding and artistically complex procedures in plastic surgery. It reshapes the nose to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing profile while respecting the overall harmony of the face. When combined with correction of the deviated septum to restore nasal airflow, the procedure is called rhinoseptoplasty.
The nose is the central feature of the face: even a subtle change in its proportions can dramatically improve facial balance. Dr. Galati's approach always begins with a careful analysis of facial proportions, skin thickness, and the patient's specific anatomy — so that every result looks natural, not "operated."
What can rhinoplasty correct?
- Dorsal hump: reduction of a bony or cartilaginous hump seen in profile
- Tip refinement: reshaping a bulbous, drooping or asymmetric tip
- Width: narrowing wide nostrils or a broad nasal bridge
- Deviated nose: correcting a nose that is crooked or asymmetric from the front
- Deviated septum: restoring nasal airflow obstructed by a bent cartilage
- Length: shortening an overly long nose or correcting a drooping tip
- Secondary rhinoplasty: revision of an unsatisfactory prior rhinoplasty
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Dr. Galati is skilled in both techniques and selects the most appropriate based on the complexity of each case:
- Closed rhinoplasty: all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils. No external scar. Best suited to cases requiring limited structural changes.
- Open rhinoplasty: a small Z-shaped incision on the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) allows full direct visualisation of the cartilage framework. Preferred for complex cases requiring significant structural modification. The columellar scar becomes virtually invisible within 6–12 months.
The surgical procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1.5–3 hours, depending on complexity. It is usually a day-case procedure (the patient goes home the same day or after one night). The steps are:
- Administration of general anaesthesia
- Incisions (columellar and/or intranasal)
- Reshaping of bone and cartilage as planned
- Septoplasty if required (deviated septum)
- Closure of incisions with dissolvable sutures
- Application of a rigid external cast and internal splints
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3: rest, head elevated; mild pain managed with medication
- Day 10: external cast and sutures removed; significant swelling still present
- Weeks 2–3: bruising clears; you can return to work with some residual swelling
- Month 1: most visible swelling resolved; avoid contact sports
- Months 3–6: clear improvement in shape; subtle residual swelling in the tip
- Month 12: final, definitive result
Glasses must not rest on the nose for 3 months post-surgery. Sun exposure of the nose should be avoided for 6 months.
Rhinoplasty in Italy — why choose Dr. Galati?
Italy is internationally recognised for excellence in aesthetic plastic surgery, combining surgical precision with an artistic sensibility for natural-looking results. Dr. Galati is a board-certified specialist with over 20 years of experience and an extensive rhinoplasty case list. His three clinic locations in Lecce, Parma and Milan make it convenient to schedule both your consultation and follow-up appointments.
International patients can arrange all logistics (consultation, pre-operative testing, surgery, and post-operative follow-up) directly with our team at info@clinicachirurgiaplastica.it.
Frequently asked questions
Rhinoplasty takes 1.5–3 hours depending on complexity. It is performed under general anaesthesia as a day-case procedure.
The cast is removed at 10 days. Bruising resolves in 2–3 weeks. Most patients return to work within 10–14 days. The final result is visible at 12 months as residual swelling gradually resolves.
In closed rhinoplasty, all scars are inside the nostrils — completely invisible. In open rhinoplasty, the small columellar scar fades to a barely visible white line within 6–12 months.
Yes. Rhinoseptoplasty combines cosmetic reshaping of the nose with correction of the deviated nasal septum, improving nasal airflow. Both are addressed in the same surgical session.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty using hyaluronic acid filler is an option for minor corrections (e.g. masking a small hump, lifting a slightly drooping tip). It is temporary (12–18 months) and cannot reduce size. Dr. Galati offers both options: the best choice depends on your anatomy and goals.