Is Rhinoplasty Considered Major Surgery? Procedure & Recovery

Vietnam is increasingly attracting international clients seeking rhinoplasty thanks to reasonable costs and advanced medical techniques. However, many people still wonder: Is rhinoplasty considered a major surgery? What does the recovery process look like? In this article, Kangnam will break down each step of the rhinoplasty procedure, helping international clients gain a clear understanding, prepare properly, and achieve the desired aesthetic results.

I. Is Rhinoplasty Considered Major Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is not considered major surgery. It is a minor cosmetic procedure that involves limited intervention, mainly focusing on the nasal structure to raise the bridge, refine the nasal tip, or correct specific imperfections.

Because the scope of intervention is small and minimally invasive, rhinoplasty has little impact on overall health, and the recovery time is generally much faster compared to major surgical procedures.

Nose augmentation is a minor cosmetic surgery procedure.

II. What Category of Surgery Does Rhinoplasty Belong To?

Rhinoplasty is classified as a minor cosmetic procedure, and depending on the level of intervention, it can be divided into the following main types:

• Simple Rhinoplasty: Involves minimal intervention, primarily enhancing the nasal bridge or correcting minor flaws. The procedure is quick, recovery takes only a few days, and it typically causes minimal pain and swelling.
• Structural Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the entire nasal structure, including the bridge, tip, and nostrils. This technique often uses autologous cartilage or synthetic implants for support and contouring, requiring higher technical expertise than simple rhinoplasty.
• Revision Rhinoplasty: Performed to correct previous rhinoplasty results that are asymmetrical, damaged, or aesthetically unsatisfactory. This is the most complex type, involving deeper intervention, but it is still classified as a minor cosmetic procedure rather than major surgery.

III. Standard Medical Rhinoplasty Procedure – Safe & Reliable

A standard, medically compliant rhinoplasty procedure includes the following main steps: consultation and examination, health screening, nasal measurement and design, surgical execution, and post-operative care.

Step 1: Examination and Consultation

The doctor evaluates the nasal structure and skin condition to identify areas that need correction. Based on the client’s expectations, the surgeon recommends the most suitable rhinoplasty method.

Step 2: General Health Check

Basic medical tests are performed to ensure the client is fit for surgery and to rule out any contraindications. This is a critical step to ensure safety throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Nasal Measurement and Design

The surgeon measures and marks the areas for adjustment, then designs the new nose shape according to facial proportions. This step helps ensure a balanced and natural-looking result after surgery.

Step 4: Surgical Procedure

Rhinoplasty is performed according to the agreed plan—such as nasal bridge augmentation, cartilage grafting, or structural correction. The procedure is typically carried out under local anesthesia or combined with mild sedation.

Step 5: Post-Operative Care

The nose is stabilized with a medical splint or specialized bandaging. Clients receive detailed aftercare instructions and scheduled follow-up visits. Proper adherence to these guidelines supports smooth recovery and optimal aesthetic outcomes.

A safe rhinoplasty procedure, performed by a specialist doctor.

IV. How Long Does Recovery After Rhinoplasty Take?

After rhinoplasty, you can usually resume light daily activities within 2–4 weeks as swelling subsides and the nasal shape begins to settle. However, for the nose to fully stabilize and achieve optimal aesthetic results, it typically takes 3–6 months for the tissues to soften and the shape to look natural and balanced.

Recovery Timeline by Stage:

• Days 1–7: Significant swelling, pain, and bruising may occur. Rest is essential during this period. Cold compresses are recommended, impact should be avoided, and the nasal splint is usually removed after about one week.
• Weeks 2–4: Swelling decreases noticeably, and the nasal shape starts to take form, though it remains sensitive. Light activities are possible, but strong impact and strenuous exercise should still be avoided.
• Months 3–6: The nose is fully healed internally, tissues stabilize, and the nasal shape becomes balanced, reaching its official aesthetic outcome.
• Months 6–12: The nose continues to refine, becoming softer and more natural in appearance. Details such as the nasal tip and bridge are fully stabilized, ensuring long-lasting aesthetic results.

The nose has recovered to its correct shape and is soft.

V. Important Post-Rhinoplasty Tips for International Clients

After rhinoplasty, international clients should get adequate rest, care for the surgical site properly, avoid alcohol, smoking, spicy foods, and scar-promoting foods, protect the nose from impact, apply cold/warm compresses at the appropriate times, and attend follow-up appointments as instructed to ensure safe healing and stable results.

• Prioritize rest: Limit travel and movement during the first 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activities or any actions that may cause impact to the nose.
• Proper wound care: Keep the nose clean and dry, and gently cleanse it according to the doctor’s instructions. Do not remove the splint or touch/manipulate the nose on your own.
• Reduce swelling and bruising: Apply cold compresses during the first 24 hours, then switch to warm compresses as advised to help reduce bruising and speed up recovery.
• Follow dietary restrictions: Avoid alcohol, smoking, spicy foods, and foods that may increase the risk of scarring—such as water spinach, beef, and seafood during the early recovery phase.
• Avoid wearing glasses too soon: Do not wear glasses or apply pressure to the nasal bridge until the nose has stabilized, as directed by your surgeon.
• Follow-up visits and safe travel: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and consult your doctor about the appropriate time to fly before returning to your home country.

Proper nasal hygiene and minimal touching of the nose after rhinoplasty surgery.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I receive remote consultation support after rhinoplasty?

Yes. Clients are typically supported by the surgeon or aftercare team through online consultations via video calls or photos. This allows for proper aftercare guidance, recovery assessment, and timely intervention if any abnormal signs appear.

2. How long after rhinoplasty can I return to normal daily activities?

You can usually resume light daily activities after 2–4 weeks, once swelling has significantly reduced and the nasal shape begins to stabilize. During the early recovery period, strenuous activities and any impact to the nose should be avoided to ensure safe healing and optimal aesthetic results.

3. When does rhinoplasty become a more complex procedure?

Rhinoplasty becomes more complex in cases involving failed or damaged previous surgeries, multiple prior rhinoplasties, infection, severe deviated septum, or when full reconstruction of the nasal bridge and tip is required.

4. What abnormal signs should I watch for after rhinoplasty?

Persistent swelling or pain, warmth and redness of the nose, yellow discharge or pus, increasing pain, fever, or noticeable nasal deviation after the initial swelling phase are warning signs. If any of these occur, you should contact your surgeon immediately for evaluation.

Rhinoplasty is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure, ranging from minor intervention to more advanced surgery depending on each individual case. For international clients, it is highly recommended to contact a reputable aesthetic clinic in advance for remote consultation, treatment planning, travel arrangements, and post-operative care coordination. This proactive approach helps ensure safety, convenience, and optimal aesthetic outcomes.