What does rhinoplasty mean?
Rhinoplasty is the medical term for surgery that reshapes, repairs, or reconstructs the nose. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons, to restore the nose's appearance or function after injury, or to correct structural problems affecting breathing. The procedure can involve changes to the bridge, tip, nostrils, or other features of the nose, and it is sometimes performed alongside other nasal operations. Rhinoplasty combines roots from Greek for “nose” and “molding.” Although the phrase “nose job” is widely understood, rhinoplasty is the more formal term used in medicine and is the appropriate choice in clinical, academic, and encyclopedic contexts.
nounSurgical plastic surgery performed to reshape, repair, or reconstruct the nose. The procedure may alter the nose's size, shape, bridge, tip, nostrils, or function.
- Surgical plastic surgery to reshape, repair, or reconstruct the nose.
- The procedure itself.
"After years of considering the procedure, she underwent rhinoplasty to improve the shape of her nose."
"The surgeon recommended rhinoplasty to correct damage caused by a previous injury."
"Rhinoplasty is often discussed as both a cosmetic procedure and a form of functional nasal reconstruction."
The plural is used when referring to multiple procedures.
"The hospital performed several rhinoplasties each week."
Rhinoplasty combines the Greek words for “nose” and “molding,” a fitting description of a procedure that reshapes the nose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhinoplasty come from?
Rhinoplasty was formed from Greek roots meaning “nose” and “molding” or “forming.” The “rhin-” element appears in related medical terms such as rhinology, while the “-plasty” element reflects a broader Greek and Latin vocabulary of forming or reconstructing body parts. The modern surgical sense developed during the period of modern plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Related word forms
How rhinoplasty is actually used
The term is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive medicine. In general conversation, “nose job” is more informal and more commonly used.
Easily confused with rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is surgery on the nose, whereas rhinology is the medical study and treatment of the nose and its diseases.
Rhinoplasty can broadly reshape the external nose, while septoplasty specifically repairs or straightens the nasal septum inside the nose.