Rhinoplasty

commonly called a ‘

nose job

’, is facial plastic surgery to repair or reshape the nose. As well as changing the shape for cosmetic reasons (to achieve a better appearance), it can correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anaesthesia and may take 1–2 hours. The surgery is usually done through a cut made inside the nostrils, or in some cases from outside, around the base of the nose. When surgery is complete, splints may be placed on the outside of the nose to help maintain the new shape. Soft splints or packing may be placed inside to keep the septum (the dividing wall between the air passages) stable.