What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the size, shape, and/or position of the nose.

The patient may choose to reduce or increase the size of their nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

Planning Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

Your full medical history, examinations, goals and wishes will be discussed thoroughly.

Your surgeon will determine if you are suitable for a soft treatment or if you require a surgical solution to the problem. A soft solution can be provided at the same consultation.

Computer analysis can help you convey your wishes to the surgeon and may also help the surgeon relay your post-operative expectations to you.

After your Rhinoplasty consultation at Australia Plastic Surgery, adjustments may be made to your nasal tip, your nasal dorsum, your nasal width, and your nasal base. A change in one of these features, however, can have a significant effect on the appearance of the others. Meticulous surgical technique, combined with an in-depth knowledge of nasal anatomy and a wide array of rhinoplasty nuances allow our surgeons to customize the rhinoplasty operation to your individual needs.

As one of the most technical and creative procedures in plastic surgery, our surgeons take pride in the rhinoplasty procedure.

The surgeon sculpts and reshapes the framework of the cartilage and bone that makes up the nose.

Access to this is gained in one of two ways; either directly through the nostrils (without visible scar), or by means of a small incision across the columella (the vertical strip of tissue separating them). This will depend on the nature of the individual case.

Reduction Rhinoplasty

Contemporary rhinoplasty has undergone several changes over the last two decades. A reduction rhinoplasty is suggested for patients who wish to have smaller noses. It is accomplished by cutting away excessive cartilage and bone and letting the skin envelope shrink down to the smaller framework.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty (Enlarging the Nose, Changing the Shape, or the Size)

This technique uses natural tissue to produce a nose that matches the face and the individual’s race. The skin of the nose has no shape; it is the underlying cartilage and bony architecture that give shape to the nose.  This is a popular procedure among people of Asian descent.

Reshaping Rhinoplasty (Changing the Shape Only)

It is possible to change the shape of the tip, the bridge, or the root of the nose. Such medical problems can be addressed with a variety of options, ranging from a simple, non-invasive technique to a larger-scale surgical procedure.

A splint or cast will be applied immediately after surgery.

The nose will be very sensitive for the first few days and there will be some bruising during this time too, reaching its peak two to three days after surgery.

Cold compresses will help accelerate the healing process.

If there are stitches, they are removed four to seven days after surgery, after which the majority of patients do not require further dressing. Some may require a simple tape for few days.

It can take several months before the final effect is visible.

You will need to rest completely for two days. Patients can return to work after the first week as long as they don’t mind being seen with some swelling.

Intense physical activity should be avoided for about a month due to the nose’s vulnerability during this time.

 Achieving a balanced appearance to the nasal shape, from both the frontal and side views, must be combined with careful attention to the functional purpose of the nose. It creates the new look by changing the underlying cartilage and bone.

Our surgeons emphasise a sincere balance between the nose and the rest of your face. This means considering your facial proportions, skin thickness, cartilaginous rigidity and bony formations. Simultaneously, your nasal septum may need to be addressed to improve breathing. Other nasal structures, such as the turbinates, may need assessment and surgical adjustment for the same reasons. It is vital that a multifaceted approach be utilised in the assessment and execution of your rhinoplasty.

At the consultation, you will be educated about the details of your operative assessment and the reasoning behind each of the planned surgical manoeuvres. Computer analysis can aid in conveying your wishes to the surgeon and may also help the surgeon relay postoperative expectations back to you.

What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

* Disclaimer

Individual results may vary from person to person. Please click here to view our disclaimer.