Rhinoplasty is considered to be one of the most gratifying plastic surgeries to receive, because the patient often will find their entire facial aesthetic modified.

Surgery

Before

The night before surgery, do not eat or drink after midnight. Arrive early, because you may have to give blood for lab analysis or have to complete extra paperwork.

During

The whole operation takes anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity. It can be performed under local anesthesia, with IV sedation, or under general anesthesia. Before any incision is made, the nose is numbed with local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or marcaine with epinephrine). In addition, a combination of cocaine and/or epinephrine, because it helps to shrink the mucous membranes and control bleeding.
Throughtout the operation, the surgeon will frequently check the patient's profile, the symmetry of the tip, and the improvement after each small change is made. Even small changes consisting of one to two and up to four millimeters can make large changes in the overall appearance of the nose.
At the end of the surgery, the doctor will recheck the size of the nostril. If the nostril base is wide, they will be made smaller. Finally, the nose is packed and kept that way for seven to ten days. Pain medicine and antibiotics are prescribed.

After Surgery

Recovery

After surgery, you'll need to keep your head elevated for the next forty eight to seventy two hours to prevent swelling. You'll feel like you have a bad cold with heaviness between the eyes and a headache (it can be relieved with pain medication). There will be bruising around the eyes for seven to ten days.
After surgery, do not bump your nose. Keep partners, children, or pets at an arm's length. Stay out the sun and avoid high intensity activties (exercise, sex, etc) for three to four weeks.

Possible Complications

Complications following rhinoplasty are rare. Patients should stay on antibiotics after surgery to prevent the onset of infection. Prior to surgery you'll be asked not to consume any aspirin products (they cause excessive bleeding). Sometimes revisions are needed; bony tissues or little bumps have to be refined. Usually, this can be done under local anesthesia in an office setting.